Quote:
Originally Posted by HardDrive
What will this round do that a .308 can't?
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Launch a 200 grain bullet at 2,600 fps. The best the .308 can do is about 2,400 fps. Or, for very heavy game, launch a 250 grain bullet at about 2,300 fps.
It's really as much (probably more) about the rifle as the cartridge, though. That's where the "intangibles" come in. The Model 71 has a balance, a liveliness to it that belies its darn near nine pound weight. The way that, for many people, it just snaps to the shoulder and the sights are seemingly effortlessly aligned with one another and the target. The rapidity of repeat shots, if necessary, cannot be matched by any bolt gun. This all adds up into what is a wonderful hunting rifle, a field rifle, one that is meant to be used far away from the comforts of a rifle range. Far too many modern "hunting" rifles are really "range" rifles that are designed to excel in the environment in which they are most used - the rifle range. The Model 71 is anything but.
And finally, the fit and finish definitely represent some of the best I have ever seen from Winchester, be it an original vintage Model 71 or one of the last run of modern ones. And the action - they seem to have taken particular care with the action. As you know, I'm kind of a lever gun fan, and have more than a few. This is the smoothest one I own.
Too bad you're not around here anymore. I would love to introduce you. I think you would really like the Model 71.