Ode to the Winchester 71

[@BillKayser]

Nice video,I share your admiration for the 71 I hunt with mine here in Montana.The only thing I would ad to your ode is how great the 71 feels and balances in your hand while carrying it. It truly is a piece of working art.

[@thealsatian4232]

Something about this rifle just makes it a pleasure to carry.

[@davidharris7687]

There, you done said it! I was late in life discovering the truth of what Townsend Whelen helped Winchester perfect in the 1930's? For me the Mod64 in 30-30 fir the Appalachian Mountains, and you, The Yukon with a Mod71 in 348. I've been around and around, 30-06-270Win, scoped when my eyes are worn put, and at 65 it's near! But not yet! The Mods 71 & 64 get it done just right, hunting, hunting ranges, and I also use a canoe often, etc! So 8m staying with my obvious best choice again, my Mod 64 with receiver sight. My deer last Nov, demanded a quick 50yds shot, and my rifle and sight placed a perfect very quick shot before the deer bolted, etc! Just like your excellent Moose kill from the canoe! Get that Mod 71 ready again!

[@north61]

Those Win levers are a special creation!

[@robertmartin8184]

In regards to the sophistication of the natural pointing ergonomics of the Winchester 71, in the movie "Winchester 73" starring Jimmy Stewart, the scene where coins were shot out of the air, the actual shooting was done by Herb Parsons off to the side with a 71. He could chose any rifle for that. He chose to use the Winchester 71, and actually shot the coins out of the air for the movie. Herb's 71 now resides at the Cody Firearms Museum in Cody Wyoming. It is on display and it is signed by the cast of the movie. One of the coins shot from the air is embedded in the stock.

[@north61]

Great story! Thanks for sharing!

[@Nello353]

I rec,d one from my Dad when he went to the model 88W,he quickly discovered that the trigger on the 88 was not in the same class on his 348 so we switched again. The one problem I had was reloading the 348 ,l never got crimping right and frequently buckled a case or two,but I will always have a special place in my heart for this classic Winchester.

[@33journeyman]

I totally agree with your assessment. The Model 71 is probably the best point and shoot big bore rifle I've ever shot however I also really enjoy the Model 64 chambered in the 30 30 for Dear sized game. That being said between yourself and Riflechair I knew I had to find one and I did. For the Winchester Model 71 fans please check out Mark Novak on KZbin as he's doing a 3 part series on a 1936 Deluxe Model 71 restoration Part 1 and 2 are already out and part 3 is coming out very soon. Stay posted..... In his last video he will fully demonstrate full take down and reassembly of the 71 that may prove invaluable to this Winchester classic. Keep them maintained and running boys !!! Hope you enjoy this endeavor as much as I did.

[@Leverguns50]

I got both my deer last hunting season with a 71 Winchester One of them was just a touch over 200 yards, so far I’ve been able to take 12 deer with this wonderful fire arm, thanks for sharing the information.

[@north61]

What bullet did you use and how did it work?

[@Leverguns50]

north61 The last two I use those 180 grain Speer bullets, shot two deer with Winchesters PowerPoint factory loads. And the rest of them were with the FTX, all of the bullets pass completely through and never found any of them so far. The gun is super handy easy to get on target. I probably couldn’t have gotten a at least three maybe four of these deer with a different type of rifle. One of the big 10 points I shot I was hunting from a tree stand and the deer come out too far to my right almost behind of me, I couldn’t twist around, so I had to just shoot it from the shoulder with my right hand only, it was only about 40 yards away but I was happy to get it, even though I shot it with just one hand because of the light recoil it was no problem. Most of the deer dropped in their tracks, The ones that Ran left a really good blood trail and didn’t go far

[@MrRLH93]

The one I own was made in 1936 has the bolt mounted peep sight. It always amazes me how easy it is to shoot you pull it up and the sights are lined up. no other rifle fits me like the 71.

[@north61]

Those early 71's are very special!

[@R32R38]

Nothing beats a fine quality lever action.

[@Landrum45]

No doubt one of the greatest combos of all time. The originals are priced out of my range but the Winchester/Browning Miroku models from the late 80s and 2010 are still obtainable.

[@ronkay1573]

A real hunting rifle and it’s a beauty. Thanks for the video. Now I want one. Usually woods hunt with my marlin 356 but that 348 looks impressive.

[@ronkay1573]

On the reproduction model 71’s, browning and Winchester both made that model. As far as quality and accuracy, would you prefer the original or which modern brand reproduction for hunting?

