Anyone else think economy rifles degrade brand?

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In answer to the OP, it depends.

If a company does the engineering and manufacturing right on an economy rifle, it won't hurt their brand. It will make them alot of money besides, cause the market is huge.
Marlin's X series bolt actions for example, gets great review and except for the lack of removeable mag, would be a gun I would seriously consider for a hunting rifle.
Ruger's whole philosophy was to use innovative design and manufacturing methods, allowing them to underprice the competition. They have done very well with this, and it actually established their brand's reputation.

Other brands, however, I'm not so keen on, esp. the cheap remingtons because the tests and opinions I've read on them is that they aren't very good.
I have an old remington 7600 that I really like, but at this point, don't see myself ever buying a new remington anything, due to their tarnished reputation.
Their economy brand rifles reputation have only hurt how guys like me see all of their guns.
I have shot new remington 700's and haven't been impressed with how the ammo feeds from the mag. Not smooth or even reliable in my experience.
 
NoTarget said:
That invokes a funny mental image of a bunch of old guys standing in one corner of the hallway dressed in camo pointing at others, whispering and giggling. At least the high school girls grow up.
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That's a good comparative image and not far from the truth from what I have seen over the years at various firearm related places.

Lol. :D
 
There are many many good points made in this thread, whats funny is how some refuse to acknowledge them.

Accuracy is but one small piece of what makes a quality firearm, reliability is much higher on my requirement list. If a bolt rifle isnt as smooth as glass picking up another round when cycling the action at any speed in any conditions while I am under a little stress and not able to do so with utmost attention, I don't want it. Some of these low end rifles have so much slop in the action when the bolt is open, they will bind, I for one think that is unacceptable.

A rifle must also fit me properly, so that when I shoulder it I don't have to search for the sights or my target. A properly fitted rifle will also lessen felt recoil when you are paying enough attention to notice it, like at the range.

A rifle should have a good, reliable, repeatable trigger. Not something that can lock up if bumped by a twig.

A rifle should have a dependable safety that guarantees it cannot be fired.


Etc...etc...

The cost of such a rifle doesn't matter, as long as it meets my needs, it's perfect. I just haven't found those needs met with rifles like the Axis, or any modern Savage for that matter.
 
Longwalker said:
It's very interesting to me that no posts here called anyone else down for using an "economical" modern rifle. Many pointed out that they would not buy such, and many also pointed out that better options exist in the high quality used gun market. But several budget minded shooters chose to take offence at those with different opinions, and called them snobs and old boys and worse. That says less to me about "elitism" and snobs than it does about self absorbed and insecure beginners who don't know what real quality is or why it matters. Poor judgement reinforced by defensive posturing. Kinda sad.
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No kidding. It's like when I see some people hunting over cheap garage sale decoy spreads. There are so many better options in the high quality used decoy market, unfortunately there is simply too many budget minded or second rate waterfowl hunters that are to self absorbed and/or to insecure to know what real quality is or why it important. And when someone tries to explain to these people their poor judgement some become defensive over their decision to own/hunt cheap decoys. Insisting that they can kill just as many birds with their cheap production line GHG, Big Foot, Dakota, Real Geese, G&H or some forgotten plastic shell as with a hand crafted decoy such as a DropZone or DSD decoy. It's really kinda sad when some people take themselves to seriously...
 
While a less expensive rifle will perhaps gain another participant in our sports, it was not something that caused me to need another rifle based on cost.
What does cause me concern is an EE listing which reads in the vaguest of terms:

"WTS 270 Remington, 24 inch barrel, only fired 10 rounds, with bushnell 3 - 9 scope. $700.00. Unable to post pictures"

If it were a Model 700 it would be said. Buyer beware as you may be buying a glue gun, a pop gun or whatever.
 
Inexpensive guns do not necessarily have to be poor quality. The Husqvarna rifles in my safe prove that. They weren't brand new when I bought them, true, but I'd rather spend my money on something that's built to last, even if it is used, than on something brand new that has a built-in shelf life.

I don't own high-dollar rifles. I own a bunch of good quality working class rifles. I, too, am saddened by all the poor quality rifles coming out lately, and I won't part with my money to get one.

But I understand why companies do it. They offer a higher profit margin, and the people seem to buy them up. If you owned a gun company, you'd be pretty stupid to NOT come out with a rifle like the "american", because all it will do is make you money!

My dollars, though, will go for something that has a bit more quality, even if it is used.
 
Not going to guess the age, because I have known some pretty wise 19 year olds, but agree on the immaturity, which can inflict people at any age.
 
Ardent said:
Gonna guess the age guys... 19? Anyone else? :)
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You really haven't a clue, I was 19 way over 20 years ago. I'm not afraid to admit some of my finer rifles will not shoot as well as some "junk" rifles as some will call them. I don't need to come on here and bash rifles because of their price tag. Instead I will give credit to manufacturers for building hunting rifles with many built in accuracy enhancing features at a cost that defy's the rifles performance. What amazes me is that there's always a group that will bash others for their choices, people like that in life in general are usually sore losers when things aren't as they see it. I on the other hand, have no problem giving respect to individuals who find somthing that works for them and works well.
 
