There were a number of years that the quality of Winchesters really fell! But since USARC the quality has returned. If you happen to pick up a used Winchester made from about the mid 60' s through the mid 70' s or a little later...you very well may be disappointed by their quality. Look closely however at comparable models (ie. price range) from recent years and quality is closely equivalent. They do however both have their distinctive feels that are different!