Make: Made by Miroku for Browning

Model: 71

Serial Number: 02386PR1R7

Year of Manufacture: 1987 (PR date code)

Caliber: .348 Winchester

Action Type: This rifle has a lever action with a two thirds length tubular magazine.

Barrel Length: 24"

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade dovetailed to a hooded, ramped base screwed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a square-notch semi-buckhorn elevator sight dovetailed to the rear of the barrel; the elevator is missing. The left of the receiver is drilled and tapped with a Williams receiver sight installed, adjustable for windage and elevation.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are 2-piece smooth walnut with a pistol grip, fluted straight comb, semi-beavertail forend with steel cap, and checkered blued steel buttplate. Sling studs have been installed in the belly and on the magazine tube in front of the forend. The stocks have a few minor nicks, scuffs and small scratches, but no notable wear or damage. The LOP measures 13 1/4" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has minor wear and well defined checkering. Overall, the stocks are in Fine-Excellent condition.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore, but there is a little stubborn copper fouling. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 8 or 9 out of 10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 98% of its metal finish. There are only a few minor marks and faint operational wear. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in about Excellent 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 standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.

Our Assessment: This is a Browning Model 71 lever action rifle with a 20” barrel chambered in .348 Winchester. The original Model 71 was an improvement on the Model 1886, the designation Winchester gave when they simplified the options offered and consolidated the caliber offerings to just .348 Winchester. The .348 was a new cartridge developed to be a one-shot-does-all, replacing all of the chamberings of the 1886 from .33 to .405. It was most popular with hunters in Canada and Alaska, as it could be used to take down elk and moose as well as dealing with any brown bears which wanted to contest the hunter’s claim to their kill.

The rifle is a faithful reproduction of the Winchester Model 71, chambered in the original cartridge and made in 1987 as part of a limited edition run with only 4,000 made in Grade I. This rifle is in about Excellent condition with 98% of its metal finish remaining, a good bore, and minor marks in the wood. It comes equipped with factory iron sights and a Williams peep aperture attached to the receiver. This rifle would still make a great hunting gun today, and, in its high condition, it would also make a great addition to a Browning or lever-action collection. Please see our photos and good luck!