While accuracy is certainly an important attribute in a firearm, to my mind so is quality of materials, manufacturing and pride of ownership. Three qualities of which guns like the 783 do not possess.
Being involved in building custom high end hunting and competition rifles, this may seem like an odd comment but I am actually very impressed with what manf are now doing for the price point.
rifles like the Ruger American work surprisingly well. Fit, function and quality of build is actually on par or better then many old school factory rifles. And yes, I have had the joy of working on the new SPS rifles so don't go there.
With the recent Crash Testing of an Axis, I am surprised at how robust the rifle is. From the plastic stocks to the matte bluing, from the trigger, bolt and safety, this rifle survived far rougher treatment then any hunter is likely to go through unless the rifle is abused or toss off the side of a cliff.
Accuracy is definitely part of the bundle and they can also offer function, decent finish, and good ergonomics. Sure a bit of TLC is needed but you tell me how many gunsmiths have made a career out of fixing Rems?.
They sell thousands of these because consumers simply want results and these rifle deliver at a price point simply too low to ignore.
fleure de lis checkering, lacqured figured walnut, high gloss bluing do NOTHING to actually make the rifle do its job better. Look good, absolutely but is this the bling you want when it is pouring rain or snowing hard or you slipped and the rifle is now bouncing down a hill?
So, I would say manf today ARE giving the consumer a much better deal in materials, manufacturing and at a price many more consumers can now AFFORD the pride of ownership.
There was a time where you paid nearly a months salary to get a rifle with a 1.5 MOA guarantee. Today, consumers complain when a rifle costing 1 days wage doesn't shoot sub MOA with factory ammo.
We are getting a whole lot more for our hard earned dollars today.
Then take some of these entry level rifles, add a bit of TLC and better parts, and they will happily keep up with rifles costing many times more. That takes good solid engineering and that never gets old.
Jerry
