Winchester Model 71 Like 1886 Post-War .348 WCF Lever Action Rifle 1953 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,701.77
LSB# LSB260418WS005
Make: Winchester Repeating Arms
Model: 71
Serial Number: 43055
Year of Manufacture: 1953 / C&R
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 WIN.-“. 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 “43055”.
Barrel Length: 24″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a hooded beaded blade dovetailed to a textured, ramped base integral to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a u-notch elevator sight with fine elevation adjustment, dovetailed to the barrel. The left side of the receiver is drilled, tapped, and filled for a receiver sight (none installed).
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 stocks have handling marks, scratches, and compression dents throughout. There are scattered spots of finish loss. 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 light wear. 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 8.5/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 95% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows light operational and handling wear. There is light thinning on the leading edges. There are scattered handling marks and scratches. The screw heads are tool marked but serviceable. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in Very Good Plus 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: This Winchester Model 71 dates to 1953 and represents the postwar continuation of Winchester’s last and strongest traditional lever action, directly descended from the legendary Model 1886. Introduced in 1935, the Model 71 was engineered specifically for high power sporting cartridges and built to withstand heavy use in demanding hunting environments. With its streamlined receiver, semi beavertail forend with steel cap, and pistol grip stock, the Model 71 embodies Winchester’s peak pre 1964 craftsmanship applied to a true big game lever rifle.
Chambered in .348 Winchester, this rifle is closely associated with North American elk, moose, and bear hunting, particularly in Alaska and the Pacific Northwest. The .348 WCF was designed exclusively for the Model 71 and offered significant power and penetration while retaining manageable recoil in a lever action platform. The 24 inch barrel on this example balances well and provides excellent ballistic performance. The bore remains bright with sharp rifling and no erosion, though some fouling is present, and it rates 8.5 out of 10. Factory Winchester Proof Steel markings and WP proofs are crisp and correct, confirming the rifle’s originality.
Overall condition is very good, with approximately 95 percent of the original blued finish remaining. The receiver shows honest wear. The smooth walnut stocks retain strong structure and correct profile, showing scattered handling marks and compression dents with finish loss. The checkered steel buttplate remains sharp with expected wear at the heel and toe. Mechanically, the action functions correctly with a proper half cock safety, presenting this Model 71 as a well preserved and highly representative example of Winchester’s most powerful traditional sporting lever action. Please see our high resolution photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck on your bids! – L.S.