Yes, the Model 71, .348 is a keeper for sure my 1937 standard model was purchased by my Dad the week he returned to Michigan from WW II in Europe in 1945. The rifle was hanging for sale in the Dixie Bar in Mackinaw City, price $100, it went home with Dad and has been in the family since. Over the years it has accounted for many memorable hunts and many Michigan whitetails by Dad, until his passing in 1996 and myself since. This year as a tribute to Dad, I took the old Model 71 on a Michigan Elk hunt after drawing a cow tag for the December hunt. I was hunting with my wife, my son, my brother and a few other friends in the Pigeon River State Forest about 65 miles from my home, on the 7th day of the hunt a nice cow elk was taken when a single shot from the .348 Winchester was placed behind the front shoulder at 200 yards. The elk staggered and dropped as is so familiar after hearing the bang – thud from Barnes 250 grain bullet striking home. Another memory was created by the old rifle with Dad smiling down on me, my family and friends and his Winchester model 71.

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You mean there are rifles other than old Winchester Leverguns?

WOW! Great story. Any bullet story? Did it pass through? How is the accuracy?

Beautiful rifle!

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Semper Fi

Thank you, the accuracy is very good with the Barnes 250 grain original, as as can be seen in the photo the rifle was drilled and tapped in 1965 by the request of Dad due to then aging eyes. I know, but it won't be sold anyway. This rifle was grouping this load with the Barnes 250 grainer (2328 fps) and Hodgdon H-4350, the max from their load data in Winchester brass into 1.5 -2.0" at 100 yds, with the Leupold 2.5 power Compact scope on the 75 year old rifle. The bullet completely passed through the elk at 200 yds. The bullet struck the right scapula and left an 1 1/2" exit wound on the off side exiting the rib cage, therefore a somewhat angling shot. Not a lot of tissue damage or lost meat, but almost a bang-thud-flop in one step. The guide said, " they don't go down any faster than that."

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You mean there are rifles other than old Winchester Leverguns?

That's a great rifle and story.

I have heard alot of good things about that bullet as well. Thank you for taking the time to post and enjoy your elk! That's great eating.

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Semper Fi

All kinds of Mod 71 0n Guns International, maybe a little exspencive.

Thanks much for the pic and story...just great!!!

Hi Henry, I remember posting the story about the rifle years ago on Leverguns. Did you ever find your Model 64 .32 Winchester Special ?

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You mean there are rifles other than old Winchester Leverguns?

Great story...Good on you!!
Terry

Win71,

No I never did...I found several, but high cost and my wallet didn't match at the same time. I still think the 64 and early 336A were the best looking levers of the time.

I do have a 336 RC in .32 Special that I really like. The forend was damaged so I slimmed it and I like the way it looks much better.

Win71, thanks for the posting. Nice story, nice elk, nice story on the rifle.

Many say one shouldn't scope a lever action, and I firmly believe that to be true on Win 94, early 336, Mdl 92, Win '73, etc. The ergonomics of those rifles are ruined by the addition of anything larger than a receiver sight.

However, the Mdl 71.....having carried one for many years.....is a heavier rifle, and, frankly doesn't have the agile feel of its lighter brethren. A friend of mine scoped his '71 with an identical Leopold (except it was 3x) as yours, and I never felt the rifle's "feel" was compromised in any way. But you already know that!

Again, congratulations. Hope you hunt for many more years.

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If you don't want to hear the answer, don't ask the question.

Great news Mair. thanks for the heads up.

Win71, great story. You're hunting one of the areas I deer hunt and while I was there this year, I used my Browning M71 with 200 Grn Hornadys. I have a bunch of the Barnes 250 Originals as well and they group well, even with the Williams FP sight. We hunt in the Tin Shanty-Lost Cabin Trl area.

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Your hunting area is about 6-7 miles South of where I shot the elk, I was a guest on Black River Ranch and Canada Creek Ranch. I dropped the animal about 1.5 miles South of Clark Bridge Rd. and 3 miles West of East Branch Rd.

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You mean there are rifles other than old Winchester Leverguns?

It's a beautiful area and why we hunt it. I see quite a bit of elk and had a cow bed about 75 yards from me this year laying there chewing her cud. I have some really nice bucks on camera from this year but unfortunately didn't see any of them while hunting. I normally hunt with my 78 year old dad and is a great experience.

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If Anyone is interested my buddy has 71 in 348 that he is selling. Just email me or PM me. Thanks

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"There is no hunting like the hunting of man. And those who have hunted armed men & liked it , care for nothing else there after" Hemingway

I'm new here, gents. Always looking for good folks and good info. At present, in regards to this thread, I'm looking for some parts for the rear sight on my M71. It is the peep site style that is mounted on the bolt--moves with the bolt. Any of you folks know any possible sources? I know it's a toughy, as I've looked a good deal already. Any help appreciated. Thanks.

I presume you've already tried the Winchester website? (access their "obsolete parts" tab Obsolete Parts for Winchester Firearms -- Winchester Repeating Arms and under Win 71, there are 3 possible sources.

If they don't have the parts, it's off to the gun shows. The unfortunate rule is that there are probably 50 of the parts you're looking for somewhere within 100 miles of you......but tucked away in a parts drawer somewhere......

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If you don't want to hear the answer, don't ask the question.

I bought a lightly used .348 in 1972 for $200. and shot it at the range a couple times. But recoil was too stout for me. So I sold it and bought a new Marlin 336-A in 35 Remington. Same basic profile and handling charactoristics but better suited to scope mounting. The 35's recoil does not bother me at all.

I'm certain the mighty .348 is a great game cartridge but too much recoil for me.

TR