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I've got an opportunity to purchase a Winchester 71 that the serial number places about 1937.
The bolt peep is gone, and it has honest wear. There is an ugly recoil pad on it. It appears to be a deluxe rifle with 24" barrel.
What to look for in such a purchase and price range? I know it's tough with no pics, but the only ones I have are low res (flip phone )
I have 2 Browning 71s but would kinda like to have a real WInny.
Oooo...This new format was real easy to add multiple pics. Here they are for your critique.
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Last edited by vancelw on Mon Apr 03, 2017 9:48 pm, edited 1 time in total.
"Make yourself an honest man, and then you may be sure that there is one less scoundrel in the world." - Thomas Carlyle
How have you been Vance? I picked one up the same, complete with bolt peep, deluxe made in 1954 in 95% condition for $4000 here in australia, I'm not sure how that translates over there mate. Nice rifles.
Pete
Levergunner Down Under
NRA Life Member
SSAA
SASS
WACA
Shooters & Fishers Party
vancelw wrote: ↑Fri Mar 31, 2017 6:48 pm
i've been doing well, Peter. Need to come see you sometime! I'm working too hard to be retired....
4000 AUD seems to be about $3061 USD today. I have a chance to buy this for half that. Looks like I would need to find a bolt peep and a butt plate.
A repro bolt peep was available from Montana Vintage Arms @ $250
IMO, more than a BP will be needed to make the stock right - since it was apparently shortened when the thick pad was added, you'll also need a deluxe ( checkered, inletted for rear super-grade sling swivel base) buttstock.
Yeah I figured that out later, when I spoke with my cousin who works in the shop. I misunderstand him at first. I thought he said there was a notch under the recoil pad, but the notch is missing. Someone did a good job cutting it. He pulled the pad off and sent me a picture.
"Make yourself an honest man, and then you may be sure that there is one less scoundrel in the world." - Thomas Carlyle
I bought that rifle today. Got it at a very good price. Test fired it but haven't shot it for group, yet. It functions flawlessly, despite the 30 year-old gunk in the action. It definitely needs a good cleaning.
The original bolt peep is missing. Gun store is going to see if they can find it.
Stock is cut off and original butt plate missing. But. it's sporting a period Pachmayr recoil pad and LOP is 13.5". Very comfortable to shoot.
Front sight hood is missing but I always take them off anyway when I use a peep sight. I'll either find an original bolt sight, a reproduction sight, or see if Skinner has something tasteful I can use on the bolt. I don't really want to D&T the receiver for a traditional receiver sight.
I may be rehoming a High Grade Browning 71 soon.
"Make yourself an honest man, and then you may be sure that there is one less scoundrel in the world." - Thomas Carlyle
What a nice looking rifle. Hope they find the peep for you.
30/30 Winchester: Not accurate enough fer varmints, barely adequate for small deer; BUT In a 10" to 14" barrelled pistol; is good for moose/elk to 200 yards; ground squirrels to 300 metres
250 Savage... its what the 223 wishes it could be...!
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