Home Forums Lever Action Central Big Bore Levers Winchster Model 71 Questions

Dear lever-action shooters,

I have never owned or used a lever action rifle before but have reasonable experience with most modern bolt action rifles including several straight-pull models. I have the opportunity to purchase a lever action Model 71 deluxe in 348 WCF. What is radically different in Model 71 compared to a modern bolt action (say a Mauser M98 type or Blaser R8) in terms of shooting experience? For example, does the barrel tilt upward upon firing? Is it reasonable to shoot Model 71 from a bench or should it be fired off-hand? Do cases stretch once fired making case life short? Do you guys full-length size your brass when reloading or neck sizing is also possible?

In the past year or so, it seemed impossible to find 348 WCF brass. But now it seems available again so purchasing a Model 71 makes sense. The rifle in question is Serial Number 38794 and according to the seller has been professionally restored. It has a peep rear sight and overall looks very good. Any specific things I should look at before purchasing?

Thank you for your help in advance,
-Omid

Not a reloader but I can offer a few comments. I have shot a Model 71 for many years off a bench and off-hand. I find it easier on the shoulder off-hand but that never stopped me from shooting it many times off a bench. I have always found the comments about its "kick" a little over the top. It is not bad, at least for me even with the steel buttplate. The 71 points as well if not better than all (most?) of the bolt guns I have used. Must be careful lowering the hammer to half cock when loading. I never had a problem but one of my hunting buddies was loading his one morning when the hammer slipped (he was wearing heavy gloves) and the rifle went off. It was safely aimed at the ground so no problems other than his embarrassment.

Loading the rifle on full cock?

Yes, levered the bolt open and inserted a round in chamber. Closed the bolt and was letting the hammer down to half cocked when it slipped. Boom.

Thank you very much for your comments. I should learn to make myself familiar with the operation of a lever action and safe loading procedures. I do know about the half-cock safety. Is this how the gun supposed to be carried? In bolt action rifles I always carry with a round in chamber and safety engaged and gun slung over my shoulder but in front of me so that I am holding the barrel in my hands (German style). I also lower the rifle instinctively while reloading and tilt it to the side to see the new round being chambered. maybe good may be bad..

The good thing about a lever action is there is no additional cost for mounting optics. So, what you pay is the actual cost. These are the pros. What are the cons? I understand that this is a rifle to be used for wooded areas not shooting in open terrain (as we have mostly here in southern California). So, I am OK with the range being limited to 100 yards or so.. What else? Is there a noticeable delay when the hammer hits the primer?

-Omid

For a traditional lever action M71's are quite strong but are a back locking action. At high pressure they cause cases to stretch, reducing brass life. This is exacerbated by the heavily tapered case (designed for easy extraction, not high case life). Having said that, if you don't redline your reloads you should not have a problem. Cases are quite strong and apparently Starline are making brass now.

I think trying to operate a lever with heavy gloves on is asking for trouble, as noted in an earlier post. This is likely the reason we have the crazy lawyer inspired additional safeties and rebounding hammers on modern Winchesters these days.

When it was designed the 348 was fashioned to compete with the 30/06, performance wise. It originally came in three bullet weights, 150, 200 & 250 gr loadings, matching and exceeding 30/06 offerings of the day. The 150's were dropped due to lack of popularity. With components available today (eg gummy tipped FTX bullets) you can construct some quite flat shooting ammo for the 348. The limitation is how well you can shoot with iron sights.

Thank very much JFE for the helpful information. I just checked online retailers and noticed that Hornady brass is available ($2 each). Swift bullets are also available (200 grain)

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You mentioned that there is no additional cost for mounting optics. I can only assume that you mean in comparison with M-71 iron sights vs bolt action rifles brand new.
It might be advisable that you become very familiar with the Model 71, either before or after you buy one of these rifles.
The original 1886-M-71 rifles, designed by J. Browning originally and Winchester- are safe rifles if you know what you are about.

Both the operation of the rifle and handloading .348 WCF cartridges are really not what might be recommended for beginning hunters, particularly those
who only have experience with bolt guns. If you have a friend with a Model 71, see if you can borrow it at a range.
I have 7 Model 71 rifles, including some pre-war Deluxe Models. Invest some time in reading up on this Winchester model, and
spend more time getting used to a heavy lever action rifle. The recoil is moderate. With bullets available today, such as those offered by Hawk,Swift, Hornady and Alaska Bullet works-
a knowledgable reloader can approach 35 Whelen ballistics in the Model 71.

I will echo what 450Fuller said above. If you have zero experience with a lever gun, it would be a good idea to get some instruction and trigger time with one from someone with experience before investing a substantial amount of money in one. A lever action .22 is a great way to familiarize yourself with the function and peculiarities of a lever gun without a large price tag.
Also, welcome to the world of Winchester collecting where value is largely determined by original condition (and a Model 71 IS a collectable). You say the rifle is "professionally restored", that's fine for a shooter but don't be duped into paying as much for it as a like condition original finish rifle.

Thank you for your very helpful comments. I will consider your points as I contemplate a Model 71.

I don't think you will regret buying a 71. I love my bolt guns but for brush and mixed brush use to 200 yards the 71 after a bit of trigger time is really lovely to use. The stock design by the team of T. Whelen and others leads to excellent balance and the pistol grip angle makes for a very easy to use lever stroke. The 348 cartridge is excellent as is. The moderate velocity really enhances penetration and game getting reliability while keeping recoil very reasonable. The price will only appreciate over time. No downside. I am so glad I have one.

Hello North61!

Nice meeting you here. I have seen some very interesting videos on Model 71 bullet selection on youtube. I believe they were made by you so thank you for sharing your experiences both on youtube and here. I am still contemplating the purchase but have not made a final decision yet.. Here is a picture of the rifle in question. It is professionally restored and looks very nice. Just some faint blemishes on the forearm, metal is near perfect.

Yup it's me. Lot's of great bullets out there but damn brass is expensive and/or hard to find! That's the one downside I forgot about.

Check STARLINE in Sedalia Missouri.

I know a guy who has 5-6 boxes of new unprimed brass for $30.a box/20 per box 262 397-7915

I know a guy who has 5-6 boxes of new unprimed brass for $30.a box/20 per box 262 397-7915