Browning Model 71 Range Report

[NYDAN]

My neighbor & friend Caleb T. recently acquired a Browning Model 71 High Grade chambered in 348 Win. He got to shoot it today for the first time (first time for him and first time for rifle).

He was shooting Hornady factory 200 gr. FTX loads from my shooting bench in my back yard. He was using the factory installed open sights.

We set up a target at 50 yards and he shot his first shot.

He was pretty pleased with the results.




Then we set up a target at 100 yards and he shot his second shot. He was even more pleased with this result.





Then we moved on to water jugs. Here is a link to a slow-motion video:

We managed to catch the bullet in the 5th jug. Distance was 25 yards with a muzzle velocity of 2610 fps.







I really don't know what more I can say. The pictures tell the story better than I can.

 

[JD338]

Congratulations to Caleb on a really nice M71 348 Win. It appears to be a shooter too. Lots of horse power there. Those upstate NY bucks are in deep dark trouble.

JD338

 

[salmonchaser]

Wow!

 

[jimbires]

that is beautiful . I'd be afraid to use it , from the fear of scuffing it . it's shoots well too . looks like Caleb , is a natural with open sights . well done Boys .

 

[DrMike]

That'll do. Looks ready to roll for deer this fall.

 

[wvbuckbuster]

For the first time he shoots like a professional. Pretty rifle and lots of thump. Looking forward to a hunting story about this rifle and hunter.

 

[SJB358]

Great rifle and excellent shooting. That FTX 348 ammo looks pretty good. Nothing much I would hunt with that set up!

 

[salmonchaser]

I had to come back and look at that again.

 

[RL338]

Congrats to Caleb on a fine thumper.

 

[Blkram]

Beautiful rifle!
And they are obviously doing well together! The grin above his chin says it all!
Best of luck in his adventures with this new beauty!

I have long drooled over those High Grades...but as a hunter first was scared when younger to have a beautiful rifle like that, for fear of scratching it up in the bush, or in transport to/from hunts.
Today, I think that I could do better at protecting a firearm like that, as I now have some pretty nice rifles, and am a little slower and more careful now. And less likely to hunt as rough of country now...
I have owned a couple of Grade 1 Brownings over the years; nice rifles!sold them when I needed funds for other projects or life in general. (And I had my BLR in 358 Win which pretty much did the same thing.)
Haven't even seen one of those High Grade rifles for sale in quite a while now.

 

[Slimfinn]

Thanks should work nicely for him! fantastic looking rifle too

 

[NYDAN]

Caleb has realized that his primary hunting role for the next few years will be as a "guide" to his children and wife. His oldest is 14 and still requires (as per state law) adult supervision. His second is hunting deer for the first time this year. His third is waiting in the wings for her chance to hunt. So, the thought is that this medium bore lever gun will better support his role as "guide" better than his bolt action 300 Win. Mag.

Now that both of my friends named Caleb (Caleb T. and Caleb C.) and I have medium to large bore lever guns (348 Win., 358 Win., and 450 Marlin) we are going to designate our new tower blind specifically as a lever gun only stand. It will be positioned in a place where the longest shot is about 100 yards, right near a boundary line. We are all looking forward to using it.

 

[Slimfinn]

Caleb has realized that his primary hunting role for the next few years will be as a "guide" to his children and wife. His oldest is 14 and still requires (as per state law) adult

I know that "guide " role, and this could be my last season in the role for a while. Both daughters will be moving for post grad and nursing school next year.
Think i am going to carry my big bore lever, 375 win, for deer this year.

 

[Blkram]

Cool in you establishing your levers only stand!

More new shooters and hunters should be introduced to the sport using levers!
Teaches them how to use open sights (and/or scopes with QD rings), be patient for better shot angles within reasonable distances with the milder cartridges, and when hunting spot and stalk, to become better hunters, where they must learn to get closer while not spooking their quarry so they don't just think they can blast away at ranges beyond their early shooting capabilities. Makes them appreciate their accomplishments more as they have to work harder to earn it!
And I think that they would have more fun!
I know that I'll always remember my first big game hunts with my Grandfather's Marlin 30-30 and my Dad's Winchester 30-30, on a whitetail doe and a black bear...nor all of the other animals (moose, deer, bear, elk and caribou) taken mostly with my Marlin 375 Win and BLR 358 Win over the years!
Just something special about a short, light, and handy lever, that doesn't carry a ton of energy, muzzle blast and recoil, that cannot be duplicated by other firearms.
Puts a big grin over the chin!