Winchester Repeating Arms

Post Show Wrap-up.

January 25th, 2010 by Roger | Posted in * 2010 SHOT Show |

This is the latest entry from the Winchester Repeating Arms product manager. It was filed just after the closing of the show on Friday.

“The 2010 SHOT Show is finally over. This last day was surprisingly busy. It seemed many still had to come and see it with their own eyes to verify the Model 94 was really back. The first question out of their mouth once they see it is ‘where is it built.’ It is with pride that I get to inform them that it is made at the same facility as our other replica models — in our facility in Japan. It is understandable that many hoped that it would be manufactured in the United States. But once I have the opportunity to show them the guns, and explain our factory’s impeccable reputation for quality, fit and finish they agree that this could very well be the best Model 94 that has ever been built. And all agree that the important thing is that it is back.

“The Model 70 again had a strong showing this year and the SHOT Show specials were ordered in excellent numbers by dealers. The Stainless Featherweight went over very well and I was very pleased with the popularity of the Stealth rifles. It was an honor to hear story after story of dealers, hunters, and shooters brag about the quality and accuracy of the new Model 70. The MOA trigger and beautiful finish on these rifles truly helps this the new Model 70 live up to the nickname given its pre-’64 predecessor as the “Rifleman’s Rifle”. ‘Best trigger on any production rifle period’ and ‘Tack driving beauties’ were comments heard many times throughout the show.

“The rugged reliability of the control round feed action enhanced by the quality and execution at our manufacturing plant in South Carolina continues to keep the Model 70 a “must have” for every rifle connoisseur. It was nice to not have the number one question at the SHOT Show be ‘when are you bringing back the Model 94?.’ This year the most asked question was without a doubt ‘When can we get our hands on some Super X Pump shotguns?’

“The anticipation and excitement about this workhorse of a shotgun is very encouraging. Once you pick it up it is easy to see that it is so much more than just another basic entry level shotgun. With it’s hard chrome lined chamber and bore, Invector Plus choke system with back bored barrel, rotary bolt and speed plug system the Super X Pump is absolutely the best value of any pump shotgun. It is so smooth and reliable that it is the only pump shotgun fast enough for Xtreme Sport Shooter, Patrick Flanigan. His ‘Xtremeness’ has been able to some amazing things with the Super X Pump in the short time he has had one. He is very enthusiastic about the records he is sure to break and set as well as the fun he will have in the coming year promoting and shooting it. He laughs every time he confirms that it truly is a pump action shotgun that thinks it is an autoloader. Look for this exciting new product to start hitting dealer shelves this spring.

“The surprise of the show was the Model 1892 offerings. Demand for these beautiful rifles surpassed our initial estimates. This could be linked to the excitement that many have felt regarding the return of the Model 94 and the limited production capacity we will have this year. But when you pick one of these elegant rifles can’t help but appreciate the brilliance of the man who designed it. John Browning himself would be very pleased with the quality, fit, finish and function of these timeless masterpieces. This is evident by the overwhelming popularity at this year’s show. It is hard to believe it is over already . . . but what a terrific way to start off the year for 2010. If the excitement, support, and success of the SHOT Show is any indication, this should be a terrific year for Winchester Repeating Arms.”

The end of the show is here.

January 22nd, 2010 by Roger | Posted in * 2010 SHOT Show |

Yes, the 2010 SHOT Show is coming to an end right this very minute. Soon we’ll be packing up the Winchester Repeating Arms booth and hopefully be on the way home — some time on Saturday. Wish us luck.

It has been very busy and we simply have not had time to post every piece of content to our Blog. So expect more to come as soon as Glenn and the team get back to the office. We will do an official wrap-up then, and you won’t want to miss it. Also, be aware that a couple of videos from the show were posted just in the last few minutes. So go to the “video” button on the right and check them out. It is a fast way to get the details directly from the product manager himself.

