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.

Regards,
Steve

I couldn't enlarge the pics, but I have never seen a mod 71 for less than $1,600.00 and that was years ago. I'd pay $2,500.00 for that one today.

I will ask for better quality / larger pictures to share sbrmike.

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.

Thanks Mike!

This one looks pretty nice. May be a deluxe model with the checkered wood, but someone else would need to confirm.

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!

Good luck!
Best!
John

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?

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.

There’s a lot of great advice above.

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.

Some additional pictures
img]https://i.imgur.com/0AHwdtd.jpg[/img]

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.

Oh yeah, being a 38 I am fairly certain the recoil pad isn't original.

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..

The pad and missing bolt peep really hurt the gun.

As soon as I see the stock was cut and a pad was put on I walk away.

I appreciate all the constructive comments, some really knowledgable guys on this forum.

Winchester i thought called them special not deluxe on a 71 is that true ?

no

Is the pad marked Winchester ? It looks like it could be an original Winchester pad that is not in great shape. If you can have them measure the distance from the tang bolt to the end of the stock (not the pad) I'll measure mine to see if the stock is cut and how much. The Bolt peep parts are being reproduced so the sight can be restored. That would make a great rifle for what it was intended for if you could get it for a price that reflects any condition issues it has. With the ammo IF the stock is cut I think $1600 - $2000 in todays market. If the stock is not cut and the rifle originally had a pad with the bolt peep and being a Deluxe or Special it would be closer to $3000 - $200-$300 for restoration to that sight. The link is the company that can supply the repair parts or sell you a reproduction sight.


http://oldgunsights.com/Inventory.html

Thanks Eddie, I will try and get that measurement.

I’m going to out on a limb and say that it’s an old Silvers pad.

The stock has been cut