Winchester Model 71

[dfletcher]

I'm currently poking around for a Model 71 and am pretty open to the maker - an older Browning in standard or deluxe, an original in standard or the Pedersoli/Cimarron version. I'd like the rifle configuration rather than the carbine. Does anyone have one, likes and dislikes and just as important - any stores in northern CA carrying them?

The only version I'm not fond of is the newly made Winchester version with the tang safety. Other than that I'm pretty open.

[Wrangler John]

I have a Browning 71 Carbine purchased new back in the 1980's. When fired the lever would drop down a tad, unlocking. While accuracy was okay for deer sized targets but nothing to write home about. Contrast that with my old Marlin in .444 Marlin which would hold groups just at either side of 1" at 100 yards. I stuck the Browning back in the safe and there it sat for 20 years or so. Finally I dragged it out and tried some new loads with powders that weren't available during my initial testing. The lever still popped open, and finally I decided that wasn't supposed to happen. Unfortunately, Browning no longer supports the Model 71, they sold the spare parts to Midwest Gun Works http://www.midwestgunworks.com/page/mgwi so I contacted them and sent it in for a check. They replaced and timed both defective locking bars, test fired it and returned it to me. Thereafter the lever stayed put but it was still a 3"-4" shooter. Barrel fouled out along two grooves and is a difficult cleaning job, so I stuffed it back into the safe where it resides today. This is only one rifle and we could expect it isn't representative of the type.

The Model 71 is a neat rifle, but the cartridge is a compromise, Winchester was attempting to match the power of the .30-06 in a lever action, but they missed the boat as to bullet diameter. .348 Winchester is a seasonal run item as is the brass, so it can be scarce. Buffalo Bore sells Heavy .348 Winchester ammo, if you don't mind the $90.36 price for 20 rounds. The .348" diameter bullet is manufactured by two major companies, Hornady and Barnes, with a smattering of cast bullet companies offering some others. I suppose that one could contact Corbin and have a couple of draw dies made up to draw .358" bullets down to .348, but .010" is a large change which may effect accuracy.

In a fit of wild abandon, I took the opposite tack and built a Siamese Mauser up in .35-348 Winchester Ackley Improved. That allowed use of a wider range of .358" bullets and gave a bit more velocity without pressure problems. That was another project that sat around in the box after barreling for 20 years before I completed it. If I were to modify the Browning I'd have it rebarreled to the .348 necked up to .35, that way I could get rid of the oddball bullet diameter and use a quality aftermarket barrel. There was an entire series of necked down and necked up .348 Winchester cases given the Ackley Improved shape by gun writer Bob Hutton in the 1950's and 60's he named them "Lever Power". Such are the dreams, or nightmares, of gun tinker's and rifle loonies, but in truth there is little practical value to these contraptions.

The .348 Winchester is a nostalgia item, but the .45-70 is a more practical rifle and cartridge. I have several lever (1886) and bolt action (Siamese Mauser) rifles chambered for the .45-70 and they are as accurate as any produced today. So there you have it. If you just gotta have a Model 71, go for it, some itches just need scratching, and I have safes full of old itches that were scratched, just be aware of the short comings.

[mark501w]

One of my favorites, still have everything to load for it. Got a 1886 now.

[dfletcher]

I have a Browning 71 Carbine purchased new back in the 1980's. When fired the lever would drop down a tad, unlocking. While accuracy was okay for deer sized targets but nothing to write home about. Contrast that with my old Marlin in .444 Marlin which would hold groups just at either side of 1" at 100 yards. I stuck the Browning back in the safe and there it sat for 20 years or so. Finally I dragged it out and tried some new loads with powders that weren't available during my initial testing. The lever still popped open, and finally I decided that wasn't supposed to happen. Unfortunately, Browning no longer supports the Model 71, they sold the spare parts to Midwest Gun Works http://www.midwestgunworks.com/page/mgwi so I contacted them and sent it in for a check. They replaced and timed both defective locking bars, test fired it and returned it to me. Thereafter the lever stayed put but it was still a 3"-4" shooter. Barrel fouled out along two grooves and is a difficult cleaning job, so I stuffed it back into the safe where it resides today. This is only one rifle and we could expect it isn't representative of the type.

The Model 71 is a neat rifle, but the cartridge is a compromise, Winchester was attempting to match the power of the .30-06 in a lever action, but they missed the boat as to bullet diameter. .348 Winchester is a seasonal run item as is the brass, so it can be scarce. Buffalo Bore sells Heavy .348 Winchester ammo, if you don't mind the $90.36 price for 20 rounds. The .348" diameter bullet is manufactured by two major companies, Hornady and Barnes, with a smattering of cast bullet companies offering some others. I suppose that one could contact Corbin and have a couple of draw dies made up to draw .358" bullets down to .348, but .010" is a large change which may effect accuracy.

In a fit of wild abandon, I took the opposite tack and built a Siamese Mauser up in .35-348 Winchester Ackley Improved. That allowed use of a wider range of .358" bullets and gave a bit more velocity without pressure problems. That was another project that sat around in the box after barreling for 20 years before I completed it. If I were to modify the Browning I'd have it rebarreled to the .348 necked up to .35, that way I could get rid of the oddball bullet diameter and use a quality aftermarket barrel. There was an entire series of necked down and necked up .348 Winchester cases given the Ackley Improved shape by gun writer Bob Hutton in the 1950's and 60's he named them "Lever Power". Such are the dreams, or nightmares, of gun tinker's and rifle loonies, but in truth there is little practical value to these contraptions.

The .348 Winchester is a nostalgia item, but the .45-70 is a more practical rifle and cartridge. I have several lever (1886) and bolt action (Siamese Mauser) rifles chambered for the .45-70 and they are as accurate as any produced today. So there you have it. If you just gotta have a Model 71, go for it, some itches just need scratching, and I have safes full of old itches that were scratched, just be aware of the short comings.

Thanks for the overview, "itch & scratch" is a good way of putting it. I reload for a fair number of oddball calibers and enjoy it, finding 348 brass doesn't seem all that difficult and limited bullet choices, at least in this rifle, don't bother me all that much. I checked the Hornady book - one page of info and nothing else ....

I suppose the Cimarron or Pedersoli makes more sense, I already have a few 45/70s. I can't seem to track down who carries them, beyond Cabelas.

[mark501w]

.45/.348 improved would be cool or .30/
.348 improved.

[dfletcher]

I just grabbed a Browning Deluxe off GunBroker for what I think is an OK price:

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=383417578

I didn't see much bidding on any of the 71s, probably due to the cartridge I'd guess. I've picked up brass, dies and some Hornady 200 grain flat nose - any reloading suggestions such as powder, crimp or no crimp?

If all goes well I'll add an original Winchester 71 at a later date.