Winchester patterned the Model 71 as an alleged improvement on the 1886,
using the 348 WCF- sloped to aid in extraction.
The originals are still out there-inherited rifles that are not always appreciated for what they represent-the finest hunting
lever gun once made.
Do not be discouraged by an extra hole, or a slightly scratched finish.
These are bargaining chips on price, and do not affect the rifle's utility. To determine an early L tang M-71, the SN usually will fall below 16,000. The trigger on half-cock, will not move.It will on later
rifles. Some early standard rifles had bolt peep sights. For Alaska hunting, many M-71 rifles were carried by hunters and guides for hunting at mid range for caribou,deer-moose and bear. The 348/M-71 combination works well with Woodleigh-Hawk-Alaska Bullet Works bullets if you have to back a bear down on the trail or the gut pile. Guides also used fast actioned 71s in the 450 Alaskan wildcat. They needed a fast heavier caliber rifle that protected their clients.
Handloader Magazine had one of the finest tributes to the Model 71 -featuring the rifle coming to the rescue of
a figurative hunter deep in the North snow country facing down a charging bear.
Keep your nose to the wind, and your eyes along the skyline.
