Winchester Model 71 Like 1886 Post-War .348 WCF Lever Action Rifle 1956 C&R
SOLD FOR: $2,425.00
LSB# LSB260418WS007
Make: Winchester Repeating Arms
Model: 71
Serial Number: 45907
Year of Manufacture: 1956/ 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 “45907”.
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 has been removed and the dovetail plugged. The left side of the receiver is drilled, tapped for a receiver sight. There is a Lyman receiver sight 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 LOP is 13 1/4″ from trigger to buttplate. There are scratches and compression dents throughout. There are spots of worn finish scattered throughout, most notable being on the left side of the wrist. There is iron staining around the buttplate. There are no cracks. Overall this stock is in 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 fouling. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 90% of its metal finish. There are scratches and a few light corrosion freckles. The loading gate has lost all of its finish. There is handling and operational wear. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall this rifle is in Good to 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: This Winchester Model 71, manufactured in 1956 and chambered in .348 Winchester, is a desirable post-war C&R-eligible lever-action rifle with strong lineage to the Model 1886 action. The 24″ barrel, two-thirds magazine, pistol-grip walnut stock, semi-beavertail forend with steel cap, checkered steel buttplate, and .348 WCF chambering all reflect the Model 71’s role as a powerful, high-quality sporting rifle. The removed rear sight has been replaced functionally by a Lyman receiver sight, which is a useful and period-appropriate upgrade, though the plugged barrel dovetail is a collector originality note.
The bore is a strong point, described as bright with sharp rifling, no erosion, and only some fouling, rating 9/10 in the writer’s opinion. Mechanically, the action functions correctly and the hammer retains its half-cock safety position, though the rifle has not been test fired. The metal retains about 90% of its original blued finish, with scratches, a few light corrosion freckles, handling and operational wear, and complete finish loss on the loading gate. The screw heads are sharp and the markings are clear, both of which are positives for overall condition and collector appeal.
The walnut stock is in Good condition, showing scattered scratches, compression dents, worn finish spots, and iron staining around the buttplate, but no cracks. The most noticeable stock wear is on the left side of the wrist, which slightly affects presentation but does not appear to compromise structural integrity. Overall, this is a solid and attractive Winchester Model 71 in the classic .348 Winchester chambering, with a strong bore, functional mechanics, high remaining original metal finish, and practical Lyman receiver sight, with value moderated by stock wear, the removed rear sight, loading gate finish loss, and light corrosion freckles. Please see our photos and good luck on your bids! MF