In early 2008 FN announced a tactical sniper rifle, the FNAR, based on the Browning BAR (FN owns both Browning and Winchester Arms). It added a detachable magazine, pistol grip and top, bottom and side picatinny rails.

The new SX-AR is a heavy barreled FNAR in a Mossy Oak camo finish but without the side rails and full length top rail (interestingly the bottom rail remains). It comes full circle, taking the tactical FNAR improvements back to the hunting market.

Winchester SX-AR

Specifications
Caliber	308 Win.
Finish	Mossy Oak Brush
Receiver	Aluminum
Magazine Capacity	10 (compatible with 20 round FNAR magazines)
Barrel	Match grade hammer forged chrome plated heavy contour with recessed target crown
Barrel Length	20"
Rate of Twist	1:12"
Overall Length	41 1/2"
Length of Pull	14 1/8"
Weight	9 lbs. 14 oz.
MSRP (Price)	$1,379.00

This rifle will have been developed to fight the new AR-10 based hunting rifles that have been coming into the market, for example, the Remington R-25. I suspect the reason it is being rebranded and marketed under Winchester, and not Browning, is so that the risk of the BAR being named in any Assault Weapon Ban (federal or state) is reduced. The Browning BAR can continue to be a "traditional" styled hunting rifle.

For comparison, there are photos of the SX-AR ancestors ...

Browning BAR

FNAR

A big thank you to Reese for emailing me about this new rifle.

.45 Long Colt 20″ Barreled Version

The deluxe rifles feature high grade walnut stocks and octagonal barrel. The 20″ version is chambered in .44-40 and .45 Long Colt and has a MSRP of $1874.95. The 24″ version is chambered in .44-40, .38-40, .32-20 and .45 Long Colt and has a MSRP of $1899.95.

For each caliber offered, 500 rifles will be made in the 20″ version and 250 in the 24″ version.

Winchester should seriously consider mass producing a modern takedown version in .30-30 and some of the fancy new Marlin cartridges such as the .308 Marlin Express. I think it would sell very well.

The new Hyper Speed HP load is a very hot load that matches the ballistic characteristics of the CCI Velocitor round. The Hyper Speed HP, like the Velocitor, features a copper plated 40 grain hollow point bullet. The bullet has a published velocity of 1435 fps at the muzzle, which works out to be 183 ft-lbs of muzzle energy.

A significant difference between the CCI load is that is will be sold in a 100 round box, rather than the CCI 50-round box. This suggests it may be quite a lot cheaper that the Velocitor. If it is, I will defiantly consider switching to this for my hyper velocity needs.

Winchester are also introducing a 555 round bulk pack, giving it a slight edge quantity wise over the Federal 525 and 550 bulk packs.

The bulk pack features high velocity (36 grain / 1280 fps) rounds with copper plated hollow point bullets. Nothing fancy.

Overall I am quite impressed with the new offerings from Winchester. I don’t think there is much else they can do as far as rimfire ammunition is concerned.

Wilson Combat FN Bolt Rifle

It features a green Hogue stock, fluted barrel, fully bedded action and trigger work done by Wilson Combat gunsmiths. The PBR action is based on the Winchester Model 70 action and is chambered for .308 Winchester.

Wilson are selling it for $1995.

The Winchester 1895 was designed by JMB and made famous by Roosevelt when he used it, chambered in .405 Winchester, on his African safari.

The Saddle Ring Carbine has a 4+1 internal box magazine, 22″ barrel and weights 8 lbs 2 oz. The MSRP is $1639.99 and only 501 will be produced. This is not the first time a Saddle Ring Carbine has been manufactured by Winchester, although I am not sure how long ago the last run was.

1885 High Wall Sporter


Creedmoor Black Powder .50-90 Sharps

Short Hunter


High Wall Trapper

Not pictured is the Traditional Hunter model.

They are available chambered in:

* 45-70
* 50-90 Sharps
* 38-55
* 405 Win.
* 30-40 Krag
* 32-40
* 45-90

I really like the short barreled trapper model. It is available chambered in 38-55, 30-40 Krag and 45-70. Weights only 6 lbs and has a 16.5″ barrel.

MSRP is $1514.99 to $2226.56 depending on model and caliber.

Click to expand.

