Posted on 03/22/2006 10:55:40 AM PST by neverdem
NEW HAVEN — Smith & Wesson, the nation’s oldest and once its largest handgun maker, was named by city officials Tuesday as one of three manufacturers eyeing a takeover of the soon-to-close Winchester firearms factory.
Mayor John DeStefano Jr. confirmed Tuesday that Smith & Wesson executives will be in town this weekend to tour the U.S. Repeating Arms Co. factory at 344 Winchester Ave., where "The Gun That Won The West" has been manufactured for 150 years.
"There is a serious interest in the plant by a credible manufacturer," DeStefano said Tuesday. "Where it’s going to lead, I am not going to handicap at this point."
City Hall is asking USRAC’s parent company, Belgium-based Herstal Group, to cede control of the plant to the city or another gun maker. In exchange, the city has offered to forgive $17 million in tax abatements, lease obligations and workers’ pay the city says Herstal owes.
Meanwhile, the city is pressuring Utah-based Olin Corp., owner of the Winchester brand name, to grant the Winchester license to a firearms maker willing to take over the New Haven factory.
Smith & Wesson’s chief financial officer, John Kelly, confirmed the visit Tuesday, but both he and DeStefano sought to downplay its significance.
"We’ve been asked to come down and take a look" Kelly said. "Obviously, it’s a great brand, but I wouldn’t read too much into it.
DeStefano also struck a cautious, if hopeful, tone.
"Herstal does want to sell the plant," the mayor said. "Herstal has an interest in retaining the license from Olin, but Olin has said they would deal only with a bonafide manufacturer, which Smith & Wesson clearly is."
DeStefano added, "This is just a step in the process. I don’t want to build expectations that are unreasonable."
DeStefano said the city is...
(Excerpt) Read more at nhregister.com ...
The environment for freedom and individuality is pretty poor in New England. It isn't just the politicians (although it's easy to hate the slimy scum bags.) THe problem is the people there. They just don't want freedom. They want to be serfs They enjoy the comforting chains and they enjoy licking the hands that feed them (with their own resources). They would be pathetic if they weren't so agressive in trying to inflict their love of government and hatred of freedom on the rest of us. As it is they are worthy of nothing but contempt.
How are the gun laws in Conn.?
No, Smith & Wessonchester. Maybe Wessonchestershire?
Sioux Falls, SD
good for businesses.
Thanks for the link!
For me, the Model 70 has always been a classic.
My choice is sither .223 or .270 . Guess what I enjoy!?
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Yep, me too :-) ..I use .221 Fireball, .223 Rem, and a new (rebarreled Ruger 1V) coming in 6mm BR...look out varmints!!!
Your opinion on this?
Hasn't been that way since 1964 correct?
There are a few custom gun makers that still do work like that. But to be honest a hand made gun would be out of reach for most.
Yes! And I! I fought long and hard with the other half to buy a new Model 94 Trapper (30-30) last year, a rifle I've wanted since I was a child. I feel better that I didn't wait.
No, Winsmith & Chesterwesson?
BUMP!
"BARTENDER! I'll have whatever these gents have had."
Fond pointless dream, while I'm at it, I wish I had the wherewithal to but Winchester
Winchester should be owned by an American Company.They are more than welcome to move to Kentucky as this is a VERY gun friendly state.
If S&W buys the factory, they won't be making Winchesters. Winchesters will probably continue to be made by FN, either at FN factories or Browning factories (they also own Browning. That could be in US, Japan or Europe.
IMHO, S&W would be stupid to buy a gun factory in an anti arms rights and anti gun state run by union controlled politicritters. They should buy the tools and equipment, move 'em to Texas or Arizona or even Nebraska or Montana.
No need, FN already owns the name and the factory. All they are doing is closing that factory, not necessarily stopping production of "Winchester" guns. (Winchester ammunition is made by Olin, which spun off the gun maker some years ago, and later FN bought the spin off)
Texas. Yep!
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