Winchester 71; I had not seen one in years

[6GUNSONLY]

I have a 71 Deluxe rifle made in 1954. I love it and have hunted with it, taken deer with it. I will take it on my next elk hunt. I paid what I thought was a hefty price but it's already worth probably $1k more than I paid, and I got 8 boxes of new old stock (yellow and blue box) W-W brass with it, along with 400 200 grain Hornady bullets. Then I found 7 boxes of factory loads and got those at a very fair price, so I can shoot it till I'm too old to do so anymore.

 

[Drm50]

Back in 80s me & buddy were at a residence on business. Guy was a fishing nut. My buddy has just bought a Garcia Ambassador 5500 and matching rod that morning. It was in the truck, so he gets it out to show the guy and get into trade mode. Buddy traded new fishing outfit for excellent m71. Not a deluxe. Guy had gun left to him and didn't hunt or own a shell for it. Now in 1980 a nice 71 would bring $800. That rifle today would be $2k+

 

[OIF2]

Was given this one in return for helping out in an estate sale.
Bob

 

[kmyers]

Some very nice examples. A rifle and caliber I would love to have but with the game hunted here not as practical as others. A fun rifle that I have gotten to shoot at times visiting family in Montana over the years.

 

[dave1918a2]

Around 95 I picked up a 71 deluxe. 1953 I think. Bought dies, brass and bullets. Had a box of Hornaday 200's. Didn't shoot worth a darn. Got some Barnes 250 and 225 gr HP. Couldn't get it to shoot under 4 inches at 100 yards. Found a Browning 71 at a gun show a friend had for sale and bought it. Wow, what a difference. With a peep I was shooting around an inch with several loads. Traded the Winchester on a Bob Mundin Colt SSA and never looked back. Carried it hunting for years and never got to cherry it.

 

[bill-in-texas]

I've enjoyed this thread and the shared pictures & experiences with the Model 71.
I don't think I've ever come across one, but you can bet I will buy the first one I see if it's within my budget!
Thanks for furthering my lever action education!
-Bill

 

[RayRay7]

Speaking of old winchesters, last week I came across a mod 64 in .25-35 that was going to go on consignment - blueing mostly gone but in fair shape and it'll be $1600 - I need reasons not to buy it…

 

[max]

There are 2 article on the Model 71 in the newest Shooting Times.