Im still getting calls and emails from people wondering why Winchester shut down all US production. The truth is I dont know for sure. I have read all the stories and I have heard all kinds of rumors. Everything from production cost being too high, union labor wages being high, to the company that owns both US Repeating Arms and Browning, Herstal, wanting to make these guns off shore to save money. Who knows. But it is sad after 140 years the guns will no longer be in New Haven. The town has been trying to work deals with several companies to keep the facility going but it does not look like its going to happen. Olin, the company that owns the Winchester name granted the license to Herstal more then likely killing any possiblity any Winchester will ever be made in the US again. The best and most current story I have read so far has been at this link http://www.tmcnet.com/usubmit/2006/08/18/1816623.htm It raises the possiblity that Winchesters could be made in Russia or Portugal. Unbelievable. I never thought I would see the Remington name on a Russian gun or a Burris scope made in the Philippines either though. I guess anything is possible. Smith and Wesson, Ruger, and Marlin have proven they can make their products here and be successful. i wish other companies could do the same and keep the jobs here.

Mike