Why Only Winchester 12 gauges?

[Waterengineer]

Does anyone know or understand why Winchester only makes 12 gauge? It seems like they are missing a lot of market by not making sub-gauge guns.

The argument can probably be made, now they are part of Browning, Browning has the sub-guage market. However, historically, OK for 20 years or so, Winchester has make 12 guage only. Seems kind of weird to me.

 

[zippy13]

Perhaps, with the popularity of tube sets, the sub-gun O/U market is shrinking. I can't remember the last time one of my comp shooting buddies got anything new other than a 12-gauge. And, I've not seen a new four barrel set in many years.

 

[Ricky B]

They're picking the low-hanging fruit by making a product for the market with the most buyers. Browning and Winchester are under common ownership, and if a buyer wants a 20 ga., he can buy the Browning.

 

[protectedbyglock]

So they just don't make them any more?
I have a 20ga Winchester (model 1300, i think).
It was just given to me by a friend of the family last year. Haven't shot it yet, though, but it's mint. Doesn't look too old at all.

 

[Ricky B]

Winchester may have discontinued the model.

Here's a link to the catalog:

http://www.winchesterguns.com/prodinfo/catalog/index.asp

If you click on the link for the 1300, you will see it's no longer made but may still be in the distribution channels.

 

[Mike Irwin]

Remember, Winchester has gone through a LOT of turmoil in the last couple of years. It might be a result of that.

But, it could also be that Winchester simply didn't see the financial viability of maintaining production of 20, 16, and 410.