A history and notes on the Model 71 Winchester, a classic American lever action rifle.

by Paul Mazan

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The lever action rifle is a uniquely American design and has been wildly popular here for well over 100 years. From immediately after the Civil War until today, the lever action has been as American as apple pie and just as popular. Despite this love affair between American hunters and the lever action, not all of the models have been successful.

Lever action Winchester rifles have been iconic since the moment they hit the market and all models are extremely collectible today. Like the Models 1873, 1892, and 1894, some of these rifles were legends in their own time and still demand premium prices on the collector and used gun markets. Despite the highly successful models and the desirability of any firearm with the Winchester name, there have been some whose sales and acceptance have not soared to the lofty heights of their brethren.

Winchester’s Model 71 is a prime example of a well-made lever gun, designed by a guy named John Browning, that fell flat. If you’re too young to know who John Browning was just ask some old geezer at the gun club; he will probably have heard of him. Back in my day he was almost as famous as Gaston Glock.

The Model 71 seemed to have a lot going for it.

Read more in the March 2024 issue.

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