After years of halfhearted searching and pining for a classic compact I recently snagged one in 243 for the boy ( he was 3 when I started looking and just turned9 so should be ready for it soon). Now that it’s in my hands I’m thinking it would be a near ideal for awkward tree stand shots even with my 6’ frame so long as it’s mounted with a scope with adequate eye relief.

So now my interest is piqued and I have some questions for the group. What chamberings were the classic compacts offered? I know 243, 7mm-08 and 308. Am I missing any others?

When were these first offered? I’ve not seen any 5digit versions.

They seem rare as hens teeth since I started looking but are they really that much rarer than the featherweight or even the classic stainless rifles?

I had a little .308 back when they first came out i think early to mid 90's.
It was very handy/accurate and loved Federal Premium 180gr. Noslers.
She wore a little Leupold 2x7 scope and my rifle had a red pad and crf action.
The gun was light weight and great for long hikes /tree stands and quick to point like a 30-30.
A few years later i got super grade fever and traded.
They are rare and hard to find and never made in great numbers.
Good luck with your new baby and have fun

DARNED nice little rifles !!! Good snag for you !!!

I believe it was 1998 when they came out. As far as I know, only ever offered in .243, 7-08 and .308

I did find an old Winchester catalog page on flea bae from 95 which lists the classic compact in 243 and 308 but not 7-08. When did the switchover from 5 to 6 digits occur? I thought it was late 90’s but memory fails me at the moment.