Straight grip buttstock on a model 71

[getitdone1]

Did anyone here ever make their pistol grip model 71 Winchester/Browning into a straight grip--or have it done?

Malamute? Weren't you considering this?

Why would I want to mutilate the gun--some might ask? Tastes differ. I can definitely lever a straight grip--from the shoulder--easier and faster than I can a pistol grip.

Might also add a full length magazine and thin-down the forestock.

Don

[tman]

You are describing my dream gun. In the carbine version. If u do it, please keep us updated. Thanks.

[Mike D.]

Don, are you talking original or Browning copy? It's cake with the Browning, but a little more difficult with an original. A Miroku 1886 EL stock will fit the Browning and a original 1886 shotgun stock will work on the old one. You can also utilize a ELW forend.

[yooper2]

You are describing my dream gun. In the carbine version. If u do it, please keep us updated. Thanks.

+1! Find yourself a Browning and go to town.

Eric

[Ysabel Kid]

A straight-stocked 71 is on my wish list!

[kaschi]

How about the lower tang? Will a Miroku 1886 straight lower fit on the Browning 71?

[Mike D.]

Yes, with caveats. A Browning/Miroku 1886 lower tang will likely fit the Browning/Miroku 71. To be honest, though, I have not examined the action of a Browning 71, but they pretty much have to be the same as the 1886. All, including the original Winchester Model 71 used the coil main spring. The problem is that Browning did not make a straight lower tang. You can modify a Winchester/Miroku straight tang to accept the Browning coil spring. It requires drilling a hole in the tang to fit the block that holds the spring.

[Malamute]

My 71 has the short tang, so an 86 stock won't fit.

Yes Don, I'm planning on eventually making mine straight. I just never could warm up to the tight pistol grip of the 71's/64's. The tang and stock can be ground straight, the lever is the main thing to deal with. I also like a full magazine, thinner fore end, and a 22" barrel.

[Mike D.]

Easiest scenario might be finding a Browning 348 carbine barrel and screwing it on a 1886 EL. Adding a FM on that is cake. You need a Browning 1886 carbine tube and a front mag hanger for a original '86. Repros are made of the type that twist into the dovetail that would be made under the barrel. Ask Mike Hunter about doing the work if you haven't the tools the make the circular cut. He did the FM set up on one of my ELs.