SASS influence caused them to re-engineer the lever throw , I highly question that
I'd suggest, it's more in line with efficiency , their internal firing pin safety , and an update in design....
that it may have been plus for SASS and worthy from a advertising point of view, to bullet point , SURE
....
Miroku /Winchester/ Browning , would not hinge earnings on possible SASS sales alone.
The appeal of a Winchester ( by name licensing, if not original maker ) has to be way broader, or they would not gamble profits.
Has it been then ?
time will tell.
S&W has been mentioned , Smith & Wesson re-introduced their Schofield revolvers, turned out it was a huge bath and discontinued.
Can't say about Miroku /Winchester ( I hope they do very well ) , but it won't be with SASS sales alone.