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Winchester 71

dfletcher
I'm considering buying a Winchester 71. My understanding is that there are 3 types (for lack of a better word) of 71.

The original, in Standard and Deluxe manufactured by Winchester. A version maufactured by Browning, also Standard and Deluxe however the Browning Deluxe is engraved, gold(ish)filled and hard chrome or stainless type finish receiver. Then there is the most recent manufacture by Winchester in Deluxe and Standard.

I'm flexible on going with any of the above, I'd expect a new version (Browning or Winchester) to be in excllent shape, inside & out. Honest wear, but no other modifications, are OK on an older original.

Is there anything to beware of, functionally, on an older version? Do the newest 71s use a tang safety? I see they are not present on the original or Browning and don't particularly care for them.

I see a carbine and a rifle version offered. I've no problem with recoil, I know the 348 (and no recoil pad) are going to give me a good pop - any marked difference in recoil between the rifle and carbine?

I'll be buying this as a shooter, 99% of the time at the range and not walking through the woods. Is there any reason to pick one over the other?

I reload for about 80 cartridges including some oddballs - are components for the 348 much of a challenge to get?
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Comments

13 comments

Date Votes
  • dfletcher
    Question, I just purchased a model 71 serial number 1690x. Book says it was made in 1940. It has the checkered hammer and no reciever holes. It is a short tang rifle. All the short tang rifles I've seen have a cross cut hammer and holes for a reciever sight.
    Is this a "transition" gun? Is it worth more than a standard short tang? Just curious, thanks.
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  • rufe-snow
    The new ones have the lawyer proof, tang safety.

    If you just going to be shooting off a rest at the range, get the rifle.

    The bullets for reloading are not nearly as common. Or made in as various weights. As the more common calibers. Far as I know .338.348 is a orphan. No other commercial rifles were ever made chambered for a .338.348 bullet.

    Prepare for sticker shock. Even a gently used one, is likely to be pricy.





    EDIT #1,

    Beautiful rifle, you bought there! Way to pretty to be carrying out in the boonies, though. Babying it off a bench, with a well padded bench rest. Would be the only way I would shoot it.
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  • CapnMidnight
    I think rufe is referring to 348 instead of 338 bullets.
    348 bullets are hard to find, but they are out there.
    I would look real hard at the Browning copy, if I where buying a 71 as a shooter. They are a quality rifle, and as long as you maintain and care for it, will always give you a good return on your investment.
    I also agree, that if your going to shot it at the range, a rofle will give you better results.
    W.D.
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  • charliemeyer007
    Midway shows brass and bullets in stock. Bullet molds turn up sometimes. I got to shoot a 71 that had been through a fire and converted to 50-100 running black powder.

    A rifle on the bench, a carbine for the field.
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  • dfletcher
    quote:Originally posted by rufe-snow
    The new ones have the lawyer proof, tang safety.

    If you just going to be shooting off a rest at the range, get the rifle.

    The bullets for reloading are not nearly as common. Or made in as various weights. As the more common calibers. Far as I know .338.348 is a orphan. No other commercial rifles were ever made chambered for a .338.348 bullet.

    Prepare for sticker shock. Even a gently used one, is likely to be pricy.


    I thought they'd have the tang safety. I really don't care for it, sort of the Winchester version of Smith's lock and I guess I'm ld enogh to be of the stubborn "don't like change" group now.

    The Browning version seems like the "go to" version. I already have a "Browning" 52 and kind of know what to expect by way of quality. I'd like an original, but my version of condition might not be the same as others so I tend to want to handle first.

    I handload for some odd stuff - 9.3X62, 7.5 French, 416 Rigby, 25.20 and a few others. What the heck is one more oddball caliber going to hurt?[^]

    Are the "newest" Winchester 71s still being manufactured, or are they out of production?
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  • tsr1965
    Doug,

    My friend, you are in LUCK...there are a whole slew of the 71's on the auction side, and even the originals. Most are in excellent shape, and the prices are good. Here is a Browning model, that I don't think you could go wrong with!

    http://www.GunBroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=379421976

    Just a side note, that if you go with a NEW Winchester that is Miroku made, Doug Turnbull does conversions to get rid of that safety, and revert them back to the old style hammer.

    Best,
    Tim
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  • dfletcher
    quote:Originally posted by tsr1965
    Doug,

    My friend, you are in LUCK...there are a whole slew of the 71's on the auction side, and even the originals. Most are in excellent shape, and the prices are good. Here is a Browning model, that I don't think you could go wrong with!

    http://www.GunBroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=379421976

    Just a side note, that if you go with a NEW Winchester that is Miroku made, Doug Turnbull does conversions to get rid of that safety, and revert them back to the old style hammer.

    Best,
    Tim


    I don't know if there's such a thing as having too much to choose from, but I'd be happy with original or new, standard or deluxe version. With an original I suppose I'd even save a few hundred $$$ on tax and transfer, use my C & R and also skip the 10 day wait.
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  • mmppres
    I use a original in rifle is does a great job in the woods. only thing for reloading is that there is only one shell hold for it. my suggestion is buy at least 1 empty case when you buy so you have a matched lot so to speak. I use both case lead an jacket bullets with great results
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  • dfletcher
    I just grabbed a Browning Deluxe for what I think is an OK price:

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

    I didn't see alot of bidding on the 71s, 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?

    I'm going to add a side mount peep rear sight and see Wiliams has them for the 71, 1886 specifically. Not alot to choose from, is there any reason a Williams made for a Win 94 or Marlin 336, 1894 wouldn't also work?
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  • tsr1965
    Doug,

    Since you have a Browning, with no tang safety, I might be inclined to go with the Lyman #2 style sight.

    http://www.brownells.com/rifle-parts/sights/rear-sights/no-2-tang-sight-prod7961.aspx

    The Williams is OK, too, but in my eye, takes away from the sleek lines of the rifle, and the Lyman is just as functional. You can probably find them at Brownell's. Here is a Marbles...

    http://www.brownells.com/rifle-parts/sights/rear-sights/improved-peep-tang-sight-prod27447.aspx?avs|Make~~Model_1=Winchester__71



    Best
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  • dfletcher
    Hmmm - I hadn't really considered the tang mounted version. I was considering replacing the blade front with a Lyman 17 & using a globe insert, figured the side mounted scope would have to be too far up due to the higher height. My only concern with the tang mounted is that I have to hold a bit differently, can't put my thumb over the top of the tang.

    But definitely worth considering. I have a fair number of peep sight set ups and like them alot.
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  • Bert H.
    The Model 71 was not factory drilled & tapped for a tang mounted sight. To mount one, it would require adding two holes to the tang (which I do not recommend).
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  • charliemeyer007
    Nice rifle. 4895 would me first choice.
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