Author Topic: Winchester's New Haven plant done (Read 2725 times)

Muskie Hunter · « **on:** January 17, 2006, 11:47:21 AM »

I just called Winchester to ask a question about the new Pro Shadow model 70,to my surprise,the customer service employee told me that they had a meeting this morning and they are discontinueing the model 70,1300 and the model 94.The New haven plant will be closing.They're just going to run the models that they have on the line now and that's it.
I wonder what brought that on.Talk about a kick in the belly.There goes America.

Gregory · « **Reply #1 on:** January 17, 2006, 12:39:26 PM »

http://www.newsday.com/news/local/wire/connecticut/ny-bc-ct--winchesterclosing0117jan17,0,7667864.story?coll=ny-region-apconnecticut

nasem · « **Reply #2 on:** January 17, 2006, 02:57:20 PM »

omg thats terrible, I love the winchester rifles, they are very accurate and durable, how can this happen..... Well, I suppose the entire USA economy is not doing well either :cry:

R.W.Dale · « **Reply #3 on:** January 17, 2006, 03:17:28 PM »

That kinda thing happens in the buisness world when you fail to come up with any sort of innovation whatsoever while countuing to rely on a 75yo product line. Just wait Remington's next.

35Rem · « **Reply #4 on:** January 17, 2006, 04:35:26 PM »

Over priced products are hard to sell. Look at the prices of the Savages (and Stevens), Mossberg, Howa, even Ruger and Weatherby Vanguard Rifles. These guys are putting out products that shoot just as good as the others costing a few hundred more. Someone can easily afford pretty good optics for their rifle with these guns. Not the story when you spend 600 plus in a RemChester, or the like. You can get the whole outfit for that kind of money. Makes sense.

Zachary · « **Reply #5 on:** January 17, 2006, 07:12:26 PM »

Quote from: Krochus

Just wait Remington's next.

If that happens, which I'm afraid it might, then may God Help us all. I am so sad to see the Remchester quality go down in recent years. I know that many Remington owners, like GB, who have owned countless of Remingtons over many years, has virtually never had a quality issue with any Remingtons. As for myself, I own many Remingtons as well (although not anything near GB) and I have only had one problem - a really bad trigger on my BDL SS DM.

I honestly think that Tikka has made, and continues to make, a big name for itself - great quality, great accuracy, and reasonably priced. Same thing goes for the Vanguard. Still, I just wish that Remchester could learn from other manufacturers and produce a better product.

For the record, I think that Savage rifles are a joke when it comes to the quality department. Yes, they can definately shoot, but I consider Remington quality much better than Savage quality. The only problem with Remington is that their products are getting way to expensive. For a little more money, you can get a Sako, which is twice the gun Remington is (or at least the newer ones.)

Winchester closing its doors should be a huge eye opener for the other manufacturers.

Zachary

jvs · « **Reply #6 on:** January 17, 2006, 09:52:39 PM »

If it is true, at least they didn't move basic operations overseas. They stuck it out instead of going over the Border. The question now should be : Will a different Foreign outfit buy the name and move production somewhere else or will Americans muster support and buy it from the Herstal Group? This may be Americas chance to make Winchesters American again.

Savage, Stevens and Mossberg all have the same fingerprint. Perhaps the Conglomerate will buy the Winchester name next. I wouldn't even want to think of a Savage Bolt in a Winchester.

Hang another Trophy on the Global Economic Wall of New World Order.

victorcharlie · « **Reply #7 on:** January 18, 2006, 12:56:27 AM »

Quote from: jvs

If it is true, at least they didn't move basic operations overseas. They stuck it out instead of going over the Border. The question now should be : Will a different Foreign outfit buy the name and move production somewhere else or will Americans muster support and buy it from the Herstal Group? This may be Americas chance to make Winchesters American again.

