I think some of it might have to do with the cost of the bottom tier new rifles. For basically $3-$400 you can go by a rifle with a tupperware stock and a cheap scope that is brand new. I love the older rifles I own a couple but I also own some of the new stuff. And the stuff coming out of the box right now shoots very well with little to no work. How long they will last compared to my older models is a different story.