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June 24, 2015
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https://www.gunbroker.com/item/1085928413
Back to my original observations on late 71s that Bert instantly poo-pooed… Heres a good example of a late 71 (#46677, VERY LATE) that left the factory with a “buffed over” serial number. The bluing is factory original. While a little oil on the stocks and a few dings lead one to question the wood finish, It does fall in line with a fit and finish of a very late 71.
The proof marks look buffed and dished on most of these as well but under magnification I have found they were stamped after finish. Late model 61s exhibit this light proof mark as well. Not sure why. They are 2 models that share the finer polish in late production. Finer than say a 94, 62 or 63.
April 15, 2005
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You either need to get glasses (or an update to your current prescription for them). It is very visually & clearly evident that the Model 71 in question has been refinished. The stock checkering has a very noticeable amount of non-factory original shellac/varnish applied it, the proof marks are way too thin, and there is visual evidence of dishing around the receiver frame screws.
Based on your previous posts on this topic and in this topic post, it is clearly evident to me (and others) that you have an issue with my expertise as it relates to the Model 71… you are certainly entitled to your opinion(s) about this subject, but just beware that when I see posted information that is not accurate on the WACA website, I will endeavor to post corrected information (and not just you).
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
July 8, 2012
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I am certainly no expert by any means on the production practices of the model 71, or the Model 71 in general. But I used to have a new in the box Model 71, serial number 38260, made in 1952, which I am almost certain that it was all original. Here are some pictures that may, or may not add any value to this conversation.
April 15, 2005
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Al,
It is easy to see the sharp (clean) edges of the proof mark stamps and the slightly lighter (dark graying on the periphery of the proof mark stamp on the barrel. Further, it is easy to see the raised edges on the right-hand side of the “8” and left side of the “2” digits in the serial number. These are all clear evidence that it is a NIB rifle.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
July 8, 2012
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Thanks Bert. Like I said, I used to have it but sold it some time ago. Probably should have kept it.
April 30, 2023
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I’m not seeing the “blooming” in Al’s example just above (post #43), those numbers look blued after striking to me….but agree on the sharp other markings…what am I missing?
I’m about to pull my supposedly-refinished 71 out of the safe and post it! 
April 15, 2005
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Jeremy P said
I’m not seeing the “blooming” in Al’s example just above (post #43), those numbers look blued after striking to me….but agree on the sharp other markings…what am I missing?I’m about to pull my supposedly-refinished 71 out of the safe and post it!
You need will need to enlarge the pictures to see the raised edge rims on the serial number.
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
July 8, 2012
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Here’s a couple more pictures of the serial number.
Arrrrrrgg! My head is about to explode! I need to go to the man cave and hug my 348 ammo! I am certain it is original!
April 30, 2023
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[email protected] said
Arrrrrrgg! My head is about to explode! I need to go to the man cave and hug my 348 ammo! I am certain it is original!
I need some of that but the stuff I see at shows requires a kidney in exchange to purchase! Hug it tight!
November 7, 2015
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Jeremy P said
[email protected] said
Arrrrrrgg! My head is about to explode! I need to go to the man cave and hug my 348 ammo! I am certain it is original!
If you have the brass I know the location of a sizeable stash of bullets. May even be a set of dies nearby.
Mike
April 30, 2023
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TXGunNut said
Jeremy P said
[email protected] said
Arrrrrrgg! My head is about to explode! I need to go to the man cave and hug my 348 ammo! I am certain it is original!
If you have the brass I know the location of a sizeable stash of bullets. May even be a set of dies nearby.
Mike
Well I’ll start looking!
November 7, 2015
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Jeremy P said
TXGunNut said
Jeremy P said
[email protected] said
Arrrrrrgg! My head is about to explode! I need to go to the man cave and hug my 348 ammo! I am certain it is original!
If you have the brass I know the location of a sizeable stash of bullets. May even be a set of dies nearby.
Mike
Well I’ll start looking!
