Winchester Model 71 Like 1886 Post-War .348 WCF Lever Action Rifle 1950 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,400.00
Winchester Model 71 Like 1886 Post-War .348 WCF Lever Action Rifle 1950 C&R
Make: Winchester Repeating Arms
Model: 71
Serial Number: 32632
Year of Manufacture: 1950
Caliber: .348 Winchester
Action Type: This rifle has a lever action with a two thirds length tubular magazine.
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “MADE IN NEW HAVEN, CONN. U.S. OF AMERICA / -WINCHESTER PROOF STEEL-“, “-WINCHESTER- / -TRADE MARK-“, “MODEL 71 – 348 W.C.F.-“. The top of the barrel at the rear and the top of the receiver at the front are each marked with an ovalled “WP” proof. The bottom of the receiver at the front is marked “32632”.
Barrel Length: 24”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade dovetailed to a textured, ramped base fixed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight dovetail has been filled. The left side of the receiver is mounted with a Williams adjustable aperture sight.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are 2-piece smooth walnut with pistol grip, fluted straight comb, semi-beavertail forend with steel cap, and checkered steel buttplate. The sling bases are intact. There are a few scattered compression marks. There is minor oil darkening next to the receiver. The forend has shrunk and has slight play. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13 1/4? from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has generally sharp checkering with wear, finish loss, and spotted corrosion at the heel and toe. Overall, the stocks are in Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore. There is some stubborn fouling. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 75% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows general operation wear, scattered oxidation, and thinning on the leading edges. The receiver has the most notable wear from carrying afield. There are minor scattered scratches throughout. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The hammer has a half-cock safety. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: The Winchester Model 71 represents the final evolution of John Moses Browning’s large frame lever action lineage, effectively serving as the modernized successor to the legendary Model 1886. Introduced in 1935, the Model 71 was engineered specifically for smokeless powder use and built with strengthened components, refined machining, and improved ergonomics. By the post war period, Winchester’s production had reached a mature stage, and rifles such as this 1950 example reflect the peak of the company’s traditional sporting rifle craftsmanship before major manufacturing changes of the later twentieth century.
Chambered in .348 Winchester, the Model 71 was purpose built around a powerful cartridge designed to deliver heavy bullet performance suitable for large and potentially dangerous game. Introduced alongside the rifle, the .348 WCF quickly earned a reputation for deep penetration and dependable terminal performance in dense timber and mountainous terrain. The 24 inch barrel and two thirds length tubular magazine contribute to excellent balance, while the receiver mounted Williams aperture sight provides a practical and period appropriate enhancement for precise field shooting.
This example retains approximately 75 percent of its original blued finish, with general operational wear, thinning on leading edges, and scattered oxidation most evident on the receiver from carrying afield. The bore is bright with sharp rifling and some stubborn fouling present, rating 9 out of 10 in this writer’s opinion. The walnut stocks show only minor compression marks and light oil darkening near the receiver, with the forend exhibiting slight shrinkage and play, all consistent with age and use, and presenting in Very Good condition. Markings remain clear, screw heads are sharp, and the action functions correctly with a half cock safety. Overall, this Model 71 stands as a well preserved example of Winchester’s most powerful factory lever action sporting rifle. Please see our high resolution photos and good luck on your bid! MF
