Winchester model 71 question
- Thread starter KingBee
- Start date
Extra drilled holes will greatly de-value a nice gun like that. Don't overpay.
There was a pre-64 Mod 70 with extra holes at Epps this week for $549. It did sell, but w/o the holes would have been about +/-$900 depending on condition.
.
I am wondering if they were all not drilled, or were the ones getting close to 1964 drilled at the factory?
The Model 94s were that way, with the later ones, closer to 64, being drilled and tapped for an aperature sight. A williams Fool Proof fits.
I don't believe the factory ever drilled a M71 for a side mount scope unless some went through the custom shop at Winchester on special order. If so, those rifles should be identifiable by other custom touches. The mounts were commonly Weaver and possibly some other makes as well. Not a very satisfactory set up as they removed any positive cheek contact if you used your right eye and the stock beat your face if you used your left eye.
Actually, instead of scope mounts, I was thinking aperature rear sight, that's why I mentioned the 94.
Before scopes were popular a great many rifles came from the factory drilled and tapped for a aperature site. Winchester 54s and early 70s were drilled for a Lyman Model 48, as was my early Husqvarna, as well as the Model 30 Express Remington, and I think some later model Remingtons.
patricksbb391
CGN Regular
- Location
- Ottawa & WMU 62
Never, ever from the factory, unless it was a Special Order. In which case it would likely have other upgrades as well.
H4831; I believe you are correct that most or all later production 71's were drilled and tapped for receiver sights. The original bolt mounted peep sight had been dis-continued quite a bit earlier and receiver sights became the option to open sights. I've owned 4 different 71's. The first was a first month of production deluxe which had the bolt peep but no provision for side mount receiver sight. The other 3 all had receiver sights and the holes appeared to be factory provided. I currently have 2 in my shop being re-stocked and they also have Lyman receiver sights. The open sight was removed from one rifle (no slot blank)while the other may have been factory supplied with no rear open sight but a slot blank and the Lyman receiver sight. Or the original owner may have been fussier and found a blank to fill the dovetail. I haven't checked Madis but these rifles both probably date early to mid-50's.
The Lyman sight on both of these rifles is the same model which may just be a co-incidence or not.
The Lyman sight on both of these rifles is the same model which may just be a co-incidence or not.