According to my copy of Bolt Action Rifles (4th Edition), the story of the Leverbolt is a sad one. Charles designed the rifle after this business, Newton Buffolo Rifle Corporation, folded in early 1929. Unbeknown to him, and everyone else, the stock market would crash in October of that year heralding the beginning of the Great Depression.

Newton approached Marlin who agreed to limited production only if he could secure at least 500 orders. The cost was a $25 downpayment and an addional $35 on delivery. He failed to secure the neccessery orders and once the market crashed any chance of the rifle being manufactured was gone. Charles died a few years later aged 62.

Mehul, a moderator at nitroexpress.com and expert of the topic emailed me information about the Newton rifle:

For a straight pull action that is much sleeker than any of its competitors today (the Blaser R 93, Strasser RS 05 and the Heym SR 30 are three popular designs that come to mind) the Newton Leverbolt is especially interesting because it comes with a controlled feed and extraction system that would make it ideal for dangerous game. The speed of reloading and getting repeat shots off would also be ideal for an African rifle – with a 5 shot magazine in calibers from 375 H&H to 458 Lott this could be much better than anything else available today.

I am not sure of pricing or availability of the rifle at this time.

A big thanks to Mehul for the info.

Defender

Black Shadow Field


For comparison: The old Black Shadow Field

I like the designs, they are very “Benelli”, which in my books is a good thing. Personally I would have preferred a name change, the Super-X brand is getting tired and overused.

The Winchester website has not yet been updated.

What is also very interesting is that Winchester are releasing this bullet as both a big bore handgun bullet and a slug. These cartridges will initially be available:

454 Casull 260 gr
460 S&W 260 gr
500 S&W 37 gr

12 ga. 375 gr
20 ga. 260 gr

The “symbol” for the Dual Bond bullet is DJHP (duel jacketed hollow point).

A very interesting design. I see no reason for not offering this in a defensive caliber other than that it is possible the two jackets may not be able to expand from relatively low powered cartridges.

White Tail Woods has a brief review

Harling only had a precious handful of the new shells, which I’m sure he had to wrestle away from an engineer at Winchester headquarters. So I got on the paper using Winchester RackMaster slugs, then switched over to our small supply of Dual Bond shells. I put three shots into a 2-inch group at 100 yards, which is outstanding accuracy for any combination of shotgun barrel and slug. The impact difference between the two types of slugs was negligible, so I was ready to hunt.

Photo from Whitetail Woods

The original Xpediter

I am not sure if this round is identical to the original that used to be produced by Winchester many years ago.
[No doubt its a shrewd marketing plan of Winchester to dole out individual press releases over a period of time instead of announcing everything at once ... ]

Hat Tip: Shooting Wire

Winchester has announced a new line of lead-free ammunition.

CCI currently manufactures lead free .22 Magnum called TNT GREEN but as far as I know Winchester are the first US manufacturer to announce lead free .22 LR. It is rumored that more companies will unveil their lead free rimfire at SHOT 2009.

The new Winchester SUPER-X .22 Long Rifle will propel a 30 grain THP (tin hollow point) at 1650 fps. This is a hot “hyper velocity” load which generates 181 foot pounds of energy, only slightly less powerful that the CCI Stinger at the muzzle.

It is likely that the case will be extended in length, like the CCI Stringer. The extended case can prevent the round from chambering in some rifles.

CCI Stinger length compared to standard .22LR (Wikipedia)

The new SUPER-X .22 Win. Mag (.22 Magnum / .22 WMR) pushes a 28 grain JHP at 2200 fps. The under 30 grain bullet means it will won’t perform as well as standard .22 Magnum 30 grain rounds.

SUPER-X .223 Rem lead-free pushes a 55 grain bullet at 3030 fps. Like the .22 Magnum, there is a significant performance hit. The round is being marketed as varmint cartridge..

This new range should be available in Spring 2009.

* That was a joke. I bought 100 rounds of “toxic” ammo today.

Hat Tip: Shooting Wire.

From the Super-X Power Max bonded press release:

Super-X® Power Max Bonded™ is specifically designed for the whitetail deer hunter and takes the time-proven jacketed bullet design to a new level of performance at an affordable price. Winchester’s proprietary bonding process welds lead to a copper alloy jacket where the two act together during expansion for improved penetration and retained weight.