Let me know if you find some, Jeremy. Not really necessary as I’m pretty sure some can be found around here. I need a reloading project, first few projects in my renovated loading room have been bench jobs modifying electric water pumps for an ice maker. My Model 71 is going to Durant next weekend and my financial situation will improve if it does not return.
Mike
February 17, 2022
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Jeremy P said
[email protected] said
Arrrrrrgg! My head is about to explode! I need to go to the man cave and hug my 348 ammo! I am certain it is original!
How much you looking for?
April 30, 2023
Online
Not a ton, Yankee. Just needed enough to get Mike started showing me how to reload a few and shoot our 71’s….I think he may have some laying around after all.
Just a heads up, Natchez has the Barnes Original 348 bullets in both 220 & 250 grain. $57 for 50 plus shipping. I just had 100 delivered. Yes they are expensive but the other few options at least that or more. Midway has a Hunter Supply 250 grain cast bullet for the 348 also for less cost.
June 24, 2015
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tionesta1 said
I am certainly no expert by any means on the production practices of the model 71, or the Model 71 in general. But I used to have a new in the box Model 71, serial number 38260, made in 1952, which I am almost certain that it was all original. Here are some pictures that may, or may not add any value to this conversation.
Thats a peach! Doesn’t get any better. It is however too early of a serial number to support or disprove my observations. My obersvations are on very late guns – later than this.
June 24, 2015
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Bert H. said
You either need to get glasses (or an update to your current prescription for them). It is very visually & clearly evident that the Model 71 in question has been refinished. The stock checkering has a very noticeable amount of non-factory original shellac/varnish applied it, the proof marks are way too thin, and there is visual evidence of dishing around the receiver frame screws.Based on your previous posts on this topic and in this topic post, it is clearly evident to me (and others) that you have an issue with my expertise as it relates to the Model 71… you are certainly entitled to your opinion(s) about this subject, but just beware that when I see posted information that is not accurate on the WACA website, I will endeavor to post corrected information (and not just you).
Bert
Bert, I respect you in a lot of ways. But I do feel you need to remove your blinders for a minute and open up to the possibility that there are a lot (if not all) of the very last model 71s had blued over serial numbers and some different characteristics. I have owned or observed way too many with the exact same finish that exhibit this. They come from all corners of the country, many fresh “out of the woodwork”. I have a very late, high condition deluxe rifle coming in a group of guns in the coming weeks (not one we have discussed). I will try to document it on a forensic level perhaps in a separate forum post. This one seems to have gotten off-tangent.
Regarding the recent post of mine, the Gunbroker link/ Model 71 #46677. I disagree with your comment “proof marks are too thin” and “visual evidence of dishing around the receiver frame screws”. First, The proofmark on the barrel for sure shows evidence of the deformation we all look for. Not buffed. And the receiver proof is washed out in reflection. Looks just like most all models in this timeframe the receiver proof mark isn’t as deep. Why? I don’t know, perhaps receiver hardness? You probably have some data on that. I have thousands of close photos of proof marks if we want to do some looking. Secondly, the dishing of screws? Give me a break. Yeah, bubba usually dishes the heck out of receiver sides when he reblues a gun. But I have news for you, all factory original Winchesters have dishing around the screw heads as well. They were not perfect at buffing either. And depending on how you take the photos, they will show up. I have pulled 3 original rifles and took some photos for you with emphasis on the dishing. A late model 94 as new, a very nice model 1886, and a high condition early model 71.
November 19, 2006
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[email protected] said
Just a heads up, Natchez has the Barnes Original 348 bullets in both 220 & 250 grain. $57 for 50 plus shipping. I just had 100 delivered. Yes they are expensive but the other few options at least that or more. Midway has a Hunter Supply 250 grain cast bullet for the 348 also for less cost.
If your main quarry is paper targets, then this is expensive. If however, these bullets are to be used on big animals, then the cost doesn’t seem very consequential.