Savage, Stevens and Mossberg all have the same fingerprint. Perhaps the Conglomerate will buy the Winchester name next. I wouldn't even want to think of a Savage Bolt in a Winchester.

Hang another Trophy on the Global Economic Wall of New World Order.

I'd almost bet you that the Winchester will continue to be made........just not in the US. Puma, and EMF, have built a better lever gun, in calibers people want for some time now.

Isn't it terrible, that in the NE US, where all the major gun manufactures are, that there are the strictest gun control laws in america? It's almost like the people who live up there want the local gun companies to fail.

Grubbs · « **Reply #8 on:** January 18, 2006, 04:47:16 AM »

It is truly a sad situation, and I agree that Remington could be next. Since Remington, Weatherby, and a few others have gotten in bed with Wally World, what happens when Wally World gets "politically correct" and exit or reduces its emphasis on guns and ammo? I think it's a disaster waiting to happen.

Savage .250 · « **Reply #9 on:** January 18, 2006, 05:19:14 AM »

So Winchester is going the way of the Buffalo............Sad.
An industry that was once strong now is starting to crumple.

" The best part of the hunt is not the harvest but in the experience."

nasem · « **Reply #10 on:** January 18, 2006, 07:07:24 AM »

the true question now is, for those of us who own Winchester 70s rifles, and those of us who have them in EXCELLENT conditions..... will they be worth to sell high in the next... say 2-3 years from now ?

Omaha-BeenGlockin · « **Reply #11 on:** January 18, 2006, 07:12:10 AM »

Olin still owns the name---its up to them whether Winchester continues or not. FN got tired of paying for the name rights.

Browning and Winchester were becoming so similar---the parent company said why bother anymore-----was there much crying when GM shut down Oldsmobile??? Didn't think so.

The statements about the unions are more than likely true also.

Now to the core---there was a complete lack of innovation in the product line----same as Colt----just variations on the old tired theme. No new manufacturing methods---no completely new models---nothing.

Where's the Winchester bolt action .22 or new Winchester pistol??? You got it---there ain't none.

Do I own a Winchester?--ya---but got it on the cheap ---cheap cheap. Otherwise---why bother.

Marlin makes a better lever action--own a Marlin---won't even consider a 94.

Just about everybody and their brother makes a better bolt action than the model 70----even the lowly Savage is more accurate---and I'm betting the Tikka T3 has really shook things in the bolt action arena for the last few years. The one who really needs to be listening to this is Remington---cause they're next. Own a few Rugers--Sako's--Browning-----and yes a model 70 cause I got it cheap---cheap cheap. Won't own a Remington 700 either---cause there are much better choices out there.

The 1300??---just look closely at this forum---lots of talk about 870's---500/590's and Nova's----a few squeaks about the 1300. Own 4 870's--a Nova and a BPS ----no 1300's.

This is just one guy---and I'm telling you where my dollars do the talking.

Most of my NIB purchases in the last few years have been mostly Rugers--a couple T/C's---Bushmaster/Rock River parts for building--a couple Brownings---one Winchester---cause I got it cheap----cheap cheap.

Seems a lot of others have been buying the same kinds of stuff I've been buying too huh.

Not saying good riddence---but I'm saying this is a shake up that had to happen---it was bound to happen---sooner or later. There are losers in every competition.

Copied this from my posting on another forum.

Omaha-BeenGlockin · « **Reply #12 on:** January 18, 2006, 07:30:34 AM »

Remington's demise won't be cause of Walmart---it will be because the overpriced junk rifles they put out----pure and simple.

The 870 is the only desirable Remington firearm out there----hard to keep a business open with just that.

In all the other segments of the market---somebody else does it better and/or cheaper.

The closing of Winchester better have Remington do some soul searching---BIG TIME---otherwise its only a matter of time for them too.

victorcharlie · « **Reply #13 on:** January 18, 2006, 08:34:02 AM »

Quote from: Omaha-BeenGlockin

The 870 is the only desirable Remington firearm out there----hard to keep a business open with just that.