The problem canadaman30, is that YOU are bashing others for their opinions and choices.... just because someone else slights you, doesn't mean you have to respond likewise.
 
Cleftwynd said:
The problem canadaman30, is that YOU are bashing others for their opinions and choices.... just because someone else slights you, doesn't mean you have to respond likewise.
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IMO, if a rational discussion about anything, even with differing viewpoints degenerates into someone throwing a personal insult, then I consider it a win for the other guy, just sayin'

Accusing someone of having to compensate for small genetalia by their choice of rifle, is just plain stupid. I'm sure most members of this forum realize that the antis seize on that very argument for gun ownership in the first place.......
 
Economy rifles don't cheapen the brand, low quality rifles do. The Stevens 200, Marlin XS/XL, Ruger American, Weatherby Vanguard are reputed to work very well and are seen as good, if not excellent value for money. That is a credit to any brand.

Remington's 710, even revised as the 770 didn't achieve the same for them but quality control issues with their iconic model 700 and with Marlin's traditional lever action models have probably hurt those brands more.

If you come across as a snob who looks down on new hunters who don't spend enough on their rifles, many people will wonder if you are trying to compensate for some lack in your hunting ability and/or shooting skill by flashing expensive logos and brand names.

Yes, if the market shifts too much to low-priced utilitarian rifles some of the finer things that you enjoy may become even more expensive or disappear altogether as demand for them is reduced. Don't get defensive, invest in these new hunters. Share with them your appreciation of the nicer stuff without denigrating their choices, ensure they get hooked on hunting first, then bring them along gradually to share your taste for the finer things if they can afford it. There will always be some who can't, or don't wish to, but they are still hunters and supplying their needs and wants helps manufacturers to be in business supplying yours.

If hunting is just another way to show off your money, you are devaluing its culture more than any of those rifles could ever devalue their maker's brand.
 
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TheTooner said:
Economy rifles don't cheapen the brand, low quality rifles do. The Stevens 200, Marlin XS/XL, Ruger American, Weatherby Vanguard are reputed to work very well and are seen as good, if not excellent value for money. That is a credit to any brand.

Remington's 710, even revised as the 770 didn't achieve the same for them but quality control issues with their iconic model 700 have probably hurt their brand even more.

If you come across as a snob who looks down on new hunters who don't spend enough on their rifles, many people will wonder if you are trying to compensate for some lack in your hunting ability and/or shooting skill by flashing expensive logos and brand names.

Yes, if the market shifts too much to low-priced utilitarian rifles some of the finer things that you enjoy make become even more expensive or disappear altogether as demand for them is reduced. Don't get defensive, invest in these new hunters. Share with them your appreciation of the nicer stuff without denigrating their choices, ensure they get hooked on hunting first, then bring them along gradually.

If hunting is just another way to show off your money, you are devaluing its culture more than any of those rifles could ever devalue their maker's brand.
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Could not agree more. You covered various aspects of this topic. If I may add, cheaper version do allow the new owners with strict budget to afford firearms. One can expect that gradually, a shift and appreciation to better and quality firearms.
 
Yes it has but what choice did many have. Either introduce a more economical line or close shop.
Buy what you can afford I say most of us must balance the family's needs against our sometimes irrational fascination with firearms.

In the end life's too short for me to listen to people telling me what I should, and should not, be shooting or how much to spend on my guns.. See me with some of my shotguns and you would say snob, next day I may be shooting my stevens 200. Both do the job and I enjoy shooting them all
 
Ardent said:
bearkilr, and I hope he doesn't mind me saying this.... His wife won't have a Guess purse and neither does mine, but we have nice guns.
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bearkilr said:
My wife's purse came from Walmart and only "costed" about $40. :)
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That hardly seems fair... ;)

track said:
My pretty guns must shoot and work better than utilitarian firearms because they kill big whtetails every year... there must be some truth to that statement.
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I am pretty sure that you would do just as well with an Axis/200/American etc... you might not enjoy the overall experience quite as much... but, it is always going to be the man holding the gun that gets it done... not the gun.

Calum said:
I really don't understand how some hunters turn into packs of highschool girl cliques when talking to other hunters about their firearms. It's very strange.
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This is starting to remind me of denominational differences within religious groups... "They bow left!"... "WE bow right!!!"
 
I got it figured out!!!

They are ones that feel they need a 5K hunting rifle are the same ones that need a 60K fifth-wheel trailer to say they go camping twice a year.Microwave and satellite TV included of course.Laughing at the guys with old trucks and tents as they drive by. ;)

cou:
 
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Kelly Timoffee said:
I got it figured out!!!

They ones that feel they need a 5K hunting rifle are the same ones that need a 60K fifth-wheel trailer to say they go camping twice a year.Microwave and satellite TV included of course.Laughing at the guys with old trucks and tents as they drive by. ;)

cou:
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I gladly pull over and chat with the guys with the old truck and tent... at least they will share their beer!

I also shoot what i can afford, my Stevens 200 has been a pretty fine gun for me. Sure a more expensive rifle would be nice but i don't think i would have as much fun with it.
 
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