Good purchase. The Model 71 is an excellent rifle for the North country. I carry either a pre-war 71 or a later one in 348 Ackley or 450 Fuller. Fuller made the reamers for Harold Johnson's 450 Alaskan.(Yes-have more than two 71s)
Hawk-Woodleigh-or Alaska Bullet works-Juneau are the best hunting bullets. They hang together on tough game like bear
or elk.
I have homestead land North of Denali-SW of Nenana. A deer or moose hunt can quickly turn into a bear hunt in Alaska.
The original M-71 has a smooth action, very close to the original 1886. Winchester made the 71 as its last really heavy lever action. It is very fast for repeat shots,
faster than any bolt gun. Elmer Keith rightly said that dangerous game becomes dangerous at closer range.
"Like irritated grizzlies...." LtCol RM
