Have you guys seen this little bolt action .22 from Winchester? I just found out about it today on accident while looking for something else. Looks like a really nice little rifle.

Yep, appears to be the Russian TOZ 78 with an americanized stock & hopefully a little nicer finish (better metal work). The TOZ, while not generally a tack driver, is a pretty decent rimfire for a good price. The Russians have never been much on looks, they go more for function, but their barrels are usually first rate. I'm lookin' forward to actually holding one of the Wildcats. Think I heard that production will start about May 2006.

Are the Russians going to start making "Winchesters" now that the U.S. factory is shutting down?

well, I dunno about that. Nobody said it's a toz 78, I didn't know that. I think it's probably just as he stated, an Americanized TOZ 78 marked Winchester. I don't think it means anything in relation to the New Haven plant closing.

I just thought it looked like a neat little rifle, Winchester customer service told me this little bugger will start shipping in May.

I'm interested in getting one and am looking forward to handling one hopefully by this summer.

Has anyone heard anything lately about these? They're still listed as 'new' on Winchester's website - my local shop has not ETA for delivery...

/gc