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February 17, 2022
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I was curious of what opinions others have about this. Give all things equal regarding 71’s, would you value a long tang over a short tang or vise versa.
April 15, 2005
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Tom,
It is not the tang length that is important to me. Instead, it is the date of manufacture (time period). I personally value the Pre-WW II Model 71s higher than those that were manufactured after WW II. The overall quality of the fit & finish is better, and the stock checkering was better.
For those that fixate on the “long tang” versus “short tang”, I believe that they are confusing it with “Pre” and “Post” War. The transition from the “long” tang to “short” tang took place in late June 1939 (serial range 16646 – 16790). The “Pre” War transition was in the 22950 – 23000 serial range.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
February 17, 2022
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That is an interesting opinion. I think I will have to agree with you on all counts. I was asking because I saw 2 different auctions and each one had a deluxe 71 carbine. One long tang and the other short. The condition appears equal. But the pre auction estimates were quite different. with the long tang considerably higher( like twice as much).
February 17, 2022
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Just went back and reviewed them. One pre war other from 53′
April 15, 2005
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oldcrankyyankee said
Just went back and reviewed them. One pre war other from 53′
So, it really is a case of “Pre” and “Post” War.
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
February 17, 2022
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Bert H. said
oldcrankyyankee said
Just went back and reviewed them. One pre war other from 53′
So, it really is a case of “Pre” and “Post” War.
Yes I would say so. Personally I will take the pre war anytime. I prefer to not have the holes in the receiver, and I like the 98 bolt peep sight also.
April 15, 2005
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oldcrankyyankee said
Bert H. said
oldcrankyyankee said
Just went back and reviewed them. One pre war other from 53′
So, it really is a case of “Pre” and “Post” War.
Yes I would say so. Personally I will take the pre war anytime. I prefer to not have the holes in the receiver, and I like the 98 bolt peep sight also.
As do I.
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
November 7, 2015
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I appreciated some of the post war design improvements on my 71 but when it came time to sell it I wish I’d had a pre-war as that would have been much easier to sell.
Mike
January 20, 2023
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oldcrankyyankee said
That is an interesting opinion. I think I will have to agree with you on all counts. I was asking because I saw 2 different auctions and each one had a deluxe 71 carbine. One long tang and the other short. The condition appears equal. But the pre auction estimates were quite different. with the long tang considerably high11er( like twice as much).
Tom, If you’re looking for one of the stubby 71s to hunt with, consider a welder’s mask to go with it. That .348 case was originally for the .50-110 WCF and holds a [large] pot full of IMR 3031. I once had a brief encounter with a 20″ barreled .348. Shooting on a cloudy day it gave me night blindness.
As a collectible, I think they’re really neat. I hadn’t realized the 20″ style was even available postwar except as a parts cleanup. Live and learn.
Bert, might there have been some overlap in checkering coverage and diamond size? That is to say, might some very early postwar production have been fitted up with stocks checkered to the more generous pattern?
- Bill
WACA # 65205; life member, NRA; member, TGCA; member, TSRA; amateur preservationist
"I have seen wicked men and fools, a great many of both, and I believe they both get paid in the end, but the fools first." -- David Balfour, narrator and protagonist of the novel, Kidnapped, by Robert Louis Stevenson.
April 15, 2005
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Zebulon said
Bert, might there have been some overlap in checkering coverage and diamond size? That is to say, might some very early postwar production have been fitted up with stocks checkered to the more generous pattern?
None that I have observed. Keep in mind that the WW II production hiatus lasted 3+ years.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
February 17, 2022
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Zebulon said
oldcrankyyankee said
That is an interesting opinion. I think I will have to agree with you on all counts. I was asking because I saw 2 different auctions and each one had a deluxe 71 carbine. One long tang and the other short. The condition appears equal. But the pre auction estimates were quite different. with the long tang considerably high11er( like twice as much).
Tom, If you’re looking for one of the stubby 71s to hunt with, consider a welder’s mask to go with it. That .348 case was originally for the .50-110 WCF and holds a [large] pot full of IMR 3031. I once had a brief encounter with a 20″ barreled .348. Shooting on a cloudy day it gave me night blindness.
As a collectible, I think they’re really neat. I hadn’t realized the 20″ style was even available postwar except as a parts cleanup. Live and learn.
Bert, might there have been some overlap in checkering coverage and diamond size? That is to say, might some very early postwar production have been fitted up with stocks checkered to the more generous pattern?
Bill if I ever sock one away I be sure to go get one of those big dog collars at the vets and use it as flash hider then.
January 20, 2023
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Good idea.
- Bill
WACA # 65205; life member, NRA; member, TGCA; member, TSRA; amateur preservationist
"I have seen wicked men and fools, a great many of both, and I believe they both get paid in the end, but the fools first." -- David Balfour, narrator and protagonist of the novel, Kidnapped, by Robert Louis Stevenson.
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