Winchester Model 71 Questions

[SuRrEaLNJ 294]

I just had a couple of my late grandfathers firearms passed down to me. One of which is a Winchester Model 71. Ive figured out so far based on the 379xx Serial number that it should be from circa 1954. Its chambered in .348, which was apparently the only chambering for this model. Anyone have experience with, and what can you tell me about it?

 

 

 

[Pizza Bob 1,488]

Congratulations!! You now have the finest lever-action Winchester ever manufactured. This was the only gun ever chambered in .348 Winchester and, actually, the only American firearm ever chambered in a .34 caliber cartridge. These were based on an improved (better steel, etc) Model 1886 action. They were manufactured from 1935 to 1958 and were reintroduced in the late 80's by Browning, with that version made by Mirokou (sp?) in Japan. I understand that the Japanese reproduction is currently in Winchester's catalog.

 

The supply of unmolested Model 71's was reduced over the years as it was a favorite of Alaskan guides for wildcatting to .401 Alaskan.

 

There was a long tang and a short tang version. The long tang version was made through appx 1938. Yours is a short tang version. Yours is also the "Deluxe" or "Special" version that included checkering on the forearm and wrist. It also came with a receiver-mounted peep sight (Williams, I believe). The standard guns were smooth stocked and had a regular notched rear leaf sight. The early Deluxe guns came with a bolt-mounted peep sight with a removable aperture, which essentially turned the sight into a ghost ring. The sling swivels and sling were also part of the deluxe version.

 

The original factory loadings were a 180 gr, a 200 gr. and a 250 gr. bullet. As popularity dwindled the light and heavy bullet loading went away and only the 200 gr loading remained. As for handloading, Hornady makes a 200 gr bullet and IIRC, a 250 gr bullet was introduced in the 90's by one of the specialty manufacturers - not sure if that is still available. Components and loaded ammo got a boost with the reintroduction in the late 80's, but it still isn't easy to find and when you do, you will pay handsomely.

 

All of this is off the top of my head. I know this because I, too, have a Model 71 Deluxe that was given to me by my father. Mine is a long tang version made in the first year of production and as such has a three-digit serial number.

 

I am trying to get on the road and I'll try and post a picture of mine when I get back on Monday. There is a lot of info on Model 71's on the web - enjoy exploring about yours - it is one fine gun.

 

Adios,

 

Pizza Bob

[SuRrEaLNJ 294]

Wow dude, thanks for the thorough info!

[Pizza Bob 1,488]

Back home now, and as promised a picture of my three digit serial numbered, model 71 Deluxe...

 

 

I was cleaning out my parent's home this weekend, preparing it for sale. I was collecting old family photos, when I ran across this one...

 

 

That is a picture of a decidedly more svelte me (over 30 years ago) shooting the Model 71 at a running deer target at a Harrisburg Hunters and Anglers Field Day event. The shirt was one for CP Bullets, which is what everyone in SE PA and into NJ used for IPSC at the time. The gun barely visible on my hip is my S&W Model 28 that was converted to .44 Special with an original S&W Model 24 barrel.

 

SuRrEaLNJ - did you get any ammo with your grandfather's gun?

 

Adios,

 

Pizza Bob

[T Bill 649]

Nice looking rifle PB,  Nice collectible for both the OP and PB.

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[SuRrEaLNJ 294]

PB, yours sure is a fine example of the rifle.

 

Mine aparently has been uncased in a closet for aprox 25 years, so i did get lots of fun cobwebs with it if that counts.

 

No ammo tho, although i see it online for like 3 to 3.50/round