Search found 479 matches

by big bear
Wed Dec 08, 2010 9:12 am
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: 348 Winchester
Replies: 163
Views: 37575

Re: 348 Winchester

Thanks alot! I'm going to load some up this weekend and try them out.
by big bear
Tue Dec 07, 2010 9:23 pm
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: 348 Winchester
Replies: 163
Views: 37575

Re: 348 Winchester

I know Cast Performance has lead cast 348's, but I am also told they are too long for the chamber throat of the Browning. Browning M71 throats are very short but you can seat most any style bullet using a Lee FCD. I have couple of moulds in this calibre and both designs foul on the rifling if loade...
by big bear
Mon Dec 06, 2010 11:36 pm
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: 348 Winchester
Replies: 163
Views: 37575

Re: 348 Winchester

Hi SJ, Here are a couple of sources of cast lead bullets for the .348: 1.) Mount Baldy Bullets, P.O. Box 835, Cody, WY 82414; phone (307) 754-5255; http://www.mtbaldybullets.com. He has a nice 250grain gas checked flat point that has worked well in my '71 at moderate velocities, say around 1500 to ...
by big bear
Fri Dec 03, 2010 9:26 am
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: 348 Winchester
Replies: 163
Views: 37575

Re: 348 Winchester

Buy one, you will join a very elite group and you will love the rifle. For shooting get a Browning 71 carbine. At my mountain cabin when I have to go check a noise at night that little carbine feels "just right" as there are lots of bears in the neighborhood, black bears and grizzlies. The...
by big bear
Tue Nov 30, 2010 9:20 am
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: help a Win 71 nut out
Replies: 12
Views: 1878

Re: help a Win 71 nut out

Gunsmith says there is nothing wrong with friction stop/pin/spring etc. He says rifle has been taken apart before and he is still not sure what the problem is. I am getting abit leery of rifle even though to my eye and the gunsmith's eye it looks as though it is virtually new internally (bore surfac...
by big bear
Thu Nov 25, 2010 9:24 am
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: .348 Winchester Ammo
Replies: 17
Views: 5468

Re: .348 Winchester Ammo

I think maybe the sky is not falling. Checked two of my sources for 348 stuff, one had 10 bags of brass, the other 30bags. Both had lots of Hornady bullets. And when push comes to shove you can always shoot cast bullets, 250gr GC hard cast bullet will shoot pretty near stem to stern most things o th...
by big bear
Thu Nov 25, 2010 8:50 am
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: browning 218Bee Lever
Replies: 8
Views: 1504

Re: browning 218Bee Lever

500 brass should be an adequate supply for an old guy? can you find cast bullets for this calibre?
by big bear
Tue Nov 23, 2010 11:47 pm
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: browning 218Bee Lever
Replies: 8
Views: 1504

browning 218Bee Lever

Who has one? What's to love about it?
by big bear
Sat Nov 20, 2010 10:24 pm
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: .348 Winchester Ammo
Replies: 17
Views: 5468

Re: .348 Winchester Ammo

WinM71 wrote:I would think 200 brass would be a reasonable minimum to pass on with the rifle, 400 or 500 would be very comfortable.
Well I guess I'd better get scrounging, and my sons had better get.....busy :oops:
by big bear
Sat Nov 20, 2010 2:24 pm
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: .348 Winchester Ammo
Replies: 17
Views: 5468

Re: .348 Winchester Ammo

Postponing going out in the cold to finish up preparing a blacktail deer(2x2) I got yesterday with my old win71 :) 50yds, snap shot, big hole went 10yds, now the hard work, snowed overnight,cold outside and my old joints ache (but I could be getting up under a tarp getting ready to go look for a buc...
by big bear
Sat Nov 20, 2010 1:12 am
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: .348 Winchester Ammo
Replies: 17
Views: 5468

