It’s been a minute...model 71 348

[Finsandtines]

Good evening forum,

It has been a while since I have been active here and I’ve been meaning to reconnect for a bit. Been working through some things and activity on here came to a halt. Looking forward to jumping back in the mix and hearing about everyone’s success this year! I was curious if anyone has any knowledge of the value and/or the feasibility of a Winchester model 71 348. My stepfather gave my 14 year old son this gun last weekend and I had never heard of it. I did a little research but was just curious if anyone has one or has used one.

 

[Bonecollector]

Good to see you back bud!

 

[AKaviator]

I had one for several years and loved it. I sold it to a friend but regret doing so. Mine was the standard model as opposed to the higher grade. There is a difference in value, but I'm not sure what it is. As I recall, i paid $600 for it and sold it for the same.
Very smooth action and shot well. I never did take an animal with it but it is a great black bear/deer round.
I think Browning made a copycat model of it and I think you can still get factory loads for it.

Your son is fortunate to have it. It's a great rifle/cartridge.

 

[Colorado Cowboy]

It is really a collectors piece. Value (depending on condition) is from $1,500 to $2,000 for a basic model. My suggestion would be to keep it as a family heirloom and don't shoot it much.

Just sayin.................

 

[JimP]

Go onto Gunbroker and you will see prices all over the place for it.

The problem now is ammo. Winchester makes a seasonal run of it with 200 grain bullets but that is usually scarfed up as fast as it comes out. Same with Winchester brass, very hard to find. About the only ones putting out ammo for it that you can find is Buffalo Bore Ammo but a box of 20 will set you back around $100. If you are into reloading Starline brass makes reloading brass for it. It isn't cheap but it is there.

 

[Finsandtines]

Thanks guys! Good info to have.

 

[RICMIC]

My guide on my (just returned from) Colorado elk hunt had come back from a musk ox hunt in Greenland. He had picked up a M71 .348 that a friend had as a safe queen for many years. He wanted to use a lever gun in an unusual caliber, and he did get a good bull with it. Five boxes of shells were also included with the deal. Eric says that he really bonded with that gun.