Ode to the Winchester Model 71

[Jeff Higgins]

I discovered this guy on You Tube about the same time I finally found my Winchester Model 71. I was looking for load data and anyone with practical experience with this firearm when I stumbled across his channel. He pretty well nails it, in this video and many more where he shares not only specific load recommendations, but his practical hunting experiences.



I have to say, after a few years of ownership and experimentation/familiarization, I have to pretty much agree with his stance on this particular firearm. It very much occupies a "sweet spot" ballistically, coming very close to the short range smashing power of more traditional "big bore" lever guns in .45-70, .45-90 and such, yet extending its useful range to virtually that of the .30-'06.

And its ergonomics are, as he discusses, outstanding. It's the most naturally pointing rifle I own. Snapping it up to the shoulder has its sights on target without extra movement or adjustment. It's a joy to carry, with perfect balance, the round bottom he mentions, and not unreasonable weight. Like he says, you really do kind of have to experience it to see. With all of the rifles I own, and all of the rifles that have come and gone, the fact that this one so quickly became a favorite says a lot about this rifle. There's just something about it... Pretty intangible, pretty hard to describe, but "it" is there in this one. If you ever get a chance to handle and shoot a Model 71, don't pass it up. I bet if you do, you start looking for one...