I have an opportunity to purchase this 71 348 from and estate and I'm looking for a fair estimate of value....I do not want to rely on GB etc. ..Much rather hear from Winchester collectors on this forum. I looked up the serial number and it looks like production was 1938 if I read it right. I also have a shot at a model 93 in 30-30 which ill post next. Any guidance would be appreciated.
No need for bigger pics. It looks like a keeper to me. Easily $2,500.00. Super clean ones will bring near double that but I think that one is at least $2,500.00.
A 1938 rifle most likely a "long tang" action, collector more desirable than the later "short tang" models. The Model 71 made in rifle and carbine barrel lengths, carbine considerably more valuable. Both in prewar years to have a solid "integral ramp" front sight. Carbines were faked with solder or screw on front sight ramps. A Regular and deluxe configuted model esisted. The latter with steel half-stock forend cap and integral deluxe dismountable sling mount feature. A dual screw sling retention dismountable swivel base, again for the deluxe model.
As noted, photos provided above, 'insufficient' aspect & quality for assessing originality and such as true deluxe features if present & original. Aftermarket recoil pads as well as adding sight screw holes , two of the most common "desecrations". A '38 vintage shouldn't have any "extra" holes. I typically have my own collection photos to contribute as exemplar illustrations of points i offer. MY singular MOdel 71, SN 14K range; without photos! Your furniahinf auxh pix, the best likelihood of good valuations!
It’s safe to say that it’s a DeLuxe. I would want to see both ends of the gun. Was a pad added? Are the front sights correct? Is it a carbine? Good pictures would quickly answer those questions. For an original gun, I would definitely pay the asking price. Plus ammo too?
Deadlines and commitments, what to leave in, what to leave out...
Thanks for the very detailed explanation… I have asked for additional close up photos…. Hopefully I will receive them today and post them this evening after work. Regards, Steve
And yes, the ammo would be part of the deal since I have no use for it and I’m clueless in this particular genre.
It looks like a very high condition rifle that when photographed was “washed out” by the sun.
Assuming it’s unaltered, all original, and in the condition it appears - it’s worth $2500-$3000 all day every day with the ammo.
If it’s a 1938 the left side of the receiver will not be tapped for a receiver sight and should look like this:
It should NOT look like this:
And the butt should have the typical pre-64 model 70 steel buttplate with the rear drop at the top inletted into the stock:
An easy trick to checking if the blueing is original is to look at the serial number. The digits should have a “ghost shadow” or gray outline around them where the numbers were struck, like this:
And there should be a rectangular area below the front sight ramp on the left and right side where the factory polished the solder.
A deluxe model. It originally had the receiver peep sight, which I personally think is a fantastic sight. Someone has removed it and added a Buckhorn.
Stock finish is a little worn. Definitely a long tang.
I have owned multiple 71s in the past. Unfortunately only own 1 deluxe model currently. They are fantastic firearm.
Bluing looks good.
Value is tough. Definitely 2k. Depends on where you are.
I wouldn't pay "$2k" for one that has had the stock cut and recoil pad installed. YMMV.. I ran across a first year long tang deluxe with original bolt peep for around that and it was 100% original.. Quite a bit nicer than the rifle in the OP. Just a FYI..
Originally Posted by raybass
I try to stick with the basics, they do so well. Nothing fancy mind you, just plain jane will get it done with style.
Originally Posted by Pharmseller
You want to see an animal drop right now? Shoot him in the ear hole.