I guess I'm something of a purist snob, biased towards old stuff that's more expensive to make and market. This is often a road to ruin for manufacturers as the market niche size must support the product volume or failure ensues. U.S. Firearms comes to mind. Like most large volume producers Remington has cheapened their methods and materials, the storied 870 being the most obvious victim. I have two in my possession, one bought in 1975 and the other in 2012. Both are serviceable, but are otherwise not comparable. Not to denigrate Mossberg fans, but the 2012 model is obviously competing in a lower weight classification with cheap stock material, finish and a plastic trigger assembly. My big idea for Remington (consulting service offered gratis) is to cover all the bases. Offer a low price point gun with commensurate materials, but aggressively market upgrades and accessories. This strategy pays big dividends for car makers. Remington and others too often leave high quality upgrades to the aftermarket when they have the tooling and expertise to make them cheaper than any outside vendor. Remember the days when S&W sold target triggers, hammers and stocks on blister packs in the retail outlets right alongside the guns? S&W also shoved a lot of private label junk down the retailers' throats, but they were happy to carry it to get the firearms. It worked. It's all about marketing strategy to meet the market.
Hooray! Out oldest American gunmaker is back.
