I noticed that they are still not offering the M70 Safari Express in .458 Lott. I wonder why they stubbornly continue to chamber it only to .375 H&H, .416 Rem Mag, and .458 Win Mag? It seems to me that they will lose out on a lot (pun not intended) of sales to Ruger and CZ by not offering as a Lott.

I think they're just partial to the word "Winchester" in 458 Winchester Magnum.

quote:

Originally posted by Sevens:
I think they're just partial to the word "Winchester" in 458 Winchester Magnum.

I wouldn't underestimate this statement. With no Custom Shop per se (correct if I'm wrong), and until if/when one comes back on line, don't think we'll ever see a Lott come off the production line.

Too bad. Because I already have a M70 in 375. And a Ruger in 416. Both great guns for me. So; does Winchester want my money? I guess not. Have it their way? I also have a 458Lott, but would consider trading that on an M70. I would also consider and M70 in one of the classics or something new and bigger (404/470/500).

I assume for now there is a pent up demand for M70's by new guys. But, new guys are becoming fewer and fewer. They may have too smarten up and think about catering to the old guys. And, I don't mean at custom shop prices.

There is no point at all in a 458Win, on an action long enough for a Lott, as an only option. There should be as many choices as possible to cater to as many customers as possible. Simple options like caliber, bbl weight&length. Maybe magazine capacity, stocks.

Ruger knows how to play this game. Yet neither the African or Alaskan are offered in 458Win. And, in that case, due to action length and gun weight the Win Mag would be an interesting choice. Maybe too much of a good thing?

A little food for thought. I just shortened the barrel on my Safari Express to 21" and had the mag box opened, bolt stop/ejecter moved. I'm now loading to full Lott length. Factory throat is huge. The season is here and there was no Lott reamer around. After this season I'll probably go to the Lott or 450 Ackley. If you like Mod. 70s that's another option.

Most of the time, these decisions are made by the accountants. If big bores are 1% of the market, and the Lott would represent 10% of that market, they might not see it as profitable to offer the Lott (or other chamberings).

George

George is right, most of the world is run by accountants, not the folks in the field, nor the shooters. Numbers count!

I have some left over Win M70s and I am just now getting started building 5 458 Lotts to my specs, of course by SSK Industries. All will have AI stocks on them. All will have 22 inch barrels, NECG barrel bands and so forth. Just a shortage now of 458 Lotts out there, at least Winchesters, so I am going to put some out!

Michael