It will be available in .270 Win, .270 WSM, .30-30 Win, .308 Win, .30-06, .300 WSM and .300 Win Mag.

From the Winchester Supreme Elite Bonded PDX1 press release:

The new Winchester Supreme Elite Bonded PDX1, which was chosen by the FBI as their primary service round, is now available in a full line of popular handgun calibers. The PDX1 is engineered to maximize terminal ballistics, as defined by the demanding FBI test protocol, which simulates real-world threats.

It will be available in .38 special, 9mm, 40 S&W and 45 ACP. UPDATE: Full press release after the jump.

Hat Tip: Outdoor wire

New Winchester® Bonded PDX1™-superior Personal Protection Ammunition

The new Winchester Supreme Elite Bonded PDX1, which was chosen by the FBI as their primary service round, is now available in a full line of popular handgun calibers. The PDX1 is engineered to maximize terminal ballistics, as defined by the demanding FBI test protocol, which simulates real-world threats. The new Winchester Bonded PDX is offered in 9 mm, 40 Smith & Wesson, 45 automatic and .38 special.

Winchester Bonded PDX1 technology is superior to competitive personal protection loads with features that include:

· Proprietary bonding process-Welds lead and jacket together to work as a unit controlling expansion and providing superior retained weight.

· Hollow point-Works with the bonding process for outstanding performance through tough barriers and impact velocities/ranges.

· Jacket notching-Six segments help promote positive, consistent and programmed expansion at a variety of impact velocities.

· Copper alloy jacket-Contoured for maximum upset over a wide range of velocities/ranges.

· Nickel plated shellcase-Helps ensure positive gun function through smooth chambering and shellcase ejection.

Offerings:

Symbol

Line

Grain

Jacket
S9MMPDB

9mm Luger +P

124g

JHP Bonded
S9MMPDB1

9mm Luger

147g

JHP Bonded
S40SWPDB

40 S&W

165g

JHP Bonded
S40SWPDB1

40 S&W

180g

JHP Bonded
S45PDB

45 Auto

230g

JHP Bonded
S38PDB

38 Special +P

130g

JHP Bonded

features a 250-grain jacketed hollow point bullet, a muzzle velocity of 1,450 feet per second (fps) and an impressive 1,517 foot-pounds of muzzle energy.

Muzzle energy is a function of bullet weight and velocity. I did not notice it at the time but those figures are impossible. I am sure it was a typo, but I am surprised that it has taken Winchester over 6 months to issue a correct press release!

From the “new” press release:

features a 250-grain jacketed hollow point bullet, a muzzle velocity of 1,450 feet per second (fps) and an impressive 1,167 foot-pounds of muzzle energy.

So it generates 50% less recoil and has 50% less power. I don’t see the point, might as well use a .44 magnum, but the game being shot probably won’t notice the difference.

Lots of high res photos and information on the project on the blog.

After 20 years of shooting about every brand of sabot slug out there, our group of four has 2 favorite slugs we shoot. So far the best we have found for accuracy and power with our 12 ga. slug guns is the Winchester Platinum Tip-1700 fps and the Remington Solid Copper, 1450 fps- all 2 3/4 inch shells. We use Remington 870, Browning BPS and Browning Gold shotguns shooting cantilevered rifled barrels only-1 in 28″ twist. 1 1/2- 2″ groups is the norm at 100 yds. 3-4″ groups at 150yds. are the norm.

These groups are shot with very little wind. Do not shoot in windy conditions because you will get inconclusive results and for the fact these shells are expensive! We sight in 2″ high at 50yd. , which will put these slugs at about 2″ high at 100 yd. 150 yd groups will be 2-4″ low. For 150 yd. zero sight in 2.5″ high at 100yd. Both these sabot slug brands shoot to about same point of aim

Most people should forget about 200 yd shots because of wind deflection , poor rest setup, and inability to judge distance. We shoot 3 shot groups because barrel heat will spread groups out after 3 shots. Shoot in weather below 60 degrees. Wait 10-15 minutes between groups. Recheck groups in cold weather when it gets close to deer season. Slugs can shoot a little lower in extreme cold.

