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I don't really know squat about the Mdl 71s, but most lever guns have a little spring loaded plunger on the lever or some part that locks the lever closed.
If the 71 has one, check to make sure it's free to move. Lots of times they get gummed up and stick inside the hole.
Joe
***Be sneaky, get closer, bust the cap on him when you can put the ball where it counts .***
The plunger is on the front of the lever. Turn the rifle upside down and watch there as the lever is closed. The plunger can be just stuck in as JM mentions, it can be worn to the point it no longer functions properly, or the plunger spring could be broke or too weak.