Don't forget the Remington 1100......finest auto loader made IMHO......

Welcome to the new world order.......better learn to speak Chinese, Asian Indian, and Spanish..........

beemanbeme · « **Reply #14 on:** January 18, 2006, 11:00:41 AM »

Remington, Overpriced Junk. Omaha, how many Remingtons do your own?? How many have you owned?? I've probably got more Remingtons in just one of my safes than you've owned all together. And I think you haven't the slightest idea of what you're talking about. That is to say, you are totally clueless.

I guess the step from NEF's to real rifles is quite a step.

longwinters · « **Reply #15 on:** January 18, 2006, 11:50:02 AM »

You have to wonder? Winchester comes out with all these short mag calibers, and their rifles (in my opinion) have been getting better than they were some time back. Maybe too little too late.

And why stay in the east? Would make sense to me to move to at least the midwest or out west if for no other reason than a better business climate.

Never owned a Winchester, but was kind of thinking about one in a featherweight in stainless/walnut. My buddies is a tack driver and aint hard on the eyes at all.

Long

nasem · « **Reply #16 on:** January 18, 2006, 11:59:07 AM »

remington junk ? whats this guy talkin about, Have you ever shot a remington before ?

winchester 1300 junk also ? Im not trying to sound rude, but I bet you have never fired nor held this gun upclose..... the win 1300 got one of the smoothest actions, and the speed pumps is a nice thing to have. You should try to hold one, you'll see how perfectly it sits on your shoulder

Omaha-BeenGlockin · « **Reply #17 on:** January 18, 2006, 01:16:21 PM »

I no longer own any 700's because---well---they are overpriced junk----I've owned too many than I care to admit to---cause I should have learned my lesson sooner and kept on buying into the lie of Remington accuracy---the only stupid thing I did was buy too many. Good riddence.

Never owned a NEF---call me sometime when You want to come shoot a "real" rifle----like one of my Sako's----Browning's---Bushmaster Varminter or DSA FAL.

Gimmee a break.

Zachary · « **Reply #18 on:** January 18, 2006, 02:04:26 PM »

I wouldn't call Remington 700s junk, but I would say that they are becoming overpriced - especially when compared to Tikkas and the Vanguards.

Zachary

poncaguy · « **Reply #19 on:** January 18, 2006, 02:11:04 PM »

My Winchester Super Shadow 270 WSM $400, Wally World is my favorite and most accurate bolt action. Think I'll go and put a Super Shadow 243 WSSM in lay away if they still have it.

Slamfire · « **Reply #20 on:** January 18, 2006, 02:30:52 PM »

All you Tikka, CZ, Howa, etc buyers. I hope your neighborhood don't git run down because of the loss of jobs in America. :roll:

bladerunner · « **Reply #21 on:** January 18, 2006, 04:07:24 PM »

Slamfire,IF american companies build rifles with the QUALITY and PRICE of foreign companies,I'd buy american rifles

BUT,since they DON'T,I don't buy from them......and what makes me SICK,is that they CAN build 'em with the same quality and value,but WON'T

A1DEADZIP97 · « **Reply #22 on:** January 18, 2006, 05:28:13 PM »

my piece of crap 25-06 700 adl that I purchase new for $300 sure does shoot those junk corelocts good. I am sure the deer in my freezer were offended when they were killed with inferior amercian products.

bladerunner · « **Reply #23 on:** January 18, 2006, 06:19:20 PM »

yup,the steaks are prolly picketting the freezer RIGHT NOW :-D

I'm just saying that the Tikka has a better trigger,a floated barrel and excellent fit and finnish,not to mention shoulders like a dream and is lightweight.....I'm not really putting down american products as much as I'm raising up foreign pruducts.....I'll buy what I think is the best deal

DavOh · « **Reply #24 on:** January 19, 2006, 07:55:04 AM »

RIP Winchester....

lower the flags to half staff.