Some of us are going to a custom 1-26″ twist barrel and then we should be able to shoot 1800-2000fps slugs more accurate. Only thing is , you get considerably more recoil which I detest. Our 1 in 28″ twist barrels are factory barrels made by Browning and Remington. Hastings barrels are 1 in 34″ twist. They seem to shoot Hastings and Lightfield slugs much better which are medium velocity and use a heavier slug . These slugs also use a special wad for stability down range.

Winchester Platinum Tip slugs are 400 gr. and Remington Copper Solids are 438 gr. You will get very good expansion at all ranges up to 150 yds. I feel you lose too much velocity and energy at 200 yds to get good knock down power . Use 1900-2000 fps. slugs for shooting beyond 150 yds. They will expand better and produce more energy at 200 yds. I particularly like Remington Solid Copper sabot slugs-1450 fps. in 2 3/4″ and 1550 fps. in 3″ slug. They have enough power and acceptable recoil. Also, they are faster on 2 nd. and 3 rd. shots because the barrel does not rise much after each shot.

Only shoot 1800-2000 fps slugs if you can tolerate recoil and muzzle blast, have a heavy gun, have a very good recoil pad, or heavy muzzle blast does not bother your ears. These high velocity slugs will cause your barrel to rise considerably. Wear ear protection on the bench for all slug shooting and especially for high velocity slugs.

Our preference for slugs comes from 4 people after hundreds of shots on the range over a period of 20 years. Other people may get different results with their guns. Every gun is different and you must shoot various sabot slugs out of your gun to determine the best for you. Start with the slugs I suggested as a starting point. Buy 1 box of Winchester Platinum Tips and 1 box of Remington Solid Copper and find which one shoots the best out of your barrel. If you are recoil intolerant , go with 2 3/4″ Rem. Solid Copper, providing this slug shoots good out of your gun. This shell is a pleasure to shoot.

Weaver Grand Slam and Bushnell Elite are two good scopes I can recommend for slug hunting. We have used these with good results. Some scopes are not meant for slug hunting and can not take the punishment. Try to use a premium scope and not the cheap ones. Cheap scopes will lead to erratic results with your groups. They will not hold point of impact. The crosshairs will shift after shooting, leading to frustration on your part because you will be unable to get decent groups. You will end up with fliers. You might as well have a good scope because you will pay for it in shell cost. If you are having problems grouping slugs, try a different scope before buying different brands of slugs. Check screw tightness and make sure you have good rings. Buy a premium scope that can take the punishment of slug shooting. Slugs can generate 35-45 ft.lbs. of recoil. Call a scope manufacturer about the models that can take slug shooting.

Bushnell 1.5-6×36 Elite 4200 Shotgun Scope

We also use Leupold PRW scope rings on our cantilever barrels. We strongly urge you to use cantilever barrels because the scope comes off with the barrel and is sighted in for the barrel. Otherwise if you mount to the receiver and take off the barrel you will have to resight in each time. Not good. Do not use cheap rings. Use rings that have 2 screws on each side for a total of 4 screws for better holding power. Check screw tightness on rings and bases before each season. Slugs produce a lot of recoil and will loosen screws.

We use a 3 legged portable rest mounted on a plywood platform with a bag of shot mounted on the platform for recoil absorption. It slides back about an inch when the gun is fired thereby taking up recoil. We just sit behind the rest and look through the scope, but we do not put our shoulder into the gun. The rest takes up all the recoil, so we don’t have to! When sighting in fire one shot at 25yd. Move crosshairs to center of hole in target while not moving shotgun. Slug gun will now be centered dead on at 25 yds. Use a friend to move scope adjustments while you hold gun steady . You must hold gun absolutely steady! This will sight gun close to where it should be. Readjust at 50yd. This sight in method will save you a lot of expense due to the high price of these slugs.

Scrub out bore with a good solvent that takes out plastic residue from sabots along with gunpowder. Use a brush and rags to do this. Finish up with rubbing alcohol on a rag to take out all residue. Failure to do this will lead to plastic build up which will lead to inaccuracy. I hope this helps you slug shooters that are having problems with your shotgun or with your slugs.

Looks like a similar concept as the Winchester Liberator and Colt Defender

Eight barreled 20 gauge
Colt Defender Mark 1

Read it here.

