Winchester's Model 71 is the pre-war big lever action, and this one, serial 17456, left the factory in 1939 chambered in .348 WCF with a 24-inch barrel. The bore is excellent. Roughly 75 percent of the original finish remains, a Redfield peep sight has been added, and the walnut stock and forearm rate very good with visible wear. The seller's overall grade is very good.

Any legal firearm may be used for deer in South Carolina, so a pre-war Model 71 can still earn its keep in Game Zone 3, where private land is open from August 15 to January 1, or in the Upstate from October 11. The Redfield peep sight is already mounted, and with 75 percent finish this is a rifle to hunt with rather than one to lock away over a scratch. Tag the deer and log it in SC Game Check by midnight, the same as with any new rifle.

Key features

• .348 WCF, 24-inch barrel, excellent bore
• Made in 1939, serial 17456
• About 75 percent original finish
• Redfield peep sight added
• Stock and forearm very good, showing wear

The rifle transfers through a South Carolina FFL dealer; choose one at checkout and collect it after the NICS check.