Make: Winchester Repeating Arms

Model: 71

Serial Number: 20747

Year of Manufacture: 1941

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 brass 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.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are 2-piece smooth walnut with a capped, semi-beavertail forend, pistol grip, straight comb, and checkered steel shotgun-style buttplate. Sling swivels have been installed in the belly and the magazine cap. The stocks have a few scattered light nicks and small scratches. There is a crack at the left-rear of the forend. There are cracks at the toe on each side. There is a small fill at the point of the buttplate in the heel. The LOP measures 13 1/4" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has wear and minor oxidation at the heel, minor wear at the toe, and well defined checkering. Overall, the stocks are in Good-plus condition as refinished.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Refinished

Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore, just a little stubborn fouling. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 9 out of 10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 97% of its current metal finish. The finish is generally strong throughout. The action shows light operational wear. There is infrequent minor erosion under the finish, mostly on the barrel. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are generally clear, the receiver markings are soft and shallow. Overall, this rifle is in Very Good-Fine condition as refinished.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. 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 rifle made in 1941. 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.

This is an example of the model from pre-war production. The rifle has been refinished, so it looks great for its age. There is some minor damage to the stocks and sling swivels installed. 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 example will surely be no exception. It should also still make for a wonderful hunting rifle. Please see our photos and good luck!