The press release:

For 2008, Winchester Ammunition offers a reduced recoil load for the .460 S&W Magnum, allowing shooters more pleasurable target sessions and hunting options. A proven big bore hunting caliber, the .460 S&W provides excellent energy transfer and deep penetration. The new Winchester Super-X® .460 S&W Reduced Recoil round features a 250-grain jacketed hollow point bullet, a muzzle velocity of 1,450 feet per second (fps) and an impressive 1,517 foot-pounds of muzzle energy.

Engineered to offer nearly 50-percent reduction in recoil compared to full power loads, while still retaining enough energy for hunting at normal handgun distances, the new .460 S&W Reduced Recoil load is an ideal choice for deer-sized game, predators and target shooting. The more manageable recoil also allows hunters the benefit of quicker follow-up shots.

The reduced load still has significantly more muzzle energy than the .44 Magnum.

Left to right: .460 S&W Magnum, .454 Casull,
.44 Magnum, .45ACP, .22LR

High Grade Model

It comes in two models, the limited edition Custom Grade:

This set includes a Custom version and High Grade version limited to 250 very special sets of rifles with extraordinary embellishment and special matching serial numbers.

This Custom version has grade 3-4 walnut, beautiful engraving on a blued receiver with extensive gold plating embellishment, extreme polish, tight fits and finishes and more. All coordinated between Winchester Repeating Arms and our custom embellishment partner, Baron Engraving of Connecticut. The High Grade version features similar engraving with a nitride (gray) finish with elegant gold enhancements and grade 2-3 walnut.

And the High Grade, also limited:

The Theodore Roosevelt 150th Anniversary High Grade Rifles are patterned after the Winchester 1895s he loved. Basic in their configuration as he liked, these special rifles are embellished with an array of engraved North American big game scenes — engraved on the receiver with gold highlights – showing the game he loved to pursue and the game that put him in the wilds where he developed the strongest, most modern conservation ethic in history. And today, this heritage continues for hunters and shooters all across America.

This is a Limited Edition run of 1,000 High Grade special rifles sold individually.

The new ammo will be available later this year.

They have not yet updated their website with the details.

The Press release:

When Africa calls, so does the need for being equipped with the proper ammunition to take down the game on your hunting list-and being prepared for game that may not be. Winchester’s new Safari Ammunition line was engineered to not only tackle the toughest game in Africa and the rest of the continents with supreme confidence, but to provide performance and versatility in virtually any situation.

Offered in the venerable 375 H&H Magnum, 416 Rigby and 458 Winchester Magnum, as well as the 416 Remington Magnum cartridge, the new Winchester® Safari line makes the most of these popular and proven African cartridges by pairing them with the finest bullet choices available-Nosler® Partition® and the new Nosler Solid™.

Nosler Partition bullets-with copper alloy jackets and lead-alloy cores-have long been favored around the world for accuracy and terminal performance on game. The new Nosler Solids-featuring a unique design and homogenous lead-free alloy construction-provide spectacular penetration and an impressively straight wound channel on large, thick-skinned game.

According to Glen Weeks, Winchester Centerfire Product Manager, “The Safari line was developed to meet the most demanding hunting needs. Each of the cartridges in the line provides the energy and knockdown power needed for the largest and most dangerous game. The Partition offerings are ideal for dangerous, or large thinner skin game, while the Solids will offer maximum penetration on the toughest hide and bone.”

Winchester Safari Ammunition features nickel-plated cartridge cases and is packaged in reusable 20-round plastic boxes with labels featuring recently discovered vintage Winchester artwork. The line will be available summer 2008.

Accuracy under all conditons. The Bell and Carlson™ composite stock features a textured charcoal grey matte finish for rugged good looks and improved grip in adverse conditions. The Pachmayr® Decelerator® pad helps take the felt recoil bite out of high performance magnum cartridges.

The claw extractor offers Controlled Round Feeding so the cartridge may be easily withdrawn from the chamber at any point after it leaves the magazine. The cartridge feed lips are part of the receiver for improved reliability and greater durability. The classic three-position safety offers both on safe and fire positions, plus a middle position that locks the firing pin yet still allows the bolt to be operated, providing a greater margin of safety when checking the chamber condition or unloading. The Extreme Weather SS’s free floating, fluted stainless barrel is made in the same factory as those found on U.S. military rifles and machine guns, and features a recessed target crown to help protect the rifling.