[@leonardcollings7389]

Love that massive kick pad!!!

[@georgiaboy4410]

Wonderful rifle and cartridge👍🏻

[@jacobgerhard9525]

I have a winchester 71 deluxe from 1937. Excellent condition and rear peep still with it. My dad bought from a collection a while back. My only issue is finding reloading bullets. I think I found the one and only box of 200 grain hornady flats in my corner of Pennsylvania.....

[@OnTheFritz602]

I have the privilege of owning two of these fine rifles passed down from my Dad. One's a deluxe with the checkering and factory peep, the other is a standard. About 2005 my Dad and I bought new Winchester brass, and the dies along with 200gr Hornady bullets. Discovered loading is a challenge with the bullet seater/crimp die, and had to do that in two steps, by backing off the seater to slightly crimp. Need to get the dedicated crimp die. Great video, these are fantastic rifles that should have been flying off the shelves back in the day. Hard to believe compared to the 94, as so few were made.

[@fredsummerfelt]

I use a Lee Factory Crimp Die for my .348 loads and it works just fine!

[@OnTheFritz602]

@@fredsummerfelt That's exactly the one I'm getting!

[@deniscleaver7544]

Great video, thanks. Mine was made in 1957 and is a great handling rifle used very little. The problem, nowadays is ammo, bullets and cases for us hand loaders. Hornady, being the only modern day supplier of .348 WCF components needed for home brewed fodder has now discontinued the supply, bummer! Montana Bullet Co. is producing high quality heat treated cas lead, gas checked, 200 grain bullets in .349 diameter which is just the right diameter for cast lead bullets. Check them out.

[@north61]

I started buying Hornady 348 loaded ammo...the 200 FTX shoots great and the brass is good.

[@TheRedRocket]

I called Hornady, and they still make a couple of batches of .348 every year. They will do so as long as the demand makes it worth their while.

[@brianrobinson1975]

Great model 71 // 348 win content ! find any excuse to make more videos on these

[@raulmorales9967]

Light recoil? Not when your 67 years old, But I still hunt with it.thanks for the update.

[@north61]

If you shoot with a really bad kicker and come back to the 71 it's pretty good!

[@mcwilliams9607]

Wish I had one. Love that rifle!

[@jeffryrichardson9105]

Beautiful thank you for sharing this! 👍🏾😀❤️🇺🇸

[@north61]

My pleasure!

[@noonzeeb]

Great video and information, I just picked up a model 71 deluxe with a 1943 serial no. and I love this weapon, just wish I could find some reloading components!

[@north61]

keep looking..eventually the components will come to you..then don't hesitate!

[@jimmeerpohl8094]

ditto, mine is a 1947 , and some nimrod did put a side mounted scope on it. I took it off and found the missing bolt peep, added Williams front fire sight to help my old eyes. Works great. Best part, I only paid $600 because of the scope mount holes. They filled in nice with a little work and she shoots great.

[@north61]

That bolt peep is a wonder! Also pretty rare!

[@Aaron-mn8gw]

That's a great rifle! I'd like to see you hunt moose or bison with your .405 Winchester though.

[@TheAcworthdude]

I got to hold and check out one in.348. I could have got it for 1200$ sadly I did not have the $$$$ .It just felt "right" is the only way to describe it .

[@CaptHowdy48]

Where did you obtain the sling attachments, specifically the attachment on the magazine and the buttstock from? I need a set !

[@mattdirks7896]

Leverguns 50 has an awesome video where he comes up with a 348 Ack Imp that runs pretty hot. You'd probably like it.

[@north61]

I think I have seen it. That guy is pretty busy!

[@ronaldmasterbud1551]

I Love Mine, Have Had it for Over 30 Years, ( Ackley Improved ), Would NEVER Consider Selling It, Would Sell My Soul First !!!

[@seayak]

I agree these are wonderful rifles. I have one of the Browning reproductions in field grade, and a 1948 Winchester in deluxe grade. Have taken any number of deer and one black bear with these, mostly with the Browning which I load right up to full steam. I agree that the 200 grain is the more versatile load. The Browning has a Lyman receiver sight, and the Winchester the original bolt-mounted peep. Both guns are very accurate - surprisingly so even with a fairly large peep aperture, which you need for low-light conditions. The actions are both buttery smooth and bank-vault solid. Cartridge stretch is an issue with reloads though, likely because of the extreme slope of the case, so case life is limited, in my experience. .

