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model 71's question.
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oldcrankyyankee
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November 1, 2025 - 3:13 pm
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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. 

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Bert H.
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November 1, 2025 - 4:31 pm
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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

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oldcrankyyankee
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November 1, 2025 - 4:40 pm
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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).

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oldcrankyyankee
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November 1, 2025 - 4:46 pm
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Just went back and reviewed them. One pre war other from 53′

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Bert H.
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November 1, 2025 - 4:49 pm
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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.

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oldcrankyyankee
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November 1, 2025 - 4:54 pm
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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.

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Bert H.
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November 1, 2025 - 5:03 pm
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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.

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TXGunNut
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November 1, 2025 - 11:13 pm
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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

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