May 26, 2018 4 min read

It was in 1964 when a few individuals who sat behind a desk damaged the reputation of a major firearms company. Before that year, Winchester held a highly respected place in the firearms quality department. The affluent and knowledgeable owned a Winchester while those that were of a lower financial position owned a Savage or a Remington. Yes, my friend’s Winchester was at the top. Then, the not so bright geniuses cheapened the model 70 by using castings, stampings, etc. and a horrible stock design. They went from the best rifle to the ugly sister.

From that day until today, Winchester has undergone more than one change in management and a few bankruptcies. The model 70 has been revamped, manufactured and moved across the pond to who knows where. They should have left the guns alone and increased the price.

In 1964 Remington offered a new design and a new way to build a rifle. While the old 70 from Winchester was mostly milled parts, the Remington utilized stampings. The new Remington meant poor people such as myself could afford a new bolt action rifle in 30-06.

The 721-722 series of rifles soon evolved into the model 700, which has become the most popular sporting bolt action ever made. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the 725, which was offered during the late 721 years. There was a dressed up 721 with a hinged floorplate, checkered stock and better overall finish. The 725 was only offered for 4 years and was replaced by the 700. Over the 4 years of manufacturing, there were only around 15,000 made.

Summing up, there was a time when Winchester sat on the throne and then Remington had its day. But they both fell into the same pit by ignoring quality and giving the shooter what he-she wants.

As many readers have already found, Remington has filed for bankruptcy. This isn’t necessarily the end of the trail for Remington. In most instances, all the bankruptcy does is relieve the company of debt. Where Winchester’s decisions came from Madison Avenue and were made by people sitting behind a desk, it’s time to get the pulse of the shooter.

Things are slow in the sales of hunting firearms but the curiosity about military firearms still exist. It’s been a while since Remington has come out with a new cartridge bearing the Remington logo. New rounds seem to be the specialty of Savage, Ruger and a few of the bullet makers. Whatever the problem is we sure don’t want to lose another gun maker.

• It’s now official Denny Fredericks is confirmed as the new commissioner representing the Pennsylvania Game Commission in the Southwestern Division. I have t
• old my readers a few times about this up-and-coming event and am happy to report it has occurred.

The commissioners are the group that make decisions for the Game Commission. They are the top officials at the Game Commission. When Fredericks was a commissioner, he did a good job and there is no reason to question his appointment now. His background and education speaks for itself. While all of the appointees to take the position claim to be hunters, some base that fact on the purchase of a hunting license and the leaning against a tree for an hour each December.

On the other hand, Fredericks is a real hunter. He has downed more than a few bucks and his share of elk. Along with that, I have lost in more than one bird tournament to him, which makes me just a bit grumpy. Before retirement, Fredericks worked in land management for Consol and that experience should help him as a commissioner.

One of the biggest questions in regard to the commission’s financial situation is what and where is the gas industry money? With his background, he should be able to help along that line. Of course, one person can’t handle everything and perform magic and it is not fair to expect too much from one individual.