[@north61]

I found the same case stretch problem with the 300H&H. I usually load 3 times at full power then use the brass for reduced loads.

[@brianlee6849]

That is a exceptional rifle. I don't like how many manufacturers that are building it lump it in with the 1886. They always say Model 71 / 86. I think the 71 should stand on its own with the 348 cartridge. Bullet selection is very nice 200 grains perfect for whitetail and the 250 just under 300 sectional density is excellent for game that you need more penetration. What year is that rifle that you have there? Thank you for sharing

[@north61]

It's a 1955 I believe. Really good shooter.

[@brianlee6849]

@@north61 Very nice original. I still think I want the 1895. But the 71 is right up there to. I agree with you not to scope these rifles. I don't really like a scope on anything. I think if more guys tried aperture sights they would realize they don't need a scope. Target acquisition with aperture sights is so much faster. Looks like it is still pretty cool up there? Thanks

[@brianlee6849]

That is a beautiful rifle. I could see how well it shoulders and lines the sights perfectly with your eye. The only negative I see is finding ammo but I have been wanting to get into loading for a long time. How available is brass ? How easy is it to load for? Thanks for sharing

[@north61]

Hornady makes wonderful loaded ammo with the 200 FTX at 2560ft/sec. I use that and reload the empties. Loads very easily. Bit of case stretching with hot loads limits case life. I start using 4X reloaded brass for light loads only.

[@brianlee6849]

@@north61 After I messaged you I saw leverguns50 has a video and model 71 is his favorite to. So I looked online to see the prices Wow I was shocked at the prices . I see better solely makes a 71 but it's chambered in 4570. Maybe Winchester will make another run . Do you like the Miroku 71s I might be able to get a deal on one of them? Thanks 👍

[@north61]

@@brianlee6849 Miroku uses modern machining methods to make probably a better gun than the original with a bit less mojo. The Brownings are also made in Japan and a bit less spendy, they lack the extra (and in my mind stupid) safety and are a great gun.

[@brianlee6849]

@@north61 Not having the tang safety would be a major plus for me as I would like the option to put a tang sight on it. I like the receiver site like you have also. Do you feel like a tank site would work on the wrist of this particular model or would it interfere with the ergonomics? Thanks

[@north61]

@@brianlee6849 Never tried a tang sight but I dislike the tang safety for ironically safety reasons. In Bear country possible to accidently have it on and create a fumble.

[@jasonsimone3523]

I have the deluxe version I bought in the 80's. Sadly it's just a safe queen. Worth to much money now to hunt with.

[@north61]

Understandable!

[@jeffwilson3374]

@@north61 completely understand. I have my dad’s 71 that my grandmother gave to him in the 50’s. I would venture to guess that maybe’ it has had a box of rounds through it. I wouldn’t take a million dollars for it, but I have hunted with it a couple of times.

[@bobparmelee1071]

I have a 71 from fifties. It was my dad's wasn't fired much. Can you recommend wear to buy ammo. Thanks

[@north61]

I buy it at our local store here in Whitehorse so not sure how much I can help. Where are you located?

[@bobparmelee1071]

@@north61 I'm in New York State.

[@ronaldmasterbud1551]

@@bobparmelee1071 sorry to Hear that,,, But I'm Not Doing Any Better,,, for the next 16 months I in California 😕

[@guaporeturns9472]

I love those.. what a beauty. That said I would put my 1955 99F 308 up against it in your canoe-shot situation or any other. Killed more deer , elk , bear and lions than you would believe so I’m not saying.. I’ll just say it’s a winning combination for me just like this is for you. I would like one of these someday. Thanks for the enjoyable video.👍🏻

[@north61]

I too have a soft spot for the 308 Win!

[@totallyfrozen]

I love the lever action! I own 3 of them. One is this model in .348

[@TimberTramp]

Nothing ruins the perfect firearm, more than unnecessary “scoping”!

[@3313-c2j]

The Model 71 was built like a tank

[@WalterWild2]

But it's a handloaders game now 😢

[@north61]

If you can find this it's really good stuff! www.hornady.com/ammunition/rifle/348-win-200-gr-ftx-leverevolution#!/#dealer-map

[@davidcraig9938]

One question...what is a Leeever and have you ever heard of a lever?

[@north61]

I am proud of my Canadian Accent. Why should we all sound the same? Up here it is LEEver.