halvtaz,

I was thinking the same thing and then bought the Apex. The blued Apex is being sold for $179. They've reduced the price $150 dollars. The stainless is $199, a price reduction of $200 dollars. Now that I have handled the Apex, Walmart would have to reduce the Kodiak substantially before I would opt for it instead. You are going spend many times the cost of the rifle in bullets and powder, make sure you get as good a rifle as your budget will afford.