Re: .348 Winchester Ammo

I noticed today that .348 Winchester ammunition went from "Out of Stock - Seasonal Run" to "Discontinued by Manufacturer" sometime in the last couple of days at MidWayUSA. I guess that last run was all of it they will ever make. They obviously sold all they made ... for $550 a c...
by big bear
Sun Nov 14, 2010 11:44 pm
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: help a Win 71 nut out
Replies: 12
Views: 1878

Re: help a Win 71 nut out

Thanks for that info, I don't feel so dumb now. Now I am really perplexed as the rifle does not appear much used at all (no ring at all on bolt face from firing, minimal blue wear except at muzzle) but when you close the action the lever drops down abit and the locking bolts fall down also, not stic...
by big bear
Sat Nov 13, 2010 2:08 pm
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: help a Win 71 nut out
Replies: 12
Views: 1878

Re: help a Win 71 nut out

in the indent at the front of the lever is a large part you can press into the lever body. the picture looks like a tiny pin, I'm still not clear about this, have patience, I'm mechanically very dense. :oops:
by big bear
Sat Nov 13, 2010 12:37 pm
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: help a Win 71 nut out
Replies: 12
Views: 1878

Re: help a Win 71 nut out

Big Bear, The problem with the lever drop could be with a worn friction stud or weak stud spring. If the rifle has been used alot,some times the stud channel gets dirty and gumed up and won't let the stud release fully. Could be a combination of all of the above. Very easily fixed. Check the front ...
by big bear
Sat Nov 13, 2010 12:12 am
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: help a Win 71 nut out
Replies: 12
Views: 1878

Re: help a Win 71 nut out

oh yeah, the locking bolts which should be proud of the receiver when the bolt is closed are down just below the top of receiver, you can press the lever up and everything looks right. Got it from a friend who I trust, he says it was always that way and shot just fine. What do I need to fix/ replace...
by big bear
Sat Nov 13, 2010 12:01 am
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: help a Win 71 nut out
Replies: 12
Views: 1878

help a Win 71 nut out

I have a Winchester 71 that the lever will not stay up. when you cycle it the lever falls open about 3/8" . I recall reading about the problem here several years ago. Is it a worn spring of some type?Help appreciated.Thanks
by big bear
Thu Oct 21, 2010 10:11 pm
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: OT whats your favorite band or artist
Replies: 64
Views: 8911

Re: OT whats your favorite band or artist

Joe Henry
Son Volt
Volebeats
Blue Rodeo
Grateful Dead
Robert Johnson
by big bear
Thu Oct 21, 2010 9:01 am
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: B92 44 Mag
Replies: 11
Views: 2303

Re: B92 44 Mag

I have one. I used to shoot a Win94 carbine in 44mag, with Williams receiver sight. When i got this one I gave the Win94 to my youngest son. I can shoot better groups with the 94 because of the sights. but in our "roll the can" game I can still beat youngblood with the browning 92 ( we put...
by big bear
Tue Oct 12, 2010 7:23 pm
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: went hunting
Replies: 16
Views: 1354

Re: went hunting

Markbo wrote:Is it just me or does that face mask look photo shopped in?

You hidin' from someone big bear? :wink:

Nice bull BTW
Not hiding, but I chose my friends carefully, shouldn't give your name out to bad company you know.
by big bear
Tue Oct 12, 2010 7:46 am
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: went hunting
Replies: 16
Views: 1354

Re: went hunting

jkbrea wrote:Very nice bull. Bow or rifle? Where?
Rifle, 40yd shot, base of neck , elk facing me, that's why I got so much meat :) ,just worked out well, Northern B.C.
by big bear
Mon Oct 11, 2010 2:55 pm
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: went hunting
Replies: 16
Views: 1354

went hunting

Dark to dark hiking,sitting in icy rain several days,slim pickens and then... bugled in this nice fellow. http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w243/MountainHunter/IMG_0242.jpg 530lbs of meat in the freezer, major problem now, with the 8 sockeye salmon already in it the freezer is full.I've got 5 days ...
by big bear
Mon Oct 11, 2010 10:06 am
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: Calling all .348 reloaders! Hand prime question
Replies: 21
Views: 2267

Re: Calling all .348 reloaders! Hand prime question

Sinclair International makes a very nice hand primer, and has a shellholder for the 348Win. it's what I use and it works fine.FYI
by big bear
Fri Sep 24, 2010 9:07 am
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: on buying new guns...
Replies: 25
Views: 3588

Re: on buying new guns...

