This passing of an American icon seems sadder than most, for some reason:
The traditional Winchester rifles carried by pioneers, movie stars and Wild West lawmen will be discontinued in March, a Belgian manufacturer said Wednesday, confirming the end of an American icon that became known as "The Gun that Won the West."
One of the problems apparently is that the Winchester is just too good:
While collectors were drawn to Winchester's many commemorative or special-edition rifles, sportsmen often still hunt with rifles that are generations old, a longevity that historian R.L. Wilson said became both the hallmark of the Winchester brand and part of its demise.
Can't say that about too many things these days. I have a few things meant to last long enough to pass along -- a Mont Blanc pen, a beautiful wooden hutch, an old coffee table. Most of what I have is merely functional. Need to replace it, no tears shed.
