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Shortened buttstock on my 1936 M71 - Could this be factory??
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February 18, 2023 - 4:25 pm
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Hello all, I purchased this 1936 production M71 a while back from a friend and it was owned by his father-in-law who used it for hunting.

He decided to remove the aperture on the bolt peep sight and go with a traditional rear sight…..so I am on the hunt for a replacement aperature.

The stocks were nicely carved at some point and there was a slip on butt pad on the buttstock.  

When I removed the slip on pad I discovered that the buttstock had split and been repaired (very poor repair) and the buttstock appears to have been shortened as the length of pull is 13-1/4″ 

My question is could someone have ordered this rifle with a shorter than standard LOP??

I really like the carved stocks and will most likely leave them on the gun, but I am hoping to be able to do a better repair on the buttstock at some point.

I was told that the very early M71 stocks were slightly different than the later production??

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Tom Graham - Salmon, Idaho

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February 18, 2023 - 6:08 pm
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I like the carving, too, & wouldn’t replace the stock despite the injuries it’s suffered.  I’d be inclined to doubt a shorter LOP could be ordered, but the buttplate does fit well.  That crack would be hard to repair, if it’s been previously glued.

The front swivel was used by the factory, but not the rear, which you could replace with one of these:  https://winchestercollector.org/forum/winchester-swap-meet/selling-winchester-fish-hook-style-sling-swivels-1/

Too bad about the (stupid) replacement of the bolt peep.  They show up on ebay from time to time; in fact, I think they may have been repro’d, but I’m not sure.

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February 18, 2023 - 6:18 pm
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What does the end of the butt stock look like underneath the butt plate?  Is the inletted widows peak at the top of the butt plate fitted perfectly?

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February 18, 2023 - 6:42 pm
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Mike Richards in Minnesota has bolt peep parts… original & reproduction.  I sent you his phone number via pm….  He’s a good guy to work with.

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February 19, 2023 - 4:52 am
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[email protected] said
Mike Richards in Minnesota has bolt peep parts… original & reproduction.  I sent you his phone number via pm….  He’s a good guy to work with.

  

Thanks, I have spoken with Mike recently regarding the peep parts…..He has sent me photos & prices.

Tom Graham - Salmon, Idaho

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February 19, 2023 - 4:54 am
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Bert H. said
What does the end of the butt stock look like underneath the butt plate?  Is the inletted widows peak at the top of the butt plate fitted perfectly?

  

Bert, the inletted widows peak appears to be fitted very well, as does the butt plate.

I have not removed the place, but I can do that……what am I looking for??

Also, maybe the buttstock has not been cut down…..the LOP is 13-1/4″ measuring from the center of the buttplate to the front of the trigger.

My reference books are still in storage so I am unable to do research on what the LOP should be on the M71’s??

Tom Graham - Salmon, Idaho

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February 19, 2023 - 2:13 pm
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THREEDFLYER said

Bert H. said

What does the end of the butt stock look like underneath the butt plate?  Is the inletted widows peak at the top of the butt plate fitted perfectly?

  

Bert, the inletted widows peak appears to be fitted very well, as does the butt plate.

I have not removed the place, but I can do that……what am I looking for??

Also, maybe the buttstock has not been cut down…..the LOP is 13-1/4″ measuring from the center of the buttplate to the front of the trigger.

My reference books are still in storage so I am unable to do research on what the LOP should be on the M71’s??

  

If you remove the plate look for a little bleeding/seepage of stain into the wood immediately around the perimeter of the butt, if the stock was shortened this likely wouldn’t be there. 
If one has looked at enough of them the general appearance of the wood underneath the plate can be a fairly good indication of original factory work.

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February 19, 2023 - 4:22 pm
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OK, I will remove the butt plate and take a look and add photos.

Can anyone verify what the standard length of pull would typically be on the M71’s measuring from the center of the buttplate to the front of the trigger?

Tom Graham - Salmon, Idaho

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February 19, 2023 - 4:35 pm
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I get a little over 13 1/4 on mine

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February 19, 2023 - 4:37 pm
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Neat 71 you have there with a lot of character.

The length of pull it about 13 1/8” – 13 1/4”. The trigger has about 1/8” of movement front to rear and can affect the LOP measurement depending on its position at the time of measuring. 

Your rifle started off life as a standard rifle without checkering or sling swivels. The front and rear swivels are none factory, but a sling sure is handy when actually carrying these in the woods. 

Peep parts are available but tend to be pricy. As are original long tang stock sets. 

Thanks for sharing!

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February 19, 2023 - 4:41 pm
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jsgwoodsman said
Neat 71 you have there with a lot of character.

The length of pull it about 13 1/8” – 13 1/4”. The trigger has about 1/8” of movement front to rear and can affect the LOP measurement depending on its position at the time of measuring. 

Your rifle started off life as a standard rifle without checkering or sling swivels. The front and rear swivels are none factory, but a sling sure is handy when actually carrying these in the woods. 

Peep parts are available but tend to be pricy. As are original long tang stock sets. 

Thanks for sharing!

  

Thank you!  The measurement I get is 13-1/4″ but I will pull the plate and inspect the wood.

The metal condition is great, but shows obvious use/wear on the finish…..I am not going to spend a lot of time on this one, it’s got a lot of character as is.

Tom Graham - Salmon, Idaho

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February 19, 2023 - 6:15 pm
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I removed the butt plate and here are photos…..certainly looks like it has NOT been cut based on the wood stain along the edges.

Looking at the grain of this wood, it’s no wonder that it cracked the way it did!

Thoughts?? 

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Tom Graham - Salmon, Idaho

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February 19, 2023 - 10:33 pm
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Your stock hasn’t been cut.

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February 20, 2023 - 2:01 am
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Hey guys I hope I am not offending anyone by jumping in on this thread but I also have an early production Model 71 that is missing the aperture for the bolt peep sight. Could some one please forward me the number for Mr. Richards in Minnesota? I would appreciate the help. Thanks in advance.

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February 20, 2023 - 2:26 am
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[email protected] said
Hey guys I hope I am not offending anyone by jumping in on this thread but I also have an early production Model 71 that is missing the aperture for the bolt peep sight. Could some one please forward me the number for Mr. Richards in Minnesota? I would appreciate the help. Thanks in advance.

  

Mike’s number is:  701-238-6761

[email protected]

Tom Graham - Salmon, Idaho

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February 20, 2023 - 2:58 am
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Tedk said
Your stock hasn’t been cut.

  

I concur, and that is precisely why I asked to see what the end grain of the stock looked like.

Bert

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February 20, 2023 - 5:30 pm
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Thanks again to everyone for helping me with the stock questions, I am pleased to learn the stock has not been cut!

My guess is the way the grain is on this butt stock the cracks may have been inevitable.

Being that this gun has a fair amount of blue loss, I’ll probably leave it as is and eventually pick up the repro aperture for the bolt peep sight.

Take care!

Tom

Tom Graham - Salmon, Idaho

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