Log In
Members
Home
Add Reply
Add Topic
Ok, I recently inherited a Winchester model 71, deluxe. Never knew anything about this gun. I researched some and found it to be made in 1936, with a 4 digit serial number, so it’s fairly early in production.
The rifle is in pretty nice shape and all original, except there is a recoil pad that appears aftermarket.
I took it to a gunsmith, and he suggested restoring it, to protect it I’m not sure I want to do that, and I’m asking the forum for some opinions. If I get it restored, did any of the rifles come with a case coloring blueing on the receiver?
I have no plans on selling it, as it is a family heirloom that will be passed down to my son, so he can hunt with it if he wants. The finish is still original, with some minor issues. I want to protect it with rebluimg, but heard tjat to restore it correctly there are multiplentyoes of blueing that is needed. Suggestions on who is qualified in PA to do this?
And should I get it restored. Honestly, I’m not a collector, but a hunter, and the gun will be used. Thoughts on this will be appreciated.
[email protected] said
And should I get it restored. Honestly, I’m not a collector, but a hunter, and the gun will be used. Thoughts on this will be appreciated.
David,
No, you most likely should not waste the time & expense restoring it. That said, it would help to see some clear pictures of the rifle to fully assess it.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
[email protected] said
I took it to a gunsmith, and he suggested restoring it, to protect it…
“Restoring it, to protect it.” Reminds me of something said (allegedly) in Viet Nam: “the village was destroyed to save it.”
Let your village gunsmith get his hands on it, & you’ll be paying to have it ruined.
November 7, 2015
Offline
Quite frankly I’ve never seen a 71 that needed “restoring”. May be a regional thing but most around here 71’s don’t get used much and the recreational shooters tire of them pretty quickly unless they reload. IMHO restoring this heirloom only benefits the one doing the restoring; sentimental and collector value will suffer. I’ll wager you have a fine old gun but you need a new gunsmith.
Mike
I have to go and pick it back up, he was to review it to make sure it was ok to shoot. My cousin didn’t take good care of my uncle’s gums, and several have to have barrels switched out. Thank goodness the 71 came out of the storage in as good of condition as it did. Sit tight until I can get it and get you some pictures.
My 15 year old is trying to claim it as his own and is dying to shoot it. Thank you for your honesty thoughts.
I would like to get the serial number and pictures of this rifle (so that I can add it to the research survey).
Bert – [email protected]
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
You need a different gunsmith.
Shoot low boys. They're riding Shetland Ponies.
I killed a 9 1/2′ Brown Bear with a 71 that has spent it’s entire life in Alaska. Also took a bull moose with it. It’s not particularly powerful, but did the job. Took several rounds on the Brownie. One on the moose. I hand load for mine and still have a nice stash of Hornady bullets.
Shoot low boys. They're riding Shetland Ponies.
[email protected] said
We plan on reloading, and using it for a couple of seasons.
Be aware. It’s not a kids gun. They kick like a mule, even with the pad. Just as powerful as a 30-06 too. Big Larry
Let me add my name to the “do not restore” advisors. I sold the one I had a few years ago and wish that I hadn’t.
Dave K. said
Let me add my name to the “do not restore” advisors. I sold the one I had a few years ago and wish that I hadn’t.
I have owned and shot several 71’s and never thought they kicked like a mule.
Shoot low boys. They're riding Shetland Ponies.
Just bought 2 boxes of 348 ammo, 2 boxes of 348 bullets and a loading die set. Now I guess I need to find a gun.
Chuck said
Just bought 2 boxes of 348 ammo, 2 boxes of 348 bullets and a loading die set. Now I guess I need to find a gun.
You “guess” ?? When you do, give me a shout before you pull the trigger on the purchase. There are a number of altered Model 71s out there.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Bert H. said
You “guess” ?? When you do, give me a shout before you pull the trigger on the purchase. There are a number of altered Model 71s out there.
Bert
In Alaska there were several gunsmiths converting them to .450 Alaskan. Fuller in Cooper Landing had so many .348 barrels, he used them as rebar in the footings for his new shop many years ago.
My family has a .348 71 deluxe that has been in the family as long as I can remember. I hunted with it but never took any game with it. I bought a deluxe model here in Alaska in 1990 from the estate of a local doctor that I had done some work for. He was a ‘Bush” doctor and flew that rifle all over the state. I killed a 9 1/2 Brown bear with it, took 7 rounds, and later a bull moose. I have since sold it along with a very high condition deluxe I got from my brother when he passed away. Still have lots of brass and bullets. I’ll probably own another 71 some day.
Shoot low boys. They're riding Shetland Ponies.
Bert H. said
You “guess” ?? When you do, give me a shout before you pull the trigger on the purchase. There are a number of altered Model 71s out there.
Bert
Bert, at what serial number/year did the upper tang change lengths? If I must buy a non antique I want an early one. I also have a 405 die set but no 405 to use it for. Maybe in time. You saw pictures of the 85 in 405 that someone was trying to sell me.
1 Guest(s)
