Winchester Model 71 Converted to .348 Ackley Improved Lever Action Rifle C&
SOLD FOR: $1,200
WYOA#: WY240321DK011
Make: Winchester Repeating Arms
Model: 71
Serial Number: 10919
Year of Manufacture: 1937
Caliber: .348 Ackley Improved
Action Type: This rifle has a lever action with a half-length tubular magazine.
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked -“WINCHESTER / PROOF STEEL”-, “-MODEL 71-“, “WINCHESTER / -TRADE MARK-” and “-348 W.C.F.- 35-348 IMP“. The top of the barrel at the rear and the top of the receiver at the front are each marked with an ovalled “WP” proof. The right of the barrel is marked “MADE IN U.S.A. WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. / -NEW HAVEN, CONN.-“. The bottom of the receiver at the front is marked “10919”.
Barrel Length: 23.5”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a brass beaded blade dovetailed to a hooded, textured, ramped, base fixed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a Williams adjustable peep hole sight.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth walnut with a horn capped pistol grip, fluted comb, round forend with steel cap, and rubber shotgun-style buttplate. There is a sling mount screwed to the belly near the toe and another dovetailed to the nosecap with quick-detach sling swivels and an attached brown leather sling. This rifle has the longer tang and shorter comb of early production models. The checkering is well defined with only slight scuffing. The LOP measures 13 1/4? from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. Overall, the stocks are in about Very Good+ condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates at a 9/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 95% of its metal finish. There is light wear throughout the receiver and barrel. The action has wear from use. The loading gate has some patina. Overall this rifle rates in Very Good condition as a C&R.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The lever lock-up is tight and the trigger is crisp. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle comes with the installed peep sight and sling, scope mount, Griffin & Howell sight.
Our Assessment:The Winchester Model 71 is a lever-action rifle that was originally chambered in .348 Winchester, introduced in the 1930s as a powerful rifle suitable for big game hunting. The .348 Winchester cartridge itself is a potent round capable of taking down large North American game such as elk, moose, and bear.
The .348 Ackley Improved version of the Winchester Model 71 involves a modification to the original rifle. The Ackley Improved cartridges are known for their increased powder capacity and improved performance over their parent cartridges. In this case, the .348 Ackley Improved variant of the Winchester Model 71 offers shooters enhanced velocity, flatter trajectory, and potentially improved accuracy compared to the standard .348 Winchester version.
Converting a Winchester Model 71 to .348 Ackley Improved typically involves rechambering the barrel to the Ackley Improved specifications. This process may also include modifications to the chamber throat and other adjustments to optimize performance with the new cartridge. Additionally, shooters may need to reload their own ammunition to ensure proper feeding and function, as factory-loaded .348 Ackley Improved ammunition may be less readily available compared to standard .348 Winchester cartridges.
The conversion to .348 Ackley Improved can breathe new life into the Winchester Model 71, offering shooters a modernized and more potent version of this classic lever-action rifle. With its increased performance and versatility, the .348 Ackley Improved variant of the Winchester Model 71 remains a popular choice among hunters and collectors who appreciate its combination of heritage, reliability, and improved ballistic performance.
Please see the photos for more information, and good luck on your bid! -R.E.
