No1Mk3 wrote:I can't agree with the sentiment that "quality has fallen in recent times". This is, and always has been, a function of growing and widening markets from a makers viewpoint regardless of whether we are talking firearms, motor cars or yo-yos.
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It is a consequence of markets that although improved manufacturing processes and materials may make a better operating system for any device the apparent quality look of that device reduces, but it is not a lesser device.
That's it mate spot on and my sentiments exactly. In part its just market competition - people want an accurate, functional rifle more than anything else most times and those that want a premium offering are generally willing to pay for it.
Have a look at the true cost of what you're buying - a $750 rifle from most manufacturers nowdays is widely known to shoot MOA or better out of the box with factory ammo. 30 years ago, 50 years ago that wouldn't be anywhere near the case especially considering that $750 nowdays is actually slightly under a week's wages at minimum hourly rate.
Now, in 1970 the minimum wage was $56 and in 1991 it was $250 - that's weekly. I've no doubt you could buy rifles for that amount then, but I would suggest the type, variety and accuracy of those rifles would not be anywhere near what we see today in the current market.