Browning 71 - 348 Winchester

[Lee Martin]

I bought this Browning 71 at a Pittsburgh gun show back in 1994. The plan was to convert it to 450 Alaskan but I’m glad I didn’t. After trying a variety of powders and bullets I settled on Barnes’ 250 grain and IMR 3031. But it was never picky on the load and proved consistent across a wide range of components. I haven’t shot it in 10 plus years but dragged it to the range today.





Big twin locking lugs slide through the mortises on either side of the bolt. These are patterned after the Winchester 86’s and 92’ but lock at a slightly different angle.



My Barnes 250 Originals are on back-order so I shot 200 grain Hornady Interlocks. 47.0 of IMR 3031 got things moving.



This was my best 100 yard group from the bench. If I remember correctly this gun likes heavier bullets:



J&J makes really nice boxes for the large rimmed 348:





I recently picked-up the new Winchester Model 71 but haven’t tried it yet. Quality seems to be on par with the Mirokus from ’87.

Anyone else shoot this old classic or plan on getting the new 71?

-Lee
www.singleactions.com
"Building carpal tunnel one round at a time"

[nolongcolt]

I had one like yours a few years ago but it never shot like that one. I peddled it in a year or so. I still have components and some loaded up ammo for one and its got me thinkin' because I really do like them and my late dad was a huge fan of the rifle and cartridge.

[bushog]

I've got to go visit my FFL this evening and was going to see what he could get one of the new Winchesters for.

Ballistics aren't too far off from that short barreled 9.3 I shoot/

Lee, How is the wood on the one you got compared to the Browning?

The Winchester 1885 wood and checkering sucked compared to the Browning counterparts.

Pics of the new one?

[cj3a]

I have a winchester in the deluxe model with the bolt peep. I will try to take pictures of it tomorrow. Lee have you tried North Fork bullets yet? The orginial owner Mike was a big fan of the 348. Not sure what they make now but the ones I bought were 230 grains. I hope to start loading for it this year.

[toroflow]

I shoot a Browning Deluxe 71. I haven't developed any great loads for it yet though.

[cj3a]

Lee North Fork still makes 348 I just checked. $85 for a box of fifty. Yikes! I did not pay that much. I have been in the acquiring mode for a year. Brass and bullets can be tough to find at times

[boxhead]

I bought one a year or so ago, a Browning 20" Carbine. I have only been out with it once using the 200 gr Hornady (all I could find locally) and it shot like yours. At least as well as I can with the receiver sights the prior owner added. The quality of the piece is just phenomenal IMO. I will chase a Colorado bull with it when I return. Fine rifles, easily the quality of the originals (which I have chased for some time) for a whole lot less cash.

[Lee Martin]

Thanks guys and I appreciate you posting photos of your Brownings. Both are good looking rifles.

I haven't taken my new 71 out to shoot or photograph yet but will soon. The quality is on par with the Browning but the wood is more plain. I need to check the throating too. I'd like to shoot Beartooth's 245 LFN but that bullet won't chamber in the Browning 71.

-Lee
www.singleactions.com
"Building carpal tunnel one round at a time"

[win1894s]

Hi new to site. I've got a browning 71 with 20 inch barrel. I bought it in mid 80s when they came out. Accurate and fit and finish is fantastic

[cj3a]

My dad bought me this rifle for christmas . I found it in a local gun shop and told my father about it. He ran down the next day and bought it. It was a big surprise to find it under the tree a few months later.