Have a great weekend, and we’ll be back with more good stuff here on the Winchester Repeating Arms SHOT Show Blog.

Take a video tour of the Winchester Repeating Arms booth.

January 21st, 2010 by Roger | Posted in * 2010 SHOT Show |

Since dealers, manufacturers and media people are pretty much the bulk of the people at SHOT Show, and since you may or may not have been invited, this is your chance to see the show. We have put together a video tour of the Winchester Repeating Arms booth to give you the feel of walking through it yourself. This year you will just have to enjoy the ride from our perspective. Perhaps some day we’ll have a “virtual” tour that lets you walk the booth and go where you want to go and to pick up and actually try guns out. Maybe we can even download the smell of gun oil to your computer. But until then . . .

Update from the WRA product manager.

January 21st, 2010 by Roger | Posted in * 2010 SHOT Show |

“It was surprisingly busier today than earlier at the Winchester Repeating Arms Booth. Patrick Flanigan continues to draw a large crowd. He has been at the booth spending four hours each day signing autographs and answering questions. He has a strong following and is a great ambassador for Winchester and the shooting industry.

“His world record of 12 rounds in 1.442 seconds is an amazing feat and continues to stop people in the aisles as they watch videos of him setting records and powdering targets on the big screen TVs at the booth.

“The Model 94 continues to dominate the attention — but the new Super X3 in 20 gauge has almost as many people excited about the direction Winchester Repeating Arms is moving. The SX3 Sporting — also new for 2010 — is continuing to impress. And the SHOT Show Special Super X3 Cantilever Deer dipped in the new Mossy Oak Break-Up Infinity pattern is selling to dealers quite well.

“I had the opportunity to meet with Mossy Oak today and discuss our future ventures. The support and marketing push behind this attractive new camouflage pattern is overwhelming. This should be another home run pattern for both Mossy Oak and Winchester Repeating Arms.

“The Safari model is still the most handled Model 70. But the Stealth in 308 and 223 — which are 2010 SHOT Specials — are also getting a lot of attention and are being handled and tried out extensively. Many dealers visiting the booth are excited to see the addition of yet another caliber to the Model 70: the 223 Rem. With its 26″ heavy-barrel fitted to a target Bell and Carlson stock it is a real tack driver and is the perfect platform to launch a line of Model 70s in 223 Rem.”

Receiver – Steel; Matte blued
Barrel – Matte blued; Heavy contour; Target crown
Action – M.O.A.™ Trigger System; Pre-64 Action; Three-position safety; Controlled Round Feed; Controlled ejection
Stock – Checkered Bell and Carlson; Textured; Full length aluminum bedding block; Target forearm
Features – Hinged floorplate; Pachmayr® Decelerator® recoil pad; Sling swivel studs with additional front stud for bipod; Knurled bolt handle

Morning update from the Product Manager.

January 20th, 2010 by Roger | Posted in * 2010 SHOT Show |

A few observations about Day 1 at the show by Glenn Hatt, Winchester firearms product manager:

“The first day of the SHOT Show saw a surprising number of guests in the Winchester Repeating Arms booth. There were several TV interviews regarding the new products but primarily the Model 94. As expected this is the hot item for the show. Not just for Americans, but globally the support and interest has been extremely positive and substantial. The fit and feel of the rifles has been very impressive and not a negative comment has been made. The engraving and checkering is beautifully done. Many have noted the high level of polish and subtle improvements like the relief cut on the bolt to override the hammer and the improved hammer aesthetics. Many are worried that due to the limited production capacity they might not get their hands on one of these collectible masterpieces. New Winchester Safari Express.

“The Model 70 Safari was the other cataloged item that got substantial attention today. Much of this stemmed from the positive results from the writers and media shooting event held on Monday at a range a few miles outside of Las Vegas. The soft recoil and smooth function of the Pre-64 action impressed many that were expecting a lot more punishment from the heavy hitting 458 Win and 375 H&H rounds that were tested. This is truly one of the flagship offerings of the M70 line and it is obvious it is still the ‘dangerous game’ rifle by which others will be judged.

