Winchester 71 or Japanese Browning/Winchester

W

WillT

Inactive
I have found a Winchester 71 made in 1957, the action, trigger and such show very little use. My intend to send a gun to Doug Turnbull for conversion to .450 Alaskan, match octagon barrel, case hardened colors and custom wood. Or would it be best to just send a Japanese version to Turnbull. Money isn't the issue but best action is.

Thanks, WillT
 
1957? Late enough that the quality of the steel shouldn't be an issue. Early enough that the hand-fitting might be a tad better.
 
Original or not

I understand original vs Japanese but for a rifle of a lifetime... It's a mute point with the $,$$$ that Turnbull will cost me. I have sent Turnbull an email and will see what they say. But, I do really appreciate ya'll's input!
 
If I had an original Winchester in the condition you describe I'd leave it alone. It's just too nice a gun to alter. Nothing against Turnbull, I have two guns he's done for me but they were Japchesters. He did a great job on them and being Miroku made guns I didn't mind altering them. Miroku makes great guns and are a good platform for getting this done. Leave the old Winchester as it is.
 
Call Turnbull for his advice
Click to expand...

Turnbull makes their living doing this kind of work. They aren't likely to tell someone not to do it. A bit of conflict of interest there. Ask an appraiser of firearms if you want an unbiased opinion.
 
"They aren't likely to tell someone not to do it. A bit of conflict of interest there."

Actually, if they see a probelm, they would be very wise to say something, and they likely will. They've developed a rather stellar reputation over the years, and they're not silly enough to risk it by maintaining their silence in favor of "well, if we keep our mouths shut, we'll get some work."


Personally I would NEVER send an original Winchester 71 to be modified. They're uncommon and special enough that I feel that they should not be altered.

They should be admired and used, but not altered.

The Japanese made copy? In quality it's the equal of the Winchester, but it is NOT a Winchester.
 
Actually, if they see a probelm, they would be very wise to say something, and they likely will. They've developed a rather stellar reputation over the years, and they're not silly enough to risk it by maintaining their silence in favor of "well, if we keep our mouths shut, we'll get some work."
Click to expand...

That isn't what I said. Turnbull will not tell someone not to alter a gun if they want another caliber barrel installed and some other work done. That's not a problem. If you ask for a quote and ask about the feasibilty of getting something done they will tell you if they can do it and how much it will cost. They aren't in the business of telling people they don't advise it. Their business is restorations and alterations. They are honest and do good work. However, they didn't make their name on telling people not to change their guns. As long as it isn't practical or unsafe, they will do what you want for a price. They run a "for profit" business. Certainly, they wouldn't do anything to ruin a gun. However, what the OP is thinking of doing isn't going to ruin the gun. It's an opinion question and everyone is entitled to one.
 
Winchester 71

After several emails and talking with Tracy @ Turnbull, I've decided to leave the '71 on the shelf and order a 1886 Turnbull .475 to my specs. I appreciate everyone's input and views but after owning many true keepers (handguns) over the years, I wouldn't hesitate using a Win 71 for a keeper. But, some things Turnbull told me... Well, that 1957 Winchester 71 is still available for one of you to buy!

Again, many thanks,

WillT
 
This may or may not be true, but I have heard from more than one source that Turnbull restorations don't diminish the value of a vintage firearm..Mainly if you are starting with one that does need refinishing. Not to imply that having a factory mint 1886 redone would yield the same result mind you.

Can someone tell me definitively if this is true or not??

It seems as though this could be true in my mind. Many types of collectibles are for lack of a better word, restored.. to maintain their condition and value. For example, priceless paintings the world over have been worked on over the years to preserve them and they still remain priceless.

Can this not be true of firearms as well so long as the work is properly done?

They do magnificent work...
 
This may or may not be true, but I have heard from more than one source that Turnbull restorations don't diminish the value of a vintage firearm.
Click to expand...

What the OP is suggesting is not a Turnbull restoration, but a substantial and irreversible modification from original.

Under the circumstances it would be much smarter to buy a Browning / Miroku replica with far lower collector value and modify it.
 
a substantial and irreversible modification from original.

First off in my current conditions I would not modify an original 71. I like them too much. However, 50 or 60 years ago if I needed a heavy slammer and lived anyplace where big bears lived I would not hesitate to rebarrel a 71 in 450 Alaskan. It is a thumper for sure, better than a 45-70, 405 win., etc.

It is a fairly simple change. About all a gunsmith needs to do is unscrew the original barrel, thread, fit, and chamber a new barrel and go shooting. Since the same 348 case will be used with only being opened up to fire a 45 cal projectiles no modification of the bolt face, tube magazine, etc.

That is about the extent of my gunsmith knowledge on this modification.

I'm wondering, why couldn't the customer ask for his old barrel back. I would think if at sometime in the future you wanted a 348 about all it would take is for a smith to unscrew the 405 barrel and screw in the original.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top