This can't bode well for the american firearms industry. Although it will probably help Savage and Remington a little. But it's still sad...

We live in a country where we, the shooters and hunters are in the minority. A shrinking minority. So I suppose the only way to gain numbers is to lose competitors. But that's the way it is in most industries in the US.

A sad day indeed...

Davoh

Idaho_Hick · « **Reply #25 on:** January 19, 2006, 09:33:06 AM »

The thing about opinions is that everybody has one, and they are usually different.
It is my opinion that the model 70 is one of the best bolt actions out there for the money.
Ever hear the saying, "They don't make 'em like they used to"? I have on many occasions, but I would submit that the model 70, especially the classic, is made like it used to be. There is a lot of talk about triggers out there nowadays, but I was able to adjust my stock trigger on my model 70 with a screwdriver and a pair of pliers down to a very low pull weight and little overtravel. I could have taken it down to nothing if wanted, and I had no insructions. If I can do it, then a drunk monkey can properly adjust the trigger of a model 70. I have owned remington, savage, ruger, browning and springfield bolt actions, and none were as easy to tinker with.
I am going to rant a little more about another pet peeve. People are continually crying about the price of good rifles, and rifles keep getting cheaper - in price and quality. Yes, the model 70 was more expensive than most, but I feel that you got more for your money. The day is coming when you either go to wal-mart and buy a plastic japaneese rifle for $99.95 or spend $5000.00 for a custom rifle. I for one am fond of american made rifles with all steel components in the middle price range.

Anyway, I would bet that someone out there will keep making winchesters.
The alternative is too horrible to contemplate.

lgm270 · « **Reply #26 on:** January 19, 2006, 11:20:38 AM »

Even if there is insufficient demand for the full Winchester product line, I wiould think there is a reliable market for the m-94 and the m-70. The M-70 is the only controlled round feed US rifle made. It was a bargain.

R.W.Dale · « **Reply #27 on:** January 19, 2006, 11:42:24 AM »

Quote from: lgm270

Even if there is insufficient demand for the full Winchester product line, I wiould think there is a reliable market for the m-94 and the m-70. The M-70 is the only controlled round feed US rifle made. It was a bargain.

Rugers are controlled round feed, and I'd be willing to wager that marlin 336'es outsell those universally despised winchester 94AE's 4 to 1 . I have a 1958 model 94 a very nice rifle but comparing it to the new 94 is like comparing a SIG to a Jennings. REAL winchesters have been out of production for over 40 years now.

lgm270 · « **Reply #28 on:** January 19, 2006, 03:59:19 PM »

I did'nt realize Ruger M-77 was controlled feed. It doesn't improve my opinon of Ruger bolt action rifles. I had several and all were turkeys. .270, 7mm Rem Mag and .338 Win Mag. ALL were turkeys. Feeding problems. Poor grouping. Rough finish that ground of brass filings from cartridges that were cycled through the action.

I will miss the M-70. I can't believe this is happening.

Rogue Ram · « **Reply #29 on:** January 19, 2006, 06:06:47 PM »

There is at least one article I read by the Associated Press that clearly states OLIN leases the rights to the Winchester name to FN Herstal in Belgium, the owners who are closing the New Haven plant. The article also said Olin isn't happy and may lease the Winchester name to someone else.

Also, fearing I would be among about 200 cops getting swindled out of an agency commemorative Model 94 we already paid for confirmed that our guns will be the absolute last 94s to come off the line, period. Guess I ducked a bullet (pun intended)........out of that little bit of investigating came a tidbit that someone (FN or just who, I don't know) may produce some of the rifles overseas, but just what that means I don't know.

Clearly the warranties sound endangered. FN made some NICE Model 98 type sporters in the 50s and 60s (70s?) including those on Browning bolt guns. Maybe something good will come out of it but I sure hate to see a company like winchester meets its demise.

RR