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April 15, 2005
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Chuck said
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.
The first Short tang Model 71 in my research survey is S/N 16646 (June 1939), and the last Long tang is S/N 16790 (July 1939). The Model 71 Special (deluxe) is the more common variation, and most of the early production rifles were equipped with the No. 98A bolt-peep sight. As of today, I have surveyed nearly 5% of the total production (2,337 of the 47,254).
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
April 15, 2005
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Brian said
Bert, can you elaborate on your comment about the altered guns? I bought what I think is a nice 71 not long ago…I’d like to know what to look for…mine is serial number 4660. I don’t mean to hijack the thread. You can pm me if you’d like.
Brian,
Your Model 71 Special was most recently sold in the December 2019 Amoskeag auction #124. Based on the auction photos, it appeared to be factory original. That stated, a clear picture of the serial number will tell me if it is factory original or not.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
December 12, 2019
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Bert, I did not realize until I saw this thread that you were conducting a survey on Model 71.
I have serial # 27133. I is not a deluxe, but is in decent shape. I’ve had it a few years now, so I’m guessing that you don’t have it in your survey. If you do, I’d like to learn more about it’s history.
If you don’t have it, I’ll send photos next time I’m in the safe.
Paul
Nevada Paul
Life Member NRA
April 15, 2005
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Nevada Paul said
Bert, I did not realize until I saw this thread that you were conducting a survey on Model 71.I have serial # 27133. I is not a deluxe, but is in decent shape. I’ve had it a few years now, so I’m guessing that you don’t have it in your survey. If you do, I’d like to learn more about it’s history.
If you don’t have it, I’ll send photos next time I’m in the safe.
Paul
Paul,
I did not have it listed in the survey (yet). The serial number indicates that it is a Post-WW II production rifle. Accordingly, it should have a crowned & blue muzzle, and the receiver should be drilled & tapped for a Lyman Ni. 56W sight. Most of the standard rifles were equipped with the 22-K barrel mounted rear sight.
I will look forward to the pictures. I wrote an article that was published in the Fall 2013 WACA Collector magazine discussing this model, and I am 99% complete on a new revised (updated) article for the 2021 Collector magazine.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
March 31, 2009
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Bert H. said
The first Short tang Model 71 in my research survey is S/N 16646 (June 1939), and the last Long tang is S/N 16790 (July 1939). The Model 71 Special (deluxe) is the more common variation, and most of the early production rifles were equipped with the No. 98A bolt-peep sight. As of today, I have surveyed nearly 5% of the total production (2,337 of the 47,254).
Bert
Madis says that the change over occurred between #12500 and #17000 “there being no rapid change”.
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