Browning Miroku Model 71 20” Barrel .348 Winchester Lever Action Rifle 1987

SOLD FOR: $1,130.00

LSB#: WY240911RL077

Make: Browning

Model: 71

Serial Number: 02014PR1C7

Year of Manufacture: 1987

Caliber: .348 Winchester

Action Type: Lever Action fed by Internal Tube Magazine

Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “BROWNING ARMS COMPANY MORGAN UTAH & MONTREAL P.Q. / MADE IN JAPAN / BROWNING MODEL 71 CALIBER 348 WIN” The right side of the barrel is marked “BROWNING MODEL 71 CALIBER 348 WIN.” The bottom of the receiver is marked “02014PR1C7”

Barrel Length: 20”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade dovetailed into a ramped post with a protective hood. The rear sight is a buckhorn elevator sight.

Stock Configuration & Condition: 2 piece walnut stock, fluted straight comb, checkered buttplate, smooth semi pistol grip, and a smooth fore end. The LOP is 13.5” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. There are light scratches and compression marks on the stock and fore end. There are no chips or cracks. The stock rates in Very Good condition.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright. The rifle is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. There is some fouling in the barrel. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 8.5/10.

Overall Condition:  This rifle retains about 97% of its metal finish. There are minor scratches on the receiver and barrel. The screwheads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle.  As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None

Our Assessment: It could be said that Winchester’s Model 71 was the last great traditional lever-action design. Introduced in 1935, it was adapted from Winchester’s Model 1886 and featured a new cartridge. Named the .348 Winchester, the new cartridge was intended to be a do-all round ideal for anything from deer to moose. Interestingly, the Model 71 is the only traditional Winchester lever gun not named for the year it was introduced. Instead, being the next rifle model introduced after the bolt-action Model 70, it was labeled the Model 71

Some experts consider the Model 71 to be the most refined of all the traditional lever-action designs. It was known for smooth function, thanks to quality craftsmanship and the tapered .348 Win. cartridge. There was a rifle model with a 24-inch barrel and a carbine with a 20-inch barrel. Both could be had in Deluxe versions. The model was discontinued in 1957, with almost 50,000 rifles manufactured during its 22-year run.

In 1986 Browning (now a sister company to Winchester) made a limited run of about 13,000 Model 71s in its Miroku, Japan, manufacturing facility. This Model 71 was made in 1987 and is in Very Good condition. If you’re looking for a Big Game hunting rifle in a classic lever action rifle, this is an excellent choice. Good luck on your bid! -M.C.