I read an article that Winchester shortened the action when they went from 1886 to 71. The Brrowning and Winchester Jap 71’s followed the original 71 dimensions.
I could be wrong. Unfortunately I believe too much stuff I read.
Edit:
I measured my 1886 and my 71 length of the receiver. I could not see any difference.
Thanks for the correction.
This article was written by
The .348 Winchester
Loads for a Winchester Model 71
Feature By: R.H. VanDenburg, Jr. | December, 17
Overall cartridge length accepted by the ’86 was considered to be 2.875 inches (often 2.88 inches in practice); this dimension in the Model 71 was reduced to 2.795 inches.