Thoughts on Browning 348 rifle

E

emillika

Inactive
I recently purchased a new, unfired (after factory) Model 71 wiht about 1400 rounds of ammo.

The gun is a high grade that "almost" looks too good to shoot so I've been playing around with buying a "shooter". Problem is the Winchester shooter grades are well above the value of this Browning.

My gut is to just shoot this Browning and move on from the idea of getting another one. I have more ammo than I will ever need for this rifle that I need to re-home as well.

Thoughts?

Thanks.
 
The better it looks the more you should shoot it!:D Your shoulder might help keep the round count low! Awesome gun and cartridge.
 
A Browning Model 71 in .348 Win isn't a collector piece. Even engraved and gold inlayed. They're running about $1800 on Gun Broker and Cabela's "Gun Library". There's a BNIB M71 on Gun Broker right now, nobody has bid on that the guy's asking $1199 as a 'buy now' price.
The ammo, on the other hand, is running about $80 plus per 20. Depending on the bullet and brand. Brass isn't available.
If I had 1400 rounds with a BNIB rifle, there'd be some shootin' going on.
 
Beautiful rifle-too nice not to shoot. But I understand and appreciate your concerns. Just me, maybe, but I refuse to own any firearm I'm hesitant to shoot because they're too pretty or rare. Those guns rightfully belong in the hands of serious collectors, a fraternity of which I have much respect for but I'm not a member of.
 
Incidentally, I should mention I like the cartridge/rifle. With a Woodleigh 250gr at 2500, it's capable on all north american game and fills the same role as .35 Whelen but in a lever gun. The FTX bullet gives you the option of acceptable reach too.
 
An associate told me a story about Elmer Keith.

Elmer was supposed to have received a beautiful new custom rifle. A friend saw it and said "Isn't that rifle too pretty to shoot?"

Elmer was supposed to have said "Ever seen a girl too pretty to kiss?"

I thought I that would add that here.
 
toy

When I was a kid, I received a toy rifle, that was a near exact replica, or so it seemed, of the M71. Likely was a bit smaller, say 4/5 scale or so, but it was neat. The lever exposed the mechanism for the roll of caps.

Broke the butt off it diving for cover one night during our many war games.

I've been intrigued by the Win 71s ever since.

Good for you on a fine rifle.
 
Keep the nice looking rifle and 400 rounds. Sell the other 1K of ammo and buy something you're not afraid to shoot.
 
I've got a couple formerly unfired Winchester commemoratives 1894s if that gives you an idea how I'd handle the situation.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top