Winchester drops the '66?

KWK · January 31, 2020, 08:53:12 AM

I see Winchester lists all "current" 1866 models as no longer in production, and there are no new models in their SHOT Show listings. Has anyone seen any announcements on this from Winchester?

I handled a Miroku '66 a couple of weeks ago and rather liked it.

Coffinmaker · January 31, 2020, 11:09:57 AM

Oh now that would be SAD. However, to keep something in production, there has to be a market. For some unknown reason, the masses of Glitterati don't like Brass Rifles. I have never understood that. The 1866 from Uberti can be just as "fast" as the '73. I personally prefer Brass rifles.

Dave T · January 31, 2020, 11:45:13 AM

Another sign of the declining CAS numbers perhaps? Sad indeed but perhaps a sign of the times.

Dave

Baltimore Ed · January 31, 2020, 11:59:29 AM

Recently two of the guys that I worked with for 35 years passed and both were younger than me [I?m 69 this year]. Neither one was a shooter. You?re only as old as you feel. But always remember, nobody gets out of here alive.
BTW, I?ve got one of those shiny yellow mustardy muskets, neat rifle.

Coffinmaker · February 01, 2020, 12:01:26 PM

I'm not a big fan of the Miroku 1873 Replicas. Not that I think they are bad. I'm just not a fan.

However, I really really really wanted one of new Special Edition Engraved Miroku 1866s. Unfortunately destitution rules the Sox Drawer. I also thought the rifle was a bit over-priced. I don't care. That Miroku built 1866 is just the Beez Kneez. No coins, No mass. I guess I should check gun Broker for slightly used.

KWK · February 04, 2020, 11:35:20 AM

This back from Winchester: "Unfortunately, the model 1866 has been discontinued for this season. Hopefully it is something we are able to bring back in the future."

Too bad. There's always Uberti, with soft screws, rough internals, etc., all of which can be addressed with a little time and money. I did like the Short Rifle configuration Winchester was offering and which is not available from Uberti.

Coffinmaker · February 04, 2020, 03:05:38 PM

KWK .....

Short Rifle

How short

Abilene · February 04, 2020, 03:22:24 PM

Not short enough for you, Coffinmaker, pretty sure of that.

Maybe he's talking about the Miroku rifle barrel being round instead of octagon?

KWK · February 04, 2020, 09:01:20 PM

Yep, I liked the 20" round barrel version.

KWK · February 08, 2020, 12:41:57 AM

Guess it's not just Miroku having trouble selling '66s. Taylor's wrote today that "Uberti does limited runs of the 1866 models right now," so no custom jobs.

The Uberti factory site shows this beauty, a first model '66, sadly out of production, which they decided against cataloging in a plain version. Nuts. What a looker.

Coffinmaker · February 08, 2020, 08:47:39 AM

Unfortunately, the market is shrinking

I really don't see it improving all that much if at all. The potential customer base is in decline

Major 2 · February 08, 2020, 03:03:51 PM

One was not really on my shopping list radar...but it was kinda nice to know there was the option ....

My butt isn't hurt but it is a might saddened $:-\$

Tascosa Joe · February 09, 2020, 06:55:43 PM

I was hoping for a plain 1st Model 66, I may have to sell a bunch of other toys to buy one of the engraved models. I know where 2 live.

KWK · February 10, 2020, 01:22:41 PM

Quote from: Tascosa Joe on February 09, 2020, 06:55:43 PM... 1st Model 66... the engraved models. I know where 2 live.

If you choose not to buy, please drop me a PM with the price and location. The engraving pattern which was chosen is not my first choice among those available from Uberti, but I could be tempted. There's a unique '66 in Madis' book I've been tempted to approach Turnbull or Hunter about recreating, so I may go that way instead.

edit: Mmmmm, never mind. I found several older for-sale listings with photos. The forend changed from the first one displayed at the SHOT Show, and that engraving isn't quite for me. Interesting that different patterns were used, depending on the importer.

nativeshootist · February 10, 2020, 08:36:50 PM

The cabelas in rapid city,sd has one that's not engraved

KWK · February 10, 2020, 10:08:34 PM

I didn't know any had been released so. Cabela's site is a bit frustrating to use...

Cliff Fendley · February 16, 2020, 09:55:11 PM

Quote from: KWK on February 08, 2020, 12:41:57 AM
Guess it's not just Miroku having trouble selling '66s. Taylor's wrote today that "Uberti does limited runs of the 1866 models right now," so no custom jobs.

The Uberti factory site shows this beauty, a first model '66, sadly out of production, which they decided against cataloging in a plain version. Nuts. What a looker.

I have a custom 66 being made right now.

Abilene · February 16, 2020, 10:48:40 PM

Quote from: Cliff Fendley on February 16, 2020, 09:55:11 PM
I have a custom 66 being made right now.

You always have something custom being made.

Awaiting pictures.

Cliff Fendley · February 17, 2020, 04:17:20 PM

Quote from: Abilene on February 16, 2020, 10:48:40 PM
You always have something custom being made.

Awaiting pictures.

Yeah it seems that way.

This one has been going on two years after looking at the order. I'm guessing might have something to do with not making many runs of 66 rifles. Uberti said they have been waiting on suitable AAA wood for it and that it was supposed to be on the next boat this way so hopefully won't be too much longer.