GUN FALL 2017
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/31/2017
HIGHLY DESIRABLE 1ST YEAR PRODUCTION WINCHESTER MODEL 71 RIFLE WITH 3-DIGIT SERIAL NUMBER. WINCHESTER 71 345 348WCF MODERN; C&R Cal. 348 WCF. 24" rnd bbl, half-magazine, full blue finish with straight grain pistol grip American walnut stocks. Checkered steel shotgun buttplate. Bbl shows Winchester model, logo and Cal. mark rolled on the left rear side. Right rear side is rolled with Winchester address. This is correct for early guns. Bbl has a hooded ramp front sight, rear sight mortise is plugged. There is a "WP" proof at the breech and on receiver ring. Receiver is of the early Type with a tang that measures 3-7/8" with no provision for tang sights. Stock also has a shorter comb which is correct. Rifle has a bolt peep sight mounted. SN is stamped on bottom front of receiver. Forend cap has provision for sling swivel. PROVENANCE: The Forrest G. Rhodes collection. CONDITION: Fine. Bbl retains 90% somewhat thinning blue with a few minor scratch marks toward the muzzle. Magazine also retains most of its blue. Magazine cap is a silver/grey patina. All markings are sharp. Bore is frosty with visible rifling. Receiver retains 90% plus bright blue finish with some high point wear and a few scratch marks overall. Bolt retains nearly all of the blue finish as does the bolt peep sight. Hammer and lever are a smooth blue/grey patina overall with considerable blue on the rear of the hammer. SN is sharp. Stocks are very good, full sized and retain nearly all of their orig varnish finish that has scuff marks on high points with some bruising and denting overall which is commensurate with age of the rifle. Buttplate retains 90% of a slightly dull blue finish. Mechanics are crisp. A chance to purchase a very fine example of an early Model 71 Winchester rifle. 52470-26 TEP (1,500-2,000)