1 MOA accuracy with superior optics and match ammo under ideal conditions can be expected from the Extreme Weather SS.

.308 Model (Also available in .270, .30-06, .300 Win Mag, 270 WSM, 300 WSM and 325 WSM):

Magazine Capacity: 5
Barrel Length 22″
Nominal Overall Length: 41″
Nominal Length of Pull: 13 3/4″
Nominal Drop at Comb: 1/2″
Nominal Drop at Heel: 1/2″
Nominal Weight: 6 lbs. 12 oz.
Rate of Twist: 1 turn in 12″
Metal Finish: Stainless Steel
Stock / Grip: Bell and Carlson premium composite stock
Retail: $1,149

More here.

You can’t miss with a TRUGLO® Red Dot scope! The Active Valve system reduces felt recoil. The 24″ barrel with 3½” chamber and an Extra-Full Extended Turkey choke tube, make this one incredible turkey gun. Extra features include the protective Dura-Touch® Armor Coating on the weather-resistant camo composite stock. The .742″ Back-Bored Technology provides optimum shot patterns. Steel sling swivel studs are included.

Specs:

Gauge: 12
Barrel Length: 24″
Weight: 7 lbs 8 oz
Retail: $1399

More here.

The legendary handling and quickness of the Model 70 Featherweight Deluxe is justly famous among hunters everywhere. The Model 70 action offers Pre-’64 style Controlled Round Feeding, a three-position safety and is highlighted by a jeweled bolt and knurled bolt handle. Inside is the new M.O.A. Trigger System, the finest trigger ever offered in a bolt-action with zero take up, zero creep and zero overtravel.

Like the original Featherweight, the angled comb walnut stock still features the Schnabel fore-end and satin finish with elegant cut checkering. A premium Pachmayr® Decelerator® recoil pad helps soak up felt recoil. It’s available in the most popular long and short action calibers, including WSM chamberings.

Available in .243, 7mm-08, .308, .270, 30-06, .300 Win Mag, .300 WSM, .270 WSM, .325 WSM

More here.

The Sporter Deluxe features a satin finished walnut stock with cut checkering on its trim fore-end and pistol grip, along with a sculpted cheekpiece for precise scope alignment to create a superbly balanced rifle that’s lighter to carry. The premium Pachmayr® Decelerator® recoil pad with the ideal contact area offers optimal protection against felt recoil while still being quick to the shoulder.

Along with the Sporter’s great looks and handling come a cold-hammer forged barrel and the crisp new three-lever M.O.A. Trigger System to let you fully exploit the 1 MOA accuracy potential of this classic hunting rifle. Available in popular long and short action calibers including WSM calibers.

Available in calibers: .270, 30-06, 300 Win Mag, 300 WSM, 270 WSM and 325 WSM.

More here.

Rugged reliability with a non-glare matte finish on the barrel and receiver that won’t cause birds to flare. The durable composite stock and forearm are up to tough conditions. The hard working Speed Pump action fires all factory 2 3/4″ and 3″ steel, tungsten, bismuth and lead loads through a new, chrome plated .724″ back-bored barrel with Invector-Plusâ„¢ chokes, ensuring optimum patterns. Choose a tough 12 gauge with 26″ or 28″ barrel.
Specs:

Gauge: 12
Barrel Length: 26″ / 28″
Weight: 7 lbs / 7lbs 4 oz

Easy to pack and carry, handling buckshot or rifled slugs efficiently through the fully chrome plated, 18″ cylinder choked barrel (no constriction) for wide patterning. This open choke is also very accurate when using Foster-type slugs. It also has non-glare metal surfaces with a tough composite stock and forearm. Additional features include a five-shot magazine, (plus one in the chamber) and a positive, deeply grooved forearm for control and stability.

This is the do-it-all model. Use it for home security, competition or hunting. It also packs easily for camping. The six-round capacity, composite stock and forearm impart confidence and capability. It’s all the gun you need for security and peace of mind.

Specs:

Gauge: 12
Barrel Length: 18″
Weight: 6 lbs 8 oz

More here.

