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March 31, 2009
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Those that read the Forum often know that I don’t normally buy modern guns but I have an interest to buy a Model 71. Did these ever come with a White Line butt pad?
April 1, 2005
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Chuck said
Those that read the Forum often know that I don’t normally buy modern guns but I have an interest to buy a Model 71. Did these ever come with a White Line butt pad?
Chuck – in the Summer 2021 issue of the Collector, Bert provided a pretty extensive analysis of the 71. In the article he notes just one type of butt plate was used throughout the entire production run – it was the same style checkered steel plate also used on the 64, 65 and Model 70 rifles. Recoil pads were available on special order. I have owned quite a few 71’s and have never seen or owned one with a white line butt pad. I have seen quite a few “added” pads on guns here in Alaska because they are popular for bear and moose yet today and they kick like hell – generally the process consisted of shortening the stock before adding the pad. In the Madis book he notes the Pachmayr pad was a popular one added. Bert’s article notes pads made by No-Shoc, Silvers and Winchester. If you have a good photo of the pad I assume you will get some knowledgeable responses.
September 21, 2016
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Chuck,
Burt’s response is a good one. Aside from that, I feel it’s generally assumed that any pad found on a 71 is considered to be non-factory. There are a few (speculative) exceptions. I wouldn’t shy away from it if the price reflected what I considered fair for a 71 with a non-factory shortened stock.
April 15, 2005
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I have actually found at least a dozen or so Model 71 rifles with original factory recoil pads on them. I have attached pictures showing three of them… note the black shim piece between the wood and the rubber.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
November 7, 2015
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Sometimes I wish my 71 had a recoil pad but I make do with a PAST magnum pad. I don’t enjoy recoil like I used to and the thought of a detached retina does not appeal to me. There’s a reason most 71’s around here don’t show much use; few things we hunt need as much killing as the .348 has to offer. OTOH few things rattle the tin roof over my club’s rifle range with more authority than my 71. For many years I have considered the 1886 JMB’s finest effort, the 71 is as close as I can get these days.
Madis wrote that Pachmayr (among others) supplied recoil pads to Winchester but we know many more were installed aftermarket. I suppose it may become more apparent if the recoil pad were removed but I’d be hesitant to remove a vintage Pachmayr pad.
Mike
September 21, 2016
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Bert,
I have one 71 with a pad. It’s a Winchester pad and has a black spacer. I’ll try to find it and report back with a photo.
I brought home a late production deluxe rifle last night but forgot to take down the serial number. I’ll forward the applicable info to you for the survey.
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