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April 6, 2022
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Brett said
Big Larry said
Bert H. said
Based on the pictures you sent, the rifle is in noticeably worn condition, and the extra holes drilled & tapped in the lef side of the receiver frame for a side mount scope ruined the collector interest & value. Based on what I can see of the rifle, it is a $1,600 gun.
Bert
Bert, isn’t that a little much for a Swiss Cheesed rifle? M71’s are a hard sell, and one with holes? Maybe $400. Big Larry
Thanks so much, gentlemen. Great to avoid a train wreck.
Best,
Brett
If your looking for one to hunt rather than collect I’d still consider it if it could be bought in the range that Bert suggested. If you are a collector spend more and get one that’s not messed with and in nice condition finish wise. If it functions correctly it will still be a great rifle to hunt and a perfect platform for a .450 Alaskan conversion.
Better to be judged by twelve than carried by six.
Grumpy old man with a gun......Do Not Touch.
November 19, 2006
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Bert H. said
Well, since we are now on the topic of Colt pistols, this is my contribution to the subject…Bert
Bert –
A very fine contribution. The letter is a very nice addition 
November 19, 2006
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Steve and Chuck –
Thanks for posting – I enjoy seeing these WWI Colts. Of course I like seeing Model 71’s too.
December 9, 2002
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Bert,
That Navy fit’s you well!
A very nice piece, and like Steve said, the letter, tops it off!
Thanks for Sharing! 
Anthony
Edward Southgate said
Big Larry said
No. I would not touch a Swiss Cheeses gun for any amount of money. In my 82 years, I have learned to never buy a gun I have to make excuses for. You did great buying a peep sight for your rifle, but your gun will never be original again after installing the sight. I myself, being a collector, would never consider changing mine in any way, although I did add original swivels to it. I find these days that 100% pure guns are getting harder and harder to find. I do not actively collect Winchesters any longer. I am now into Colt semi-autos. You have to be very careful of parts swaps as they devalue the guns considerably. Big Larry
All of the things you mentioned are the very reason why the Swiss Cheese is a gun I would value . I’m not a collector , I am a hunter and shooter as well as an accumulator . The Swiss Cheese that has no value to a collector is perfect for my conversion to what I feel is a gun that Winchester should have built and should still be making . Nothing I do to it will diminish the value of a collectable gun because no one collects Swiss Cheese. I would not feel the need to offer anyone an apology or excuse for the gun when it was finished to my ideal specs. It would be a 1000 % pure hunting machine which would be exactly what I want. One of Harold Johnsons rifles would not suit you at all as you would be constantly apologizing for it ,but to me it would be the absolute ultimate in a useable collectable. Different strokes .
That said I also own an unmolested 1936 long tang bolt peeped m71 standard that I would not convert .
So true, Eddie. We all assign value a little differently.
I am glad for that…allows a piker like me to find something to buy every now and then!!
