New Winchester Model 71

Standard grade is pictured. It does have a tang safety. Something I consider to be unnecessary pandering to the antis. But something I'd tolerate happily if I had the dough. These are very nice.

For a shooter, they're likely a more cost effective alternative when compared to what I paid. However, water under the bridge at this point in time. A number of years back, Browning, produced in Japan, came out with a similar reproduction of the 71. If these 'new' Winchesters are made in Japan, I wonder if it's the same set-up making them?

I reload so it's a side issue at best, but a guy on site, Hnery Nierychlo from Surrey B.C., sounds like he may be able to bring in some of the new Winchester loaded ammo. Also, his prices sound better than I've been able to obtain it from other sources for.
 
For a shooter, they're likely a more cost effective alternative when compared to what I paid. However, water under the bridge at this point in time. A number of years back, Browning, produced in Japan, came out with a similar reproduction of the 71. If these 'new' Winchesters are made in Japan, I wonder if it's the same set-up making them?

That would be my assumption also, but having never seen one of the Brownings, I can't say for sure.
 
The browning repros had metric barrel threads. I would suspect the new 71s from Japan will be of the same spec as the Brownings were.

Interesting thread about a great rifle.

The 71 action has been used in making up a number of custom calibers in a lever gun. One of the guys I worked with when I was still on the tools had and likely still has a Browning. I've thought of asking about picking it up and converting it to a 50 cal. I'll have to ask and see if he still has it and what 'plans' he has for it. Just mabe...................;) I wouldn't want to 'bubba' an original, unless it was really rough.
 
post it in the EE

I don't imagine you'll have it around for very much longer, especially in a carbine model. I, for one, would be interested if I didn't already have an original. In an original or a reproduction, a carbine configuragion isn't something you come across very often.
 
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Speculation about 71's in .33 Winchester is kind of funny, there may be the odd one around but I've never even heard of one. I have seen a few black powder era 86's rebarrelled to .33 but never a 71. It's funny because the 1886 extra lightweight in .33 was the inspiration for the model 71. At the end of 86 production, the 33 ELW was the only popular model as high velocity rounds had begun to push the old big bores out. The .348 had a reputation for being a great woods rifle especially for moose and elk, I would love to own one but i'd throw the extra cash for an original. That safety makes me nauseous.
 
The 71 is also an excellent cast bullet shooter and there are several moulds available from different makers.
I recently acquired a Lyman 350457 GC mould and it makes a nice 250 gr. slug.
RCBS might still make a 200 gr. mould and they work very well in the 71s that I have played with.
 
The 71 is also an excellent cast bullet shooter and there are several moulds available from different makers.
I recently acquired a Lyman 350457 GC mould and it makes a nice 250 gr. slug.
RCBS might still make a 200 gr. mould and they work very well in the 71s that I have played with.

That it is. As with the use of cast bullets in some other lever gun calibers, shooting cast adds a whole other dimension to the capabilities of the 71. I haven't done too much with them yet but I get two cast gas check variations from a friend locally. 230gr and 262gr.
 
Funny you should say that. I was thinking the same thing yesterday. I had a brand new 1886 ELW 45-70 in my hands yesterday and was himming and hawing about buying it. I still think I'll hold out for a Model 71. Either the new Miroku or I'll pick up an original or a Browning somewhere.
 
Whjy all the hate for an improved safety? Seems to me like a good thing?

Solution to a problem that didn't exist. Lawyers demand something called a "safety". Rifles that had a half-#### notch had two strikes against them...one they had no "safety" and second they had the word "####" in the description of how to make the rifle safe. #### the rifle (even if it was just half) to make the rifle safe? Litigiously frightening concept.

That said, a tang safety is less unsightly (and less wrong) than a cross-bolt safety. Those things are blasphemy!
 
Solution to a problem that didn't exist. Lawyers demand something called a "safety". Rifles that had a half-#### notch had two strikes against them...one they had no "safety" and second they had the word "####" in the description of how to make the rifle safe. #### the rifle (even if it was just half) to make the rifle safe? Litigiously frightening concept.

That said, a tang safety is less unsightly (and less wrong) than a cross-bolt safety. Those things are blasphemy!

Exactly. Much the same can be said for the transfer bar set-ups in newer production Ruger single action revolvers. What does it tell you when a lady, and I may be giving her the benefit of the doubt, can sue a fast food outlet successfully because their coffee was too hot. She spilt their coffee that was 'too hot' in her lap.:confused::confused::rolleyes:
 
I own a 1st year long tang Winchester 71 with a 2 digit serial # that I use for hunting and shooting for the last 20 yrs. She wears a factory bolt mounted peep that will shoot my 200gr cast loads into .5" groups all day long. I have owned several Browning 71's but none of them shot as well as the winny. She is the last rifle that will ever leave my collection. She has not been refinished in anyway.

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If I came across a Japanese 71, i would Alaskanize it to the .50 Alaskan, the .348 doesn't thrill me so much. Is Alaskanize a word?
 
I own a 1st year long tang Winchester 71 with a 2 digit serial # that I use for hunting and shooting for the last 20 yrs. She wears a factory bolt mounted peep that will shoot my 200gr cast loads into .5" groups all day long. I have owned several Browning 71's but none of them shot as well as the winny. She is the last rifle that will ever leave my collection. She has not been refinished in anyway.

I also had an original 71 that would shoot honest .5" groups, also had one that would not hold 4" despite efforts to resolve it never came around. Have only had one Browning 71 which was a carbine and it shot great with every load I tried with .5 to 1.75 steady with Barnes, Hornady and Speer bullets. Think its luck of the draw as have heard many praise and just as many curse the 71's accuracy.
 
If I came across a Japanese 71, i would Alaskanize it to the .50 Alaskan, the .348 doesn't thrill me so much. Is Alaskanize a word?

Having had the pleasure of firing one, I have to say that recoil is very "Alaskanized" also.
Seriously though, I don't think there are many animals that a 50 Alaskan won't stop. :)
 
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