Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Rifles Winchester 71, 348 WCF, What is it?

I just received from a friend a Model 71 Winchester in 348 WCF. Its serial number is 36267 and is about 90% to 94%, unaltered. Is it a collector's item? Where do I find ammunition? What is it worth? What is its effective range on moose, elk, and bigger bears?

It is a collector's item, of a sort. There were 47,254 manufactured between 1935-57. The Model 71 was based on the 1886 action and only chambered for the .348 Winchester. The cartridge was designed to duplicate the .30-06 power level in a lever action. Ammunition is available at most Internet retailers for about $56 - $57.00 for 20 rounds (www.grafs.com). Only Winchester makes the ammo and brass. The brass is a seasonal item in limited production runs as needed, so there are times when it isn't available. The .348 Winchester case is based on the .50-110 Winchester case, not the .45-70 family which means the rim diameter is slightly larger. Hornady makes a 200 grain bullet for it, while Barnes offers 220 and 250 grain Originals. Effective range is within 200 yards, primarily due to iron sights, but is really dependent on the shooter's skill. Value varies by style, long tang or short tang, carbine or deluxe model, currently in 90%+ anywhere from $2,000 to $9,500 (check www.gunsinternational.com for curent retail listings). The cartridge is good for about anything you can shoot.

I have a Browning reproduction carbine and it is a nostalgic choice for packing about.

Thank you, John, most helpful. I since have learned it is a "Deluxe" with a long tang.

You have one fine rifle! Many think, including me, the finest lever action rifle ever built. I have had two including my current deluxe model with the bolt mounted peep sight which was rechambered (before I got it) to 348AI. I use the Barnes .348 250gr original bullets and they are a match made in heaven. Consider yourself a fortunate man to own such a piece and do not do,as I did and then kicked myself for years, and sell it in a weak moment (unless it is to me.... )

Congratulations and ENJOY it!

MARK

PS I am thinking about arrainging a retro rifles 24hrcf Elk hunt, this rifle would be right at home if I do such a thing.

Tom, some people just have all the luck! Congrats!

I had a '46 Winchester 71 deluxe in well used, but well taken care of condition, that I sold to a friend. Loved the rifle, and I still have a Browning 71.

I sold mine for $1600 six months ago. I could have gotten more, but it went to somebody that loves it as much as I did.

As others have said, you have received a very special gift. Cherish it!

...Truly they are wonderful guns, strong ,reliable, and will last several lifetimes of extensive use. If there is a criticism of them as hunting pieces it would be that they are heavy guns to carry far without a horse...But then that criticism is from a guy who has an inordinate affection for compact light weight guns, cars, and gals!

My model 71 wieghs a LOT less than my 416 Rigby or my 340 Tyrannosaur so, to me it is a lightweight!

Seriously, I like my rifles to weigh more than some people do, and my hunting rig is a 4x4 F-250 but I DO LOVE my skinny wifey!

TrapperTom......Damn!!!!

I've lusted after one of those for 40 years or more....

THE classic timber rifle for elk/moose/black bear.One of the finest levers ever made.Certainly one of the best stocked rifles for its' intended purpose I've ever handled.Maybe a bit heavy but you snap them up and they are "ON",right now.REALLY fine rifle from the days when guys hunted in their feet and killed game on the move.Congrats!