Building them isn't actually all that hard but to do what ATRS is doing is time consuming which is expensive when you're paying your guys a decent Canadian wage. They aren't just putting together a pile of mil-spec parts that all just find a home when you put them in a box and shake it up. They're hand fitting proprietary parts and then test firing every rifle into the bullet trap.
The Mac Def and the MV-s are a completely different story though and would be a better comparison to the MV factory version but even that one has some "custom" work to fit it all together so it will still price in higher than a similar build with similar parts.
Bottom line is that just like a Spikes Tactical, Stag, Aero or any other brand build a factory assembled rifle will cost more than the sum of the parts. This is great for a guy who knows what he's doing, has the time and knowledge to order all the parts individually, and already has the tools to put one together, but for the guys that are too lazy, simply don't have the time, don't have the desire, or would just rather buy a turn key ready to go rifle the MV or MV Factory version will still be the preferred route to take.
I have no interest in the Mac Def receivers, there isn't enough information yet and until there are some in peoples hands we have no idea what the quality is like.
Luckily, one of my friends is on the pre-order list for one and will be coming to me for help with assembly so I'll get my hands on one once they are shipping. I'll try to remember to take some pics and write review and my impressions as it goes together and we test fire it. I've been helping him with parts selection and the budget is large so it will be a nice rifle once it's done.
For me, I'll wait for the ATRS receiver sets to come out, I've already got a couple non restricted 223's so I can be patient and wait for them then build something to sit proudly next to my MH. I've already got most of the parts waiting for a sweet build.
