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winchester 71
varminter3
Member Posts: 35 ✭✭
I'm considering buying a Winchester 71. My understanding is that there are 3 types (for lack of a better word) of 71.
The original, in Standard and Deluxe manufactured by Winchester. A version maufactured by Browning, also Standard and Deluxe however the Browning Deluxe is engraved, gold(ish)filled and hard chrome or stainless type finish receiver. Then there is the most recent manufacture by Winchester in Deluxe and Standard.
I'm flexible on going with any of the above, I'd expect a new version (Browning or Winchester) to be in excllent shape, inside & out. Honest wear, but no other modifications, are OK on an older original.
Is there anything to beware of, functionally, on an older version? Do the newest 71s use a tang safety? I see they are not present on the original or Browning and don't particularly care for them.
I see a carbine and a rifle version offered. I've no problem with recoil, I know the 348 (and no recoil pad) are going to give me a good pop - any marked difference in recoil between the rifle and carbine?
I'll be buying this as a shooter, 99% of the time at the range and not walking through the woods. Is there any reason to pick one over the other?
I reload for about 80 cartridges including some oddballs - are components for the 348 much of a challenge to get?
The original, in Standard and Deluxe manufactured by Winchester. A version maufactured by Browning, also Standard and Deluxe however the Browning Deluxe is engraved, gold(ish)filled and hard chrome or stainless type finish receiver. Then there is the most recent manufacture by Winchester in Deluxe and Standard.
I'm flexible on going with any of the above, I'd expect a new version (Browning or Winchester) to be in excllent shape, inside & out. Honest wear, but no other modifications, are OK on an older original.
Is there anything to beware of, functionally, on an older version? Do the newest 71s use a tang safety? I see they are not present on the original or Browning and don't particularly care for them.
I see a carbine and a rifle version offered. I've no problem with recoil, I know the 348 (and no recoil pad) are going to give me a good pop - any marked difference in recoil between the rifle and carbine?
I'll be buying this as a shooter, 99% of the time at the range and not walking through the woods. Is there any reason to pick one over the other?
I reload for about 80 cartridges including some oddballs - are components for the 348 much of a challenge to get?
Comments
Thanks
Is this a "transition" gun? Is it worth more than a standard short tang? Just curious, thanks.
Serial number 16900 was manufactured in 1939.
The transition from the long tang to the short tang took place very near serial number 16800. I have seen (and surveyed) a considerable number of short tang Model 71s with a checkered hammer.
The drilled & tapped holes in the receiver for a peep sight became standard very near serial number 26000 (in 1948), but were a special order option almost from the very beginning of production (October 1935).
The switch from the checkered/knurled hammer to the serrated hammer took place shortly after the receiver modification (approximately serial number 27000), in late 1948 or early 1949.
For those who are interested, I have a research survey in progress for the Model 71, and I am in the process of writing an article about them.
I would appreciate the following information for the survey;
1. The complete serial number.
2. Long tang or Short tang.
3. Is the receiver drilled & tapped?
4. Is the muzzle flat and in the white, or is it crowned and blued?
5. The variation (e.g. Standard Rifle, Deluxe Rifle, Carbine, or Deluxe Carbine)?
6. The rear sight configuration (e.g. Bolt-peep, 22 series barrel sight, or a receiver sight including type).
7. The caliber marking (e.g. "348 W.C.F.", or "348 WIN."
WACA Historian & Life Member
I have two 71's here's the info-
#16909
Short tang
Not drilled for recieved sight
Muzzel is flat and in the white
Standard rifle
Rear sight is a 22a
Caliber is .348 W.C.F
Hammer is checkered.
#7176
Long tang
Not drilled for recieved sight
Muzzel is flat and in the white
Standard rifle
Bolt peep, sight blank installed
Caliber .348 W.C.F.
Checkered hammer
Long tang
Not drilled for a reciever sight
Muzzel is flat and in the white
Standard rifle
Bolt peep sight blank installed
Caliber .348 W.C.F.
Thanks for the information.
I have two 71's here's the info-
#16909
Short tang
Not drilled for recieved sight
Muzzel is flat and in the white
Standard rifle
Rear sight is a 22a
Caliber is .348 W.C.F
Hammer is checkered.
#7176
Long tang
Not drilled for recieved sight
Muzzel is flat and in the white
Standard rifle
Bolt peep, sight blank installed
Caliber .348 W.C.F.
Checkered hammer
Thanks for the information,
7176 - October 30th, 1936
16909 - September 26th, 1939
WACA Historian & Life Member
"7. The caliber marking (e.g. "348 W.C.F.", or "348 WIN.""................oh, damn...I'm just completeing a .348 custom rifle was going to mark it 'w.c.f.' but c.o.t.w. said 'win' ...already stamped :-(
Mike,
The cartridge marking changed from "W.C.F." to "WIN." very near serial number 43000.
WACA Historian & Life Member
Here is some info on my '71
Serial #6975
Long tang
Peep on bolt
Blank in barrel dovetail
Deluxe rifle
.348 WCF
Flat muzzle appears white??
Bert...Are you aware of any production rifle ever chambered for the .348 other than the Model 71 or the newer Browning Model? It seems to me that I remember a double-rifle made in Europe chambered in .348 in the '60's or 70's...THANKS!!! I do have a 1940 Model 71 that I will help your survey with when I get back to Michigan.
I do not know of any production rifle other than the Model 71 that chambered the 348 Winchester cartridge.
WACA Historian & Life Member