[win348]

I have an 348 winchester model 71. The last time I was out with it, the sling broke where it connect to the tube for the magazine. Looking for replacement parts, trying to keep this gun original due to it be my grandfather's which was passed down to me. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[winchesterbob]

Assume the eye broke where the swivel is attached? If so you need a new fore end cap...very hard to find....I'll check around and PM you....

Meanwhile, check with Jack First to see if they can help....

http://www.jackfirstgun.com/order.php

 

[Harrysigafoo]

Just some thoughts. Only some 'delux' 71s came with factory swivels, not counting the custom gun shop at Winchester. So I assume you have a delux (checkering and the rear of the bolt is machined for a bolt peep sight)?

I mention this as lots of changesweremade to 71 by owners (increased value), and the installation of the sling swivel was very, very common. The Delux from swivels that I've seen, have a detachable bow, similar to the Uncle Mikes but heavier and made from all steel. The attachment piece is attached to the front of the wood/mag tube band.

The most common variation is a spit ring on the magazine tube right at the stock, this is NOT original but I do see a lot even on delux models. I suspect this it the cheap fix if the stud of the detachable breaks, [censored] your did.

So I'd first make sure that you have an "original" swivel.

If is is an original single bow or a detachable bow, a good smith could repair it if you have the broken part. I believe they were silver sodiered.

Over the years many of the original standard 71 have been converted to"delux' so they used any 'extra' parts that might have been lying around. Making it is probably going to be the best choice.

 

[winchesterbob]

Gee, Harry, sometimes you say things that are accurate then you post something confusing and full of misinformation....

Deluxe 71s ALL had an inlaid swivel base on the buttstock and a swivel eye machined into the fore end cap....None had any sort of front swivel eye on the magazine tube...the swivels were the same Supergrade type as present on SG Model 70s and M52 Sporting Rifles along with other Deluxe Winchester levers such as 64s and 65s...occasionally, for some unknown reason, the swivel would not fit into the swivel eye, probably due to the eye's orifice being undermachined....

The OP may indeed have an aftermarket swivel eye attached to the magazine tube and, if so, simply replacing said eye will solve his problem. IF he has a Deluxe with the swivel eye on the fore end cap, he is in for a devil of a time, finding a replacement cap/eye....

A 'smith could fashion a replacement eye and weld, not solder, it to his existing fore end cap then reblue the cap. That may be his best option if he has a Deluxe....if he has a Standard that someone put a swivel on the magazine tube, simply replacing the broken stud is an easy fix....if he's in the Allegheny County White Oak, Economy Gunsmithing (724-266-0232)) can fix him up....

I have never known an eye to "break" on a Deluxe fore end cap but I suppose anything's possible....

 

[Harrysigafoo]

Bob guess I didn't express myself good. I was trying to say that he FIRST should make sure he has a Delux...because standard models didn't have swivels, but many standard models have aftermarket swivels. So merely having a swivel DOES'NT mean the rifle is a delux.

If it is checkered and has the bolt machined for a bolt peep, that is a quick check on if it is original. But checkering alone is not conclusive, as many standards were checkered by their owners.

Then it he has a delux he should still make sure he has an original swivel...it may have broken earlyier and been replaced with a tube swivel.

No one would be lucky enough to find the replacement part, so I suggest IF IT IS ORIGINAL. ..have a good smith repair it.
I agree that the guys at Economy Gunsmithing 2030 Big Sewickley Crk Rd, Sewickley, PA 15143, (724) 266-0232..would be where I'd start, IF he has an original.

Sorry I confused you.
Harry

 

[win348]

Thanks guys big help. I do not see any checkering on the stock, but it does have the deluxe sights. Not sure if this means its a deluxe or not. I will be checking with economy to see if they can help me out. Thanks again

 

[Harrysigafoo]

Ok win.

I suspect that it is a standard, and the sling was added.

Two things that always concern me regarding the Win 348 is no scope/rec sight tap holes and the lasck of sling swivels. I understand the lack of scope holes, as the time period was no scope availabity. but receiver sights woould have helped, and the old photos from 30-40 always show slings on guns. I guess it was just not the standard back then. I bought a M700in 1960, no sling swivels.

I tried to add a peep sight by buying an original bolt peep from a delux 71, paid $250 for that 1/4 ounce peep, only to find that the standard 71 bolts were not machineed for it.

But it is a great rifle and a fine cartridge, even if I don't have a sling.LOL

If you don't know where Economy GS is take 79 to Wexford Exit (route 910); it is about 20 minute drive WEST.

Good luck, let us know what you get done.

 

[win348]

Thanks for the info Harry. Will let you guys know what I get done.