Offered here is the first Winchester Model 71 lever action rifle to come off the production line, serial number 1. Production began in 1935 and lasted until 1958 with about 47,000 units built. The Model 71 was essentially a continuation of the Model 1886 and today is considered "the finest big bore lever gun that has ever been." Besides being serial number 1, the rifle has the added bonus of being in desirable deluxe grade configuration. According to Winchester expert and author George Madis, about one out of 570 Model 71s produced had checkering or carving. Serial number "1" is stamped on the underside of the receiver. The replacement Winchester barrel is fitted with a hooded ramp front sight, has a filler block in the rear sight dovetail and is stamped with the Model 71 legend on the left side. A Winchester factory proof is stamped on top of the barrel and receiver at the breech. A peep sight is mounted on the bolt. The forearm and pistol grip stock are checkered. The buttstock has a hard rubber Winchester grip cap and checkered steel buttplate.

Very fine. The later production replacement barrel retains 99% plus original blue finish and the remaining surfaces retain 80% original blue finish with the balance a smooth brown-gray patina. There is a series of tool-like marks on top of the receiver. The wood is also very fine with minor handling marks (heavier on the forearm), crisp checkering overall and retaining most of the finish. Mechanically excellent. Don't miss quite possibly your only chance to acquire the lowest serialized production Model 71, serial number 1. It is not often that we encounter serial number 1 of any firearms model, let alone a Winchester lever action.