Winchester 71?

[spurgon]

What is the normal length of pull for this rifle? Are parts still availale? What is the going price for a shooter? What are the things to look for when buying this gun used?
Thanks,
james

[Sky C.]

Howdy Spurgon-

You may also want to consider looking into the Browning reproductions for the M-71.  Browning did a really nice job on them and they are nearly an exact reproduction the only differences I'm aware of being that the threads are different (probably cut metric).  No rebounding hammers or extra safeties.  These can be had NIB from time to time for $700 to $900 range for "grade 1" rifles, add a couple hundred more if you want one of the fancy "hi-grade" rifles..   "Shooters" would go for less.  Original Winchesters are going to run you considerably more $$$ for similar condition.

Midwest Gunworks caries the parts for the Brownings.  Length of pull is 13 1/4" from trigger to center of buttstock.  

Best regards-

Sky C.

[Kodiak]

James,

My Win. 71 Deluxe measures 13 1/4" center of buttstock to front of trigger. I bought this fine rifle (new) in the mid 1950s. It has accounted for many whitetail deer and a few elk. Nice gun.

From time to time, I do see an original 71 at gun shows, but not very many.The well used standards will go for $800-1000 and the Deluxes go for whatever the traffic will stand, somewhere around $1500 on up. As Sky C has stated, the Brownings are a nice replacement for these great Winchester rifles.

[clodbuster]

Spurgon  My philosophy on repros vs originals is simple.  People will always want the original and it will continue to be a good investment that can always be cashed out.  Old Winchesters should always be shooters-that's what they were made for.   No safe queens in my collection.

[jhrosier]

Clodbuster,
While I agreee with you on principle, I also feel that there is merit in preserving the originals. The Browning and Winchester "Remakes" are very nicely done. I have the '86 and '95, both Winchesters. I don't find the Winchester tang safety totally objectionable.
   Both of these together cost me less than either one would have cost in the same condition as originals.
    I bought them to use and (within reason) am not concerned with the resale value or appreciation. I expect that they will increase in value, although not as much as an original, but it's not a big deal, in any case.
    I would be upset if one of them was damaged in the field, but I would be DEVASTATED to have damaged an original.
    If I break a part, I should be able to obtain a replacement for a Remake.
    By buying the Remakes, I have left the originals in circulation for the folks who share your viewpoint :wink: .
    On the other hand, I would heartily support buying a previously refinished gun as a shooter, or properly restoring a damaged gun.
Just my .02, Jack

[Lawdog]

I believe the reason you don’t see many original 71’s for sale that are in good to excellent shape is people just don’t part with them.  Most are inherited.  I inherited mine from my father in-law.  Most of the bluing was worn off as well as the finish on the stock due to all the years being handled or stuffed in a scabbard.  I had it completely restored and now my son is planning on it being his some day(along with a number of my other firearms).  Lawdog