Make: Winchester Repeating Arms

Model: 71

Serial Number: 40994

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 brass beaded blade dovetailed to a textured, ramped base fixed to the front of the barrel. The base is grooved for a hood which is not present. There is a dovetail at the rear of the barrel, currently filled with a blank. The left of the receiver is drilled and tapped with a Lyman 56 receiver sight installed, adjustable for windage and 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 studs have been installed in the belly and the nosecap. The stocks have some scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches. There are a few more notable scratches on the left-rear of the buttstock. There is a spot of gray residue at the toe on the right. 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 light wear, some minor oxidation and well defined checkering. Overall, the stocks are in Very Good condition.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original

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 95% of its metal finish. There are a few scattered light nicks and small scratches. There are infrequent spots of minor oxidation. The action shows minor operational wear. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in Fine condition.

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 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.

This is an example of the model from late in production. The rifle shows signs of limited and responsible use with some light wear in the stocks and sling studs 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!