Indeed. That was probably 1998 or so when I was going to buy one, and I felt the price was too high. Two or three years later...... Well, it really IS high now! That may be due to increased quality, though. I have an older Pedersoli Bess from the 70's or 80's, and I'm not impressed. Only half of the flash hole is exposed to the pan, so it blasts fouling all over behind the lock. The tumbler seems rather loose in the lock plate, and the stock appears to be some sort of knotty, 2nd rate hardwood. The newer ones I've seen are far superior. I would examine any of the older replica arms very carefully before buying one, especially one built from a kit.