I found someone who has this rifle that doesn't want it. I'm having a tough time figuring out exactly what it is, and I've asked for the serial number to help find it's worth, but I don't know what kind of money to offer this person.

He describes the gun in 75% condition. Can anyone give me a clue or point me in the right direction?

Thanks Much
EMC2

The crowd here will surely know what it is :)

Post pictures if you can.

If it is the standard model, without long tang, or the deluxe model, or the 20"bbl carbine model, then the price for 75% condition would be approx. $750.00, according to the Blue Book of Values.

The Model 71 is a strengthened version of the Model 1886 Winchester lever action rifle. It has a 2/3 tube magazine with the standard rifle having a 24" bbl.

Are only two major variatons...a standard and a delux. Guess a collector could tell you about any tang length difference; belive there was some change made in that area but what and when is past me.

HAven't been tracking the trends in Winchester 71's...the "cowboy" types (73's, 92's, 94's) ahve been going up in price...how far along they pulled up 71's pricing I cannot say.

Ares ome "true belivers" in this area that always have the urge to add a big-bore Winchester to their stable...last one (in about that 75% outside finish, perfect working order, clean un refinished stock, and a clean bright bore)) sold for about $700. "About" becasue i know what the seller was asking...and what the buyer climed to pay...and figure the truth is about in the middle. That could be way off the mark today (but seriously doubt that I'd not sell it for at least that amount if one were at hand).

Are a lot of "75%" descriptions...need to imspect the rifle.

aht to fofer the seller?...that's always hard...lots of possibilities there...but the rair price would be to settle on somthing near the blue-book value if he's a friend...or low-ball him and start the negoations working up.
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Not a value list...but something to rea over if you've a Win. 71 urge:
http://www.leverguns.com/articles/model71_info.htm
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That's the great thing about these boards...I learn something. In this case, learned a bit about the "tange variation" and also learned that the price of Win.71's has gone up. Been a few years now (well...time creeps...make that a "good number of years" now).

I'd probably jump on it, but thats only because I'm a 71 addict. If you look on Gunbroker or other online auction sites, the real-world price has recently been higher than the book price with I guess a recent popularity in the gun. If you don't have one already BE CAREFUL! You may become addicted too.

Bill

Prices are high!! The last one I saw around here,(western Montana) was an 85 to 90% gun, standard short tang from the late 40's. Asking price $1200 and it was gone in less than a week.

I saw some real tired examples, 35 to 50%, in Great Falls Montana in a gun shop last year and the prices were from $1300 to $2000.The auction sites are also very high.

You have to look very hard to find a 71 under $1000.

Good luck. To me the 71 is the epitome of a big bore lever action rifle. It has been described as the smoothest lever action ever made. I won't argue that. For me it is the best looking lever ever made, with the 24" barrel, pistol grip and 2/3's magazine. Only the 64 comes close.

I have a 71 I bought 18 months ago. I still smile just thinking about it. :D

Leverguns.com is a great place to find out more about the 71 or any lever for that matter. Hit the forum and ask. Lots of knowledgable people there.

I've been watching this rifle for a while on the auction sites and I don't think I've seen one start out for less than $1000. A few months back I saw one that was still brand new and unfired and had been in a collection. That one started at $3000 (don't know what it ended at). It seems to be a fairly sought after lever gun and I think the last ones were made in the 50's. I agree with Henry and have also heard that it's the smoothest lever gun ever. I would love to have one and as long its in fine working condition, if you offered $750 (if he's not a friend, offer $500) and he took it, I'd say that's a bargin.

Thank you all for the replies.

I'm always a little leary about buying a gun from an unknown source, so here's the $64 question:

Is there any way I can trace a serial number without raising any suspicions??

Heck I'd just call the ATF. If you haven't bought it yet, and there is an issue, then it is not your problem.

If it turns out to be trouble.... covering up trouble, implicates you in the same! I don't know if there is a charge to run a number through the FBI's database, but on an expensive gun, it will be a trivial expense, if any, and well worth the peace of mind.

Request a competent gunsmith inspect it before buying. I don't think it'd be a problem to get the serial number and have a local law enforcement agency run it if you're worried about it being stolen.

EMC2,

The 71 is indeed one of the finest lever action rifles ever manufactured. As mentioned, they have been selling for $1000 and up... mostly up it seems these days. I purchased a browning reproduction of the 71 last year and absolutely love it. Very accurate and plenty powerful. Be advised though, that the 348 is primarily a reloading proposition. Ammo is still available, but at $30+/box you won't be shoot it much unless you reload (or are independently wealthy).

Anyway, good luck and let us know if you end up getting the rifle.

These are classic lever guns and I lucked out and found one in excellent condition a few years ago at a decent price and snagged it.

If the seller is from out of state, you will need to go through an FFL dealer and that will trigger a Form #4473 and a background check on you and the firearm. If the seller is in your state, you may be able to just buy the rifle. I guess it depends on how well you know the fellow and how deep your suspicions run. All the best...
Gil