Today I went to a local gun store a couple towns over that I'd never visited before. Nice folks, smaller place with a little of everything. Well then I go in the back area to scope out the used guns and I spot my grail gun from across the room. My buddy was over by it checking out some new stuff. I said "is that a Winchester model 71?!". The attendent overheard me and said "yeah".
My buddy passed it to me. I've never before held one in person and I wasn't disappointed! The smoothest working action I've ever felt, good heft and balance, and she shouldered beautifully. Made in 1953, a deluxe short rifle. Atleast I think it was a short one as I can't exactly remember for sure. Nothing major, no rust. The stock has a spot at the very front by the receiver that looks like it is either cracked and bugging out or maybe swollen proud of the metal. No matter it'd be an easy enough fix. It has a little compass inlayed in the rear most portion of the comb. The store guy said it was a factory compass. 1599.00
The problem is I ain't got the money. I'd have to sell all of my current guns including my beloved 30-30 and my carry gun to swap into it. I only got 7. Sounds like a lot but a 22 marlin model 60 and a beat Remington 870 both with no finish don't count for much. Lordy day, just thought I'd share my pain.
My buddy is into cheap pistols like makarovs and taurus' and anything in the 250 range. I asked him if he wanted to check it out before I put it back. He asked what the price was, and upon hearing it....declined. Didn't even look at it.