Winchester Rifle Factory Closes...

[TheMightyFavog]

http://today.reuters.com/news/newsArticle.aspx?type=domesticNews&storyID=2006-01-20T003954Z_01_N19183655_RTRUKOC_0_US-LIFE-GUNS.xml&archived=False

NEW HAVEN, Connecticut (Reuters) - The Connecticut factory that produced the Winchester rifle, celebrated in cowboy movies as the gun frontiersmen used to settle the American West, is shutting down after 140 years in New Haven.

Belgian-based Herstal Group told its 186 workers this week it plans to shutter the U.S. Repeating Arms plant, formerly known as Winchester Rifle Company, on March 31 due to slow sales.

That would end production of the Model 70 bolt-action rifle and the Model 94 lever-action rifle, known as "The Gun that Won the West" because of its use by frontiersmen in the late 19th century.

Newer models carrying the Winchester name still will be produced in Belgium, Japan and Portugal, the company said.

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1. That sucks!

But, it's their own fault for not keeping up with the times and diversyfiying...
I'll bet they could have manufactured one kick-ass AR-15 or AK-47.

[benEzra]

2. Smith & Wesson is doing just that...

the M&P-15 is set to come out this year, IIRC.

Winchester did focus exclusively on the dwindling hunting market, whereas its competitors sold both hunting and nonhunting style guns, offered more modern styling options, etc.

I've always admired the Model 70, though.

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3. What's next on the drawing board... a S&W .50 BMG?

B-)