The numbers DONT lie, the WSMs are THE biggest thing to hit the rifle world in several decades. NEVER BEFORE have so many mfgrs scrambled to chamber then guns in a relatively "new" class of calibers. I can't count the number of WSMs I have sold the last few years and that offering (both guns and ammo) grow almost daily.
There is ALOT to like about the WSMs. You can have a little bit smaller, lighter rifle without giving up any power or ballistic performance. Those two attributes are their biggest sellers IMHO. For the 1 or 2 gun owner I can't think of a better caliber than either the 300 or 270 WSM. For some unexplainable reason, the 7WSM is essentially DEAD! It is an abortion that is DOA! I don't understand it and neither do the mfgrs and reps I talk with about it. EVERYONE had high expectations for it but it has taken off like the Spruce Goose. Beretta even added it lastyear too the their Sako/Tika lines in expectations of it becoming a hit in Europe (America is solidly a 270 and 30 cal market, Europe is big on metric calibers especially the 7mm and 8mm varieties). But my Beretta rep told me 2 weeks ago that they are already considering pulling the plug on the 7WSM offerings. So if you want a 7WSM Sako or Tika you better rush out and buy them. They wont be around this time nextyear!
If you already have a 7mag Rem, 300Win (or even eithers Weatherby counterpart) then sure you don't need the WSM. BUT if you are like me and just are consumed with rifles and amassing an "arsenal" then why not? They are sweet guns, carry like a breeze and typically shoot VERY well. Ammo selection is growing daily and within the next few years EVERY momNpop that carries ammo will have a selection of WSMs. They simply have to because so many rifles are coming into the market and being sold. Ol Joes Gunshop in Podunk, CO may not have WSM ammo yet (I bet he does tho!) but you can rest assured within a year or two he will if he wants to survive.
The WSSMs are another story, they may or may not make it. Based on the market I have seen for them here in west TN they will be nothing more than a novelty. But the .270 and .300WSM are solid players in the market and the number of customers asking for them is growing daily. Almost too the point that for us, we don't even stock the 300WinMag anymore and our 7RemMag inventory is lower than it has ever been. We just get that many more requests for either of the two WSMs I mentioned.
Good luck and enjoy whatever you get. I wouldn't hestitat getting one and you will be glad you did! In the hundreds I have sold, I have NEVER had a customer complain about or regret their purchase of a WSM!!!
RA