Model 71 experience?

[Axle2010]

Hey guys how many of you have experience with the Winchester Model 71 in 348 Win? I've wanted one for years and they seem to finally be somewhat affordable so I've got my eye on a pretty decent one. I'm not a collector so I will be using it whenever I'm in lever gun ranges on deer and pigs. What do you guys think of the rifle and round? Anything I should know before I pull the trigger? I'm looking at a short tang deluxe from i believe 1952.

 

[analog_peninsula]

I just bought one a few months ago. Top eject, so no scope but otherwise a thing of beauty. Ammo is currently readily available but mine shoots a bit high with the available 200 grain load. The rounded bottom of the receiver makes for a comfortable carry, something other designers could learn from.

 

[Uncontrolled_round_feed]

Grab it. Love mine.

 

[gbflyer]

I have one. 1938 Deluxe. It may have been fired before I got it, but it for sure has now. .

Random thoughts:

If you’re going to buy a shooter, don’t sweat the long tang/short tang. If you’re thinking more along the lines of holding value, long tang. Also the craftsmanship superb on the pre war rifles. The post war are nice but not as nice. Some have headspace issues due to battering of the lock lugs if they’ve been shot a lot. I’d not shoot that hot Buffalo Bore stuff in mine.

 

[Grandpa Moose]

Great rifle and cartridge. I have used my father’s prewar to shoot deer bear aand moose also reload for it. Finishing a Siamese Mauser converted and barreled to have more fun

 

[JimP]

I have a Browning M71 and is a shooter.

I've taken a couple cow elk with it shooting the factory 200 grain rounds. I've got everything to start putting some handloads together for it and I may have to get it done this winter.

 

[Andrew NOLA]

If you wanna put a red dot on it, Turnbull restoration makes a mount will slide into the dovetail on the barrel. I have browning model 71s and I have Winchester model 71s. If you buy a new manufactured Miruko Winchester it is going to have a tang safety and a rebounding hammer, neither of which I’m in love with. However, I trust the steel in the Japanese manufactured. Winchester is more than the early ones. I think it’ll take more pressure.

The browning is more true or to the original 1886 model and has a half cock as a safety which I like better.

I like the pistol grip on the brownie

348 brass is available right now. You should put your hands on some while it’s available.

Turnbull also makes a red dot mount that screws in on the side of the receiver where there’s two holes tapped for a peep site

 

[tarbe]

They are wonderful rifles...and of course, they have not been made since early in 1958. Total production was just over 47k.

I own rifles from '47, '52 and '57. All in great condition and a joy to shoot.

Starline brass is my favorite. Fury makes a nice 220gr bonded bullet and hopefully the 250gr Woodleigh will be available soon. Northfork, Hawk and Cutting Edge also sell .348 bullets.

 

[steve white]

Beautiful rifles, which will fit a horse scabbard nicely, and in a potent caliber.
Wonder if anyone has fitted a scout scope arrangement.

 

[Winmdl71]

Awesome caliber and gun! It will flatten any deer or pigs you shoot with it. The model 71 is everything a lever action should be. The quality and smoothness of the 71 is unrivaled in my opinion. Go for it you won’t regret the purchase.

 

[Fzj80]

They are a piece of craftsmanship like few other things.

 

[Hsk]

The Winchester Model 71 in .348 Win is a classic thumper big, heavy lever that hits like a freight train 200gr at 2500 fps legit brown bear energy back in the day.

Real-world from guys who own shoot am

Rifle Tank tough, smooth action better than 94/86, but heavy 8 lbs and long short tang deluxe is still a boat. Recoil is stout but manageable with the factory pad. Deluxe checkered walnut is gorgeous on '52 models.
Round .348 is a hammer on deer hogs inside 150-200 yds flat enough, massive wound channels, drops am quick. Ammo's the catch factory loads $80-100 box when available, brass rareexpensive $3-5 each. Reload or stock deep Starline brass runs happen, grab am fast.
Things to know Check bore pitted ones common from neglect, throat erosion old ammo corrosive, and lever safety some sticky. Short tang '52 deluxe is prime holds value even shot.
If you're hunting with it not collecting, it's perfect for thick woods big pigs deer way more punch than .30-30 or .45-70 in a lighter package. Pull the trigger if it's clean you'll love it, just budget for ammo reloading setup. No regrets on mine absolute woods beast.

 

[Andrew NOLA]

I would buy brass first.

I have had a number of calibers I have purchased that I then had to struggle getting brass.

I always buy 300 pieces of brass so I never have to worry about brass ever again

My personal choice would be a Model 71 Browning.

 

[gbflyer]

Krish can still hook you up with components I bet.

 

[Axle2010]

I personally prefer the looks of the short tang models, i know it's only 3/8" difference but the short tang version looks a bit better imo and I've read a couple of the gun writers claim that the slightly longer topline in the stock makes a little more comfortable shot. Idk if that's true but I like the looks anyway.

 

[Muskox]

Really nice rifle. You can put a red dot on it if you re blind like me.

 

[Axle2010]

They are a piece of craftsmanship like few other things.

Fzj80 what model is your rifle? It has smooth uncheckered wood but the nicer pistol grip and looks like grip cap like a deluxe.

 

[jbirdwell]

I love my model 71. Haven’t had time to hunt with it but it handles nice and action is very smooth

 

[tarbe]

I would buy brass first.

I have had a number of calibers I have purchased that I then had to struggle getting brass.

I always buy 300 pieces of brass so I never have to worry about brass ever again

My personal choice would be a Model 71 Browning.

View attachment 733998

Starline has brass available:

348 Winchester Brass - Large Rifle - Brass Cases

The .348 Winchester was developed for the Winchester Model 71 lever action rifle in 1936. Touted as being one of the most powerful lever action cartridges available, it was popular for hunting large game all across America. The .348 Winchester also serve…

www.starlinebrass.com

 

[Andrew NOLA]

For now they do. I attached a screen shot of places with 348 brass available. It is scarce at times