Cannot recall where I read it. Likely a thread on CGN. Don't take it as gospel, just my understanding. At the end of the day you can look at the historical prices of the rifle over the past few years and it's always hovered around the $900-1000 mark. Regardless of why the prices are lower the point is that they're lower and at $700 they seem like quite the bargain for a well reputed entry level AR.