Hi everyone, I have a Winchester Model 71 that I am trying to do some research on. The stock and fore end have three white dots. One on either side at the wrist and one on the underside of the forend in the middle of the diamond. There is no mention in the George Madis book. and have not found any info online. I am beginning to think that perhaps this is a custom stock and not a Winchester factory stock and forend. Can anybody shed some light on this for me.
Thanks everyone.
Peter S.
Looking at the 2nd and 3rd pics. it appears the stock has been heavily sanded. The wood is considerably lower than the metal, which is showing the wood has been refinished. Standard models did not come with the integral sling mount in the forearm cap or the the rear stud. Here is a standard model with aftermarket sling studs installed. PRE-64 WINCHESTER 71 348 WIN 1950 BIG BORE CLASSIC LEVER ACTION HALF TUBE – Lever Action Rifles at GunBroker.com : 906028621 I believe yours is a “special” that has been heavily sanded and the checkering has been recut. (with the white dots added)
Erin
sb said
I believe you have a standard model that has had a checkering job done on it. Not sure of the dots. Perhaps the owner liked them in the design
Inletting diamonds of some contrasting material was a foolish fad of the ’50s, inspired perhaps by Winchester Black Diamond grade, or maybe by Weatherby. Whoever did this must have thought cutting out the diamonds was too much work.
The Model 71 in question is a Standard Rifle (not a Special), and the stock checkering is positively aftermarket work. The white dots are simply added adornments. As Erin mentioned, the stock has been heavily sanded and is now ill fitting to the receiver frame (grossly undersized). The sling swivels are factory original, and they were a special order item on the Standard Rifle.
You should be getting the latest edition of the Collector Magazine in the mail any day now, and in it is my newly updated article discussing the Model 71 in detail.
Bert
WACA 6571L, Historian & Board of Director Member
Bert H. said
The Model 71 in question is a Standard Rifle (not a Special), and the stock checkering is positively aftermarket work. The white dots are simply added adornments. As Erin mentioned, the stock has been heavily sanded and is now ill fitting to the receiver frame (grossly undersized). The sling swivels are factory original, and they were a special order item on the Standard Rifle.You should be getting the latest edition of the Collector Magazine in the mail any day now, and in it is my newly updated article discussing the Model 71 in detail.
Bert
Bert, I did get the latest Collector Magazine. I have an early Model 71 Deluxe, with the long tang. Your article was very informative. For one thing, I learned that the bolt peep sight was standard. It was sold to me as “having a rare bolt peep sight”. I always appreciate your knowledge. Richard
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