There have been some commented posts on the Model 71 in the carbine length barrel and those M-71s with scope mounts.
Scoped rifles were really catching on in the 1950s
and many owner hunters modified their rifles. Its a good idea for tired eyes-but it really changes the balance
and weight. The same may be said of short rifles or the carbine version. The original 24 inch barrel
had the best balance, in my opinion. When timber hunting for big game, balance is more important than
a couple of inches in barrel length. Velocity is somewhat also affected.
For those troubled by recoil, try a 348 Ackley in the M-71. You will come back quickly to the standard
348 cartridge. Recoil with the 348WCF is not really any stronger than an '06 or 35 Whelen.
I have some of the original W-W blue-yellow Grizzly bear boxes in 250 gr. Winchester discontinued
the 150 gr loading and probably should have replaced it with a belted 225 gr like Peters 210 bullet.
The current offerings by Woodleigh-Swift-and Alaska Bullet Works in 250 grain are excellent, as is the Hawk bullet.
The various weights in 348 by Hawk such as 180, 200, 250 really work. The 200 gr is excellent for muleys,
black bear and white tails. The 250s are better on moose and grizzly-except for close range.
Its the 450 Alaskans for coastal Kenai and Kodiak brown bear-Al Haselborg preferred older 405s
on Admiralty Island.