I keep all boxes and I really don't care what my other half thinks about the guns I buy. The house, her and my two children are well taken care of and how I spend my free money is my business. Hey! Life is too short to have someone else run your happiness or to direct their misguided thoughts on hi...
by big bear
Tue Aug 31, 2010 10:53 pm
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: Winchester 88 Carbine
Replies: 6
Views: 923

Re: Winchester 88 Carbine

Found one, I have a late model 88 rifle, recoil pad installed, should I sell it, keep it and keep shooting it (don't hunt with it), Clean the carbine and put it in the back of the safe, or.... The rifle is o.k., don't hunt with it because I use a Savage 99 in 358 where I would use the 88 rifle in 3...
by big bear
Tue Aug 31, 2010 9:19 am
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: Winchester 88 Carbine
Replies: 6
Views: 923

Winchester 88 Carbine

Found one, I have a late model 88 rifle, recoil pad installed, should I sell it, keep it and keep shooting it (don't hunt with it), Clean the carbine and put it in the back of the safe, or.... The rifle is o.k., don't hunt with it because I use a Savage 99 in 358 where I would use the 88 rifle in 308.
by big bear
Mon Jun 21, 2010 6:24 am
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: Replacement lever gun stocks
Replies: 6
Views: 1050

Re: Replacement lever gun stocks

willygene wrote:precision gun works for stocks.
Thanks, that's the one. Got a buttstock for a 71 from them. Dimensions around wrist of stock not spec (too much wood taken away) My stocker is going to repair it with a glued in strip of walnut.Just a precaution to the next guy.
by big bear
Sun Jun 20, 2010 11:53 am
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: Replacement lever gun stocks
Replies: 6
Views: 1050

Replacement lever gun stocks

A couple of years ago there was a lengthy discussion of sources of rough finished replacement stocks for Winchester 71 rifles. I have never had great luck with the search function here. can anybody help out? thanks!
by big bear
Tue Jun 15, 2010 9:52 am
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: Why do you reload?
Replies: 83
Views: 8084

Re: Why do you reload?

348 Winchester @ $60.00 to 70.00 per 20, is reason enough in itself to reload. PRECISELY!!! It feels so good when I look at a 50 round box of fresh 348 reloads and figure out how much money I have saved, then multiply that by the number of boxes of reloaded 348 ammo I have then figure it is only ri...
by big bear
Mon Jun 07, 2010 11:05 pm
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: A Favorite Woods Walking Gun - Browning 53 32-20
Replies: 20
Views: 3263

Re: A Favorite Woods Walking Gun - Browning 53 32-20

The pictured 32-20 is one of my favorite guns for carrying around our acreage at leisure. I was checking on some of my glade plantings this morning when this young squirrel presented itself. He will become part of an upcoming dinner, along with some of his buddies. I bought this Browning 53 when it...
by big bear
Fri May 14, 2010 7:45 pm
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: Questions about Savage 99's?
Replies: 25
Views: 5277

Re: Questions about Savage 99's?

1. forget about take down model, you will not find one cheap. 2. get a pre-million serial number model with safety on the lever, not tang I like the lines of the EG 3. 300 savage cheapest calibre, good round. 4. Check for split in stock at tang. I have a 308 with fine hair thin split there,never the...
by big bear
Fri May 07, 2010 8:08 am
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: OT, any Enfield experts here?
Replies: 19
Views: 2056

Re: OT, any Enfield experts here?