Suepr X3 Sporting Model. “Of all the SHOT Show specials the new Super X3 Sporting has impressed the most. The sexy styling, ported barrel, adjustable comb, and 2 3/4″ chamber help make this a serious competitor in the sporting market. With the proven reliability and extreme speed of the Super X3 plateform, it makes good sense to have a model specifically designed and configured for the serious clays shooter. Here at the show this is a very exciting new product introduction.

“Many are also extremely happy with the Super X3 Compact 12 and 20 gauge models. It has been long overdue for Winchester to return some options for the youth and smaller length of pull shooters. With the 13″ length of pull and with 1/4″ stock spacers this shotgun can now fit any size of shooter and even grow with a shooter over time.

“It has certainly been a very busy day . . . but a very exciting one for all of us at the Winchester Repeating Arms booth. I am looking forward to what Wednesday has in store.”

Governor Rounds makes the rounds at the SHOT Show.

January 19th, 2010 by Roger | Posted in * 2010 SHOT Show |

Earlier today the governor of South Dakota, Mike Rounds, stopped by to visit with our own Exhibition shooter Patrick Flanigan at the Winchester Repeating Arms booth. Governor Rounds is a long-time 2nd ammendment supporter and avid hunter. As posted on one of several Mike Rounds Websites: “Mike and his sons are also avid hunters - mostly of birds, but make an annual trip to western South Dakota to deer hunt together.” So, Governor Rounds, for next fall’s pheasant season we would like to recommend a Model 101 or perhaps a Super X3.

The crowds are, well, crowding at Winchester.

January 19th, 2010 by Roger | Posted in * 2010 SHOT Show |

This photo gives you a look of how the action at the Winchester booth has been this morning. The first day is usually very busy and very frantic. As the week continues the crowd spreads out just a bit — but this year a steady flow is expected due to the large number of new Winchesters, especially the new Model 94s.

New Model 94 is “front and center” at Winchester booth.

January 19th, 2010 by Roger | Posted in * 2010 SHOT Show |

There are a lot of things going on at the Winchster booth in 2010: the expanded Model 70 line, the full offering of Historical Winchesters like the 1886, 1892, 1895 and 1885, exquisite Model 101 over and unders, the industry’s speed standard — the Super X3, visits by Patrick Flanigan and much more. But front and center is the announcement of the return of the most anticipated rebirth in years: the Model 1894 Winchester. The photo at right shows the full display in the booth. These rifles are both online on the winchesterguns.com Website right now. Take a minute to get the details.

Pre-show observations from the Winchester firearms product manager.

January 19th, 2010 by Roger | Posted in * 2010 SHOT Show |

As I promised, this year’s Winchester blog will include comments and observations from members of the Winchester Repeating Arms team. Yesterday was a huge day of work for the entire team. All setup needed to be completed on the booth itself, and in the morning a special meeting was held with all our sales staff to go over the new products, promotions and especially the SHOT Show specials. So here are a few words of update from Glenn, Winchester Repeating Arms product manager.

“Primary interest is of course on the Model 94. It is amazing how much traffic the booth has already seen from event staff employees to manufacturers and representatives from all aspects of the show. Everyone is thrilled to see this icon return to the Winchester lineup as well as to the market place. Read the rest of this entry »

A list of the SHOT Show Specials for 2010.

January 18th, 2010 by Roger | Posted in * 2010 SHOT Show |

Although the show doesn’t officially begin until tomorrow, we’re going to preview a few of the most interesting Winchester specials right here and then detail them over the coming days. Shot Show specials are also on our site, as of this morning, so you can review specs and other details — as well as get a look at them.

For the listing of specials on Winchesterguns.com click here.

Model 70 Stainless Featherweight.