Make: Winchester Repeating Arms

Model: 71

Serial Number: 43258

Year of Manufacture: 1955

Caliber: .348 Winchester

Action Type: This rifle has a lever action with a two thirds length tubular magazine.

Barrel Length: 24”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade dovetailed to a hooded, textured, ramped base fixed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a “U”-notch elevator sight dovetailed to the rear of the barrel, the notch is fine-adjustable for elevation. The left-rear of the receiver is drilled, tapped and filled for a receiver sight (none present).

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are 2-piece checkered walnut with a capped pistol grip, fluted straight comb, semi-beavertail forend with steel cap, and checkered steel buttplate. There is a sling plate inlet to the belly and a sling mount dovetailed to the bottom of the forend cap, both installed with sling rings. The stocks have some faint scattered scuffs and scratches. The LOP measures 13 ?” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has minor wear with well defined checkering. The forend appears completely original. The buttstock appears to have been touched up around the wrist. There is a small loss on the left side of the wrist at the corner of the receiver and top tang. Overall, the stocks are in about Fine condition as partially refinished.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore. There are a couple minor spots of stubborn fouling on the lands. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 10 out of 10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 96% of its metal finish. The finish is generally strong with some minor erosion around the muzzle. There are some light marks on the bottom of the trigger guard. The action shows light operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in about Excellent condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The hammer has a half-cock safety. The lever lock-up is tight. 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 is a Winchester Model 71 Deluxe rifle made in 1955. The Model 71 was a continuation of the 1886 design, with a pistol grip, shorter magazine tube and round barrel, produced in only two variants, 24″ and 20″. This rifle is chambered in .348 WCF, the only cartridge the 71 was ever chambered for besides experimental models, and which was actually developed just for this model. The cartridge is great for North American big game hunting in brush where shorter shots are taken and with modern projectiles such as Hornady’s Lever-evolution can now perform well at longer ranges, as well.

All of the Winchester rifles made before 1964 are prized by shooters and collectors alike, but the Model 71 was produced for 22 years, a relatively short production life for a Winchester, with fewer than 50,000 rifles made altogether. A model 71 in any condition will likely bring a lot of interest from the Winchester collectors and this nice Deluxe example retains a mint bore and strong mechanics. It would make for a nice shooter or addition to a collection.