The No4 MkII was post-WWII and the final iteration in the .303-chambered No4 Rifle series, not counting the sniper versions. To set the record straight, the only manufacturer of the No4 MkII Enfield Rifle was RSAF Fazakerley. There are a number of No4 MkI and Mk1* Rifles that were converted to MkII...
by big bear
Thu Apr 22, 2010 12:19 am
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: loud Model 71
Replies: 12
Views: 2165

Re: loud Model 71

It's probably the extractor snapping over the case rim. As you close the action watch the extractor as it snaps over the rim at the very last second. Sometimes if they are really stiff they cause a noise. I've had that happen on Mdl 94s. Joe BINGO! I cleaned the rifle real good and played with a du...
by big bear
Tue Apr 20, 2010 9:49 pm
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: loud Model 71
Replies: 12
Views: 2165

Re: loud Model 71

Same here. I also hunt with a round chambered and the gun on half cock. It really doesn't make a lot of sense to run around the woods with an unloaded rifle. Gentleman, the country I hunt is mountainous. I frequently hunt with a partner. For safety sake I do not scramble through rough country with ...
by big bear
Tue Apr 20, 2010 12:19 am
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: loud Model 71
Replies: 12
Views: 2165

Re: loud Model 71

I should add there is increases resistance in the lever as the bolt comes close to closed, then an audible sound, a bit lower pitched than I would use the term click for.The rifle then locks up nicely and shoots well. My other levers chamber rounds quite smoothly and quietly. My problem with the noi...
by big bear
Mon Apr 19, 2010 9:10 am
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: loud Model 71
Replies: 12
Views: 2165

loud Model 71

I was out testing loads on the weekend. My Winchester71 has a loud sound on closing the chamber with a round in it. A quite audible ,loud click when the final pressure is applied to chamber the round.The rounds don't have any visible rub marks or scrapes on bullet that I can detect. it occurs with a...
by big bear
Sat Apr 17, 2010 5:24 pm
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: Just snagged another '92 Browning
Replies: 13
Views: 1749

Re: Just snagged another '92 Browning

Browning 92s are NICE. Browning 92s are RARE (someone will come along and give precise number, but less than 10,000 total, likely a lot less than 10,000...2 grades Standard and HiGrade,( the latter with engraving) Browning 92s are so Nice, Accurate and Slick I gave my youngest son my as new Winchest...
by big bear
Fri Mar 26, 2010 12:04 am
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: restocking 71
Replies: 13
Views: 1646

Re: restocking 71

I have one that was drilled and the butt stock cut to add a recoil pad. I wanted to return the butt stock to the original configuration, so I paid to have one made. I also went onto eBay and purchased an original Winchester steel butt plate (I think it cost about $40). Buying a semi-inletted stock ...
by big bear
Thu Mar 25, 2010 10:27 am
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: restocking 71
Replies: 13
Views: 1646

Re: restocking 71

In fact, I have 2 old 71's :D I was thinking of taking for foreend cap off the ugliest one and switching it to the less ugly one (the one with the slings) and redoing the nicer one with out sling swivels and the ugly one with swivels , then drag it through as much bush as my old legs will carry us l...
by big bear
Thu Mar 25, 2010 8:11 am
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: restocking 71
Replies: 13
Views: 1646

Re: restocking 71

The horse was forgiven, it was rough country.Stuff will on occasion happen, thanks for the advice.
by big bear
Wed Mar 24, 2010 10:17 pm
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: restocking 71
Replies: 13
Views: 1646

restocking 71

Opinions requested on restocking old 71. I have a battered Win 71 with shattered buttstock ( ask the horse). I have got replacement wood (needs final sanding, fitting, etc.) Original rifle has sling attachment on butt stock and a sling attachment on fore end cap. Not DeLuxe style fittings but modifi...
by big bear
Tue Feb 16, 2010 10:51 am
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: Savage 99 and used rifle dilema.
Replies: 12
Views: 1242

Re: Savage 99 and used rifle dilema.

