I never lusted after an M71, but did respect them as a quick-handling, short-range woods rifle. Then....I walked into a sporting goods store and looked over the used gun rack.
There happened to be a Browning carbine sitting there. As soon as I had it in my hands, it was true love.
I ran a few boxes of handloads through it, and every round got me more impressed.
I was unhappy with the hard-to-find bullet size so I thought a bit. My wife says I don't need a reason to change one of my tools. I had a reason this time. Hmmm, what to do....
I rebarrelled it to .375/348 Improved!
It has a Redfield peep-sight, and the same length 20" tube.
The ballistics are just slightly less than the .375 H&H Magnum, about 200fps less with 300gr RN bullets.
"Yeah, tho' I walk thru the valley of the shadow of the biggest, meanest bear in the world, I fear him not, as I've got my M71 with me."
Have fun,
Gene
That does sound like a HAMMER! I wouldn't imagine much that wouldn't tackle real nicely..
