The Winchester Model 71 was developed in 1936 as a slightly modified version of the Browning designed Winchester Model 1886. It was designed to chamber a new high velocity smokeless cartridge - the .348 Winchester round. The new cartridge was exclusive to the Model 71, and was the only cartridge the rifle was ever offered in. The .348 was developed to replace a number of Winchester's black powder-era chamberings including the .45-70 and .50-110; as well as some of the company's slower smokeless cartridges offered during the the beginning of the Century, like the .33 Winchester and .35 Winchester cartridges. The new .348 cartridge would be faster and more powerful than any of the companies previous offerings; able to propel a 200 grain bullet at 2,530 feet per second; a whole five hundred fps faster than its closest competitor; the .33 Winchester.
Winchester advertised the new rifle paired with its new cartridge as the ultimate big game rifle; effective against any big game animal on the North American continent. This statement proved to be true, as hunters were immediately enthusiastic about the .348 Winchester; using the Model 71 to harvest everything from Grizzly Bear, to Moose. The Model 71 became the go-to choice for hunters trekking through Alaska and Canada. In Big Game Rifles and Cartridges (1936), famed author and firearms enthusiast Elmer Keith wrote glowingly of the Model 71, calling it "The finest big-bore lever gun."
In his landmark work, Cartridges of the World, Frank Barnes described the 71 as “the smoothest lever action ever built.”, and famous big game hunter and author Jack O'Connor used a Model 71 to harvest desert Bighorn Sheep during a hunting trip on the late 1930's.
Despite its popularity, the Model 71 was was expensive, and ultimately had to compete with less costly lever action rifles available in common and fairly powerful rounds such as .35 Remington. Because of this Winchester, Winchester ultimately discontinued production of the Model 71 in 1958; only about 20 years after the rifle was initially produced. The companies overall production run of Model 71s amount to just over 70,000; which wasn't a big run for the company, but was enough for ammunition companies to justify the production of the .348 Winchester cartridge for through the latter half of the 20th Century and into the present day. In fact, the .348 still remains a popular cartridge with hunters. So much so that Browning reproduced the Model 71 chambered in its original .348 cartridge in the 1980's, and as recently as as 2006, Cimmaron offered a limited edition 1885 High Wall chambered in .348 Winchester.
This particular Model 71 was made in 1955. As a "pre-64" gun, it features quality materials and wonderful hand fit craftsmanship. This is evident when working the action of this rifle. Its smooth and positive, with everything functioning as it should with no worn or damaged parts.
Overall, this Model 71 is in excellent condition no rust, excessive wear, or other damage. The barrel is full length and features beautiful factory bluing with a great set of original sights. A period-correct, mid '50s Lyman receiver sight has been professionally installed on the receiver for pinpoint accuracy at long ranges.
The barrel is excellent and features a beautiful bore with excellent , sharp rifling and no rust or pitting.
The stocks are in excellent condition with no cracks, chips, or other damage.
This rifle would be a great shooter or collector's piece. Don't miss out on this iconic rifle!
*This weapon was made after 1899 and MUST be shipped to Federal Firearms License holder, or Curio & Relic License holder, for transfer. Never bought a gun through an FFL before? Give us a call at (262) 473-5444 and we'd be glad to walk you through this simple process.