I think this is the one 86'r is refirring to.very nice.IMHOP. http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/content/community/gun_inventory/inventory/glendale/fine_rifle/1636347_sav99300sav.jsp?categoryId=SEARCH_gl the pictured rifle has a side mounted iron sight, redfield I believe. There are no factory drill...
by big bear
Sun Feb 07, 2010 1:42 pm
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: Model 71 Deluxe grip cap question
Replies: 5
Views: 491

Re: Model 71 Deluxe grip cap question

To the best of my limited knowledge the correct grip cap for the 71 is plain, but the 1886s have logo grip caps. :| Now I have been looking at this carefully since I got my Deluxe 71 6 years ago. mine does not have logo. I check pictures of Deluxes when they come up (eg. Cabelas ads, GunBroker, etc...
by big bear
Sun Feb 07, 2010 11:56 am
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: Model 71 Deluxe grip cap question
Replies: 5
Views: 491

Re: Model 71 Deluxe grip cap question

Just came accross another Winchester 71, late production, Deluxe model, original owner, here in Western Canada, also has a logoless grip cap. I think this is an end of production thing and these are not replacement caps as both rifle are one owner rifles and this fellow says his was like that from t...
by big bear
Sat Jan 30, 2010 5:43 pm
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: why would anyone want a Finnwolf?
Replies: 13
Views: 2625

Re: why would anyone want a Finnwolf?

Keep in mind that really good, talented, old-school gunsmiths will MAKE parts for out-of-production guns, as necessary. Many "gunsmiths" in gunshops today are really parts-changers or armorers, more so than true gunsmiths. anymore, old school gunsmiths are about as rare as spare mags for ...
by big bear
Fri Jan 29, 2010 10:56 pm
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: why would anyone want a Finnwolf?
Replies: 13
Views: 2625

why would anyone want a Finnwolf?

Since I caught the lever virus , I've found out about the joys of the 71, the grace of the 99, romance of 1886, and so forth...94,88,53,95,64( and yes , I do blame you guys for this predicament :evil: .I appear to fortunately be immune to the Marlin strain of the virus as I never come accross any of...
by big bear
Fri Jan 22, 2010 10:10 pm
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: OT: Swedish 94
Replies: 33
Views: 2796

Re: OT: Swedish 94

What's wrong with the scope? I always thought pretty was as pretty does, and those holes are awfully close together :wink: . I have a British scope (Falcon) that looks alot like that and works grand,use it in service rifle competition out to 500yds.
by big bear
Fri Jan 22, 2010 10:04 pm
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: Looking for book about Harold Johnson
Replies: 2
Views: 456

Looking for book about Harold Johnson

Harold Johnson, you know of 450 Alaskan fame. I saw a book on eBay several years ago, before I understood how eBay worked, that was about this man and his rifles. I recollect it may have been spiral bound. Has anyone ever seen this? have a copy of it? I would love to have it or a photocopy.Somebody ...
by big bear
Wed Jan 20, 2010 10:24 am
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: Most reliable lever gun
Replies: 57
Views: 6874

Re: Most reliable lever gun

Well, here is my experiences, more or less. IMHO, some are more trouble prone then others, but I am sure there will always be someone who has shot thousands of rounds through any given model without issues. Unless it has been tuned by someone who knows how, I will say that the Rossi 92 quite often ...
by big bear
Fri Jan 08, 2010 1:22 am
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: Calling to order, meeting of Win 71 nuts
Replies: 10
Views: 1020

Re: Calling to order, meeting of Win 71 nuts

I am restocking a Winchester 71 that I acquired....The rifle will not be original so that doesn't enter the picture....that rubber pad might be awfully nice as I get even older and get around to shooting all those 250gr Barnes bullets I have squirreled away. So what do you gentleman say?.... Don, s...
by big bear
Fri Jan 08, 2010 1:19 am
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: Calling to order, meeting of Win 71 nuts
Replies: 10
Views: 1020

Re: Calling to order, meeting of Win 71 nuts

Thanks guys, I think I'm going steel and get a slip on if I need it. Might have a recoil pad for sale. With regard to recoil, only problem I've ever had was when I challenged my youngest, a big lad,( he played safety a few years before he got serious about physics ) to a shooting match, me with my b...