It will get the job done fast. The Walnut Field features an elegant, gloss-finished walnut stock and forearm with cut checkering. And, because it’s a Speed Pump, it’s equipped with the Invector-Plusâ„¢ choke tube system, the most popular choke tube system in the world with target shooters. The Invector-Plus also gives you a chrome-plated .742″ back-bored barrel for less shot deformation and more consistent patterns. Full, modified and improved cylinder choke tubes are included, ready for any game you choose. Select a 26″ or 28″ barrel length.

Specs:

Gauge: 12
Barrel Length: 26″ / 28″
Weight: 7 lbs / 7 lbs 4 oz

More here.

I love the red receiver

Pictured here is a duplicate of the Super X3 shotgun that Patrick Flanigan shoots. Only his magazine tube has been modified to hold more shells. In timing Patrick’s ability to fire 12 shots, he was clocked at cycling all dozen shells in 1.442 seconds – the fastest ever recorded. Everything about the Super X3 is designed for speed and performance. Faster follow-up shots can be made because of the reduced felt recoil. The Active Valve system allocates gases in a clean, precise manner. The gun is light and responsive.

The barrel’s .742″ Back-Bored Technology works with the Invector-Plusâ„¢ choke tube system to provide consistent, dense patterns. The Dura-Touch® Armor Coating keeps the stock from slipping in your hands. The stock is adjustable for a custom fit to your shooting style and body type, thus maximizing overall efficiency of fit, balance and swing.

Now, Patrick’s incredible Super X3 autoloader can be yours, just like the one he uses to break world records (with a standard magazine tube). It is fully configured for exhibition or sporting use, including an additional gas piston to allow the use of a full range of factory loads from the lightest 1 oz. target loads to heavy 3″ magnums if desired, all with clockwork reliability.

Specs:

Gauge: 12
Barrel Length: 28″
Weight: 7 lbs. 4 oz.
Retail: $1,349

More here.

Introduce yourself to the new Winchester Super X3 Classic Field – the newest autoloader to join the rack at Winchester Repeating Arms. The Classic style stock is tastefully checkered in a traditional sharp diamond style for good looks and a firm grip. A graceful machined rib aligns your eye with the solid brass bead at the muzzle. The self-adjusting Active Valve gas system reduces felt recoil significantly more than inertia-operated systems. A traditionally-styled, proprietary next generation Pachmayr® Decelerator® recoil pad is fitted directly to the stock.

Trim grip and forearm dimensions add to the lightweight, fast handling feeling. The .742″ Back-Bored Technology and Invector-Plusâ„¢ choke tube system work together to provide perfect patterns. A unique gunmetal grey Perma-Cote UT (Ultra Tough) surface finish is applied to external surfaces for extreme corrosion protection, and the bolt is plated with electroless nickel to reduce friction and for added corrosion resistance. Three choke tubes are included.

Specs:

Gauge: 12
Barrel length 26″ / 28″
Weight: 6 lbs 12oz / 7 lbs

More here.

From Botswana to the Brooks Range, no other rifle has traveled so extensively in search of big game or is held in such high esteem as the bolt-action Model 70. Foremost in the series is the elegant Super Grade. You feel a surge of pride as you slide it from the rack. The warm grain and figure of the fancy grade walnut stock complement the contrasting black fore-end tip and pistol grip cap. The sleek lines of the sculpted shadowline cheekpiece flow across the stock. A blued steel stock crossbolt is tastefully engraved, adding both strength and elegance, while inletted blued steel swivel studs grace the underside of the stock. A tasteful black Pachmayr® Decelerator® pad helps soften felt recoil. The cold hammer-forged steel barrel is free floating for enhanced accuracy. The new M.O.A. Trigger System puts the Super Grade under your total control. With no take up, no creep and no overtravel, it’s the finest trigger ever offered and will immediately help you realize the true 1 MOA accuracy potential of your Model 70 Super Grade. When you’re ready for super accuracy combined with super elegance, you’re ready for the Model 70 Super Grade.

Specs:

Caliber: 30-06 / 338 Win Mag Barrel Length: 24" / 26" Weight: 8 lbs / 8 lbs 4 oz (not a light rifle)

More here.

Every war the United States has taken part in has seen the troops using shotguns. During WWI, the firearms firm of Winchester even modified a design dating back to 1897 so a bayonet could be attached.

The photo on the right is the Winchester Model 97 Trench Gun

More here.

