Winchester Model 71
Winchester Repeating Arms · Rifle · Discontinued · 1935
Also known as: Winchester 71, Model 71
Overview
The Winchester Model 71 is a lever-action sporting rifle introduced in 1935 as the modernized replacement for the legendary Model 1886, chambered exclusively for the powerful .348 Winchester cartridge. Built on a robust steel action with a two-thirds-length tubular magazine holding four rounds, it was prized by elk, bear, and big-timber deer hunters for its hard-hitting flat-point bullets. Roughly 47,000 were produced in 24-inch rifle and 20-inch carbine forms before it was discontinued, and it remains a sought-after collector's piece today.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3629 g (128.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1095 mm (43.11") |
| Barrel Length | 610 mm (24.02") |
| Action Type | Lever Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 4 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Tube |
| Muzzle Velocity | 768 m/s (2520 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 3823 J (2820 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 183 m (200 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 305 mm (12.01") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .348 Winchester · primary — also known as .348 Win
Features
- Firing modes: Repeating
- Feed systems: Tubular Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Half Cock Hammer Notch
- Features: Tubular Magazine, Top Ejection, Exposed Hammer, Open Buckhorn Rear Sight, Two Thirds Length Magazine, Pistol Grip Stock
Variants
- Model 71 Standard Sporting Rifle — Standard
- Model 71 Deluxe Rifle — Deluxe
- Model 71 Carbine — Carbine
Service history
Operators
- Civilian big-game hunters
Production
Estimated total produced: 47,254 · Production years: 1935-1957
Offered in Standard and Deluxe rifle (24-inch) and Standard and Special carbine (20-inch) configurations. The carbine was offered roughly 1936-1947.
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: Winchester Repeating Arms Company
Discontinued: 1958
Notes
Its top-ejecting action prevented centered scope mounting, so the great majority of Model 71s lived their lives as iron-sighted buckhorn hunting rifles. Early guns (below approximately serial 15000) have a long tang; later guns a short tang.
Background
The Model 71 was the direct successor to and a streamlined redesign of the John Browning-designed Winchester Model 1886, and it was the only rifle ever chambered for the .348 Winchester, the two being introduced as a matched pair.