can a 348 win 71 be rebarrelled to 50 alaskan

[mickbr]

This is out of my pay grade of knowledge, asking for a friend and not something I am considering myself( 44 is about as big as I can handle these days). Wondered if the learned and more experienced members might be able to advise. So he picked up a Browning 71 in 348 winchester some time ago and is interested in a big bore. Question is whether its relatively simple/affordable ( as far as conversions go). He also said a 1895 in 45-70 might work as it shares same rim diameter and case length.

[Rimfire McNutjob]

The rim on the 45-70 is smaller than the 348 or 50AK. But I'm pretty sure any 71 will convert to a 50AK. I'd bet there are people on here that have one. I have a 71 in 450AK. I'm not sure if there's work needed on the lifter or cartridge guide. I'd bet there might be given the much wider front end of a 50AK.

[Bronco]

I have a Brownchester M71 converted to 50-110! So I say yes it can. Some work has to be done to the carrier!

[oldebear1950]

I would say yes, as I understand, the model 71 was basicly the same action as the 1886, and many years ago, I read of both the 1886 and the modern 1895 Marlin both rechambered to 450 Alaskan and 50 Alaskan

[oldebear1950]

I just watched on line, where a model 71, was turned into 50 Alaskan buy TURNBILL RESTORATIONS.
They do beautiful work, and the rifle worked flawlessly

[oldebear1950]

but I would think if they could do it so could someone else

[LeverGunner]

The 50-110 is the parent cartridge for the 348 Winchester, and is about 3/8 longer than the 50AK. It was a popular conversion some years back. I've never had one made up, though I'm considering a 50-110, since a buddy has one. If I recall correctly, back when Harold Johnson was tinkering on the 50 AK, he would take 50 BMG bullets, cut them in half, and use the back half for his projectile. The boat tail on the base became a truncated nose when loaded in the 50 AK.

[samsi]

Hmm, I wonder if one of the current production Italian 1886's would be a good base gun for a .450 or .50 Alaskan project. Anyone converted one of those?

[LeverGunner]

My buddy has a new production 50-110 Winchester made by Turnbull on a Miroku action. Not sure about an Italian, but I'd guess they could be.