The Winchester Model 70 is one of the most respected bolt-action rifle designs in the world. Winchester Repeating Arms is excited to announce the return of the Model 70 for 2008. The All-American Model 70s will be built by American craftsmen in Columbia, South Carolina, at the same state-of-the-art factory (FN Manufacturing) as the rifles and machine guns used by American’s Armed Forces. They are made to the exact ISO 9001 standard of quality that the U.S. Government insists upon for military firearms.

The full press release

Morgan, Utah – The Winchester Model 70 is one of the most respected bolt-action rifle designs in the world. Winchester Repeating Arms is excited to announce the return of the Model 70 for 2008. The All-American Model 70s will be built by American craftsmen in Columbia, South Carolina, at the same state-of-the-art factory (FN Manufacturing) as the rifles and machine guns used by American’s Armed Forces. They are made to the exact ISO 9001 standard of quality that the U.S. Government insists upon for military firearms.

For 2008 the new Model 70 has the all new M.O.A.â„¢ Trigger System, improved fit and finish and enhanced accuracy to go along with its classic Pre-64 Controlled Round Feeding, Three-Position safety and solid, sure handling… Reports go on to say that FN has brought much of the original Model 70 tooling to it’s Columbia, SC plant from the old New Haven facility.

M.O.A.â„¢ Trigger System. The new Model 70 M.O.A.Trigger System is the most precise three-lever trigger system ever offered to sportsmen. Operating on a simple pivoting lever principle, the trigger mechanism has been completely redesigned to exhibit zero take up, zero creep and zero overtravel. The pull weight ranges from 3 to 5 pounds and is factory-set at 3 3/4 pounds. Because of the enhanced ergonomics, wide smooth triggerpiece and 2:1 mechanical advantage created by the unique design geometry, it actually feels like half that weight.

Three-Position Safety. The improved three-position safety on the new Model 70 has proven effective and highly popular with hunters and shooters for decades. Convenient to operate with the thumb of the firing hand, the Model 70 safety lifts the firing pin away from the sear. Then the safety selector is in the middle position, the action can still be operated, allowing unfired cartridges to be cycled with the safety on.

Hammer-Forged Barrel. Model 70 barrels are cold hammer-forged from a solid billet of steel for accuracy and long life. Massive rotary hammers shape the barrel steel around a mandrel to create the rifling. The barrel is threaded, target crowned and installed on the receiver. The chamber is then reamed and the bolt is headspaced. This results in 1 MOA accuracy for three-shot groups using properly managed barrel, quality match ammo and superior optics under ideal weather and range conditions.

Blade-Type Ejector. The Model 70’s blade-type ejector allows full control when ejecting a fired case. When pulling the bolt back slowly the empty case pops out gently, which is perfect for target shooters and varminters. Pulling the bolt back smartly allows the empty case to clear the port with greater force. The blade-type ejector helps to eliminate short-stroking malfunctions.

The new Winchester Model 70 will be offered in a Super Grade, Featherweight™ Deluxe, Sporter Deluxe and Extreme Weather SS models for 2008. All will feature a thick black Pachmayr® Decelerator® pad that will help take the bite out of recoil.

The Super Grade will be offered in 30-06 Sprg. and 300 Win. Mag and will feature a fancy grade walnut stock with contrasting black fore-end tip and pistol grip cap and a sculpted shadowline cheekpiece. Suggested Retail $1,149.00

The Featherweight Deluxe has an angled comb walnut stock with Schnabel fore-end and satin finish with elegant cut checkering. It will be offered in popular long and short action calibers, including WSM chamberings. Suggested Retail $999.00 to $1,049.00.

The Sporter Deluxe features a satin finished walnut stock with cut checkering on trim fore-end and pistol grip, along with a sculpted cheekpiece. Available in popular long action and short action WSM calibers. Suggested Retail $999.00 to $1,049,99.

The Extreme Weather SS’s premium Bell and Carlson composite stock features a trim, light feel with textured matte surface that gives a sure grip in any conditions. The Extreme Weather SS has a free floating, fluted stainless barrel to help minimize weight. Available in popular long action and short action WSM calibers. Suggested Retail $1,149.00 tp $1,199.00. Delivery on all models will begin in June of 2008.