and don't forget all the big gun company's have custom shops that will make you pretty much anything you want, so if you want a high end pretty wood blued rifle, even add some custom engraving, and OWN a hand me down prized possession of likes
they WILL make you one
problem is when folks inherent many prized guns, they DON"T actually HUNT with them, they save them for maybe special events/hunts or well, just keep as memories sake! and pass on to the next gen
and since were now in a generation or two of the mind set THROW AWAY everything and buy new again, always thinking NEW is better!
there isn;t a ton of families that still have traditions of handing down guns, just look at how few NEW hunters are getting into sport
and of the new SHOOTERS< most are younger generations that want GUNS of there ERA
plastic and guns they don't fear scratching up or even abusing at times
Old time hunters with family guns, seem to be a dying breed sadly
and most of them value there guns they have handed down FAR more than price tags will ever show!
it reminds me a lot of family land/ be it forested or farm land
for generations families, worked there lives, put heart and souls into the land , it means/meant the world to them
then they DIE< and well kids cannot sell it fast enough to get the $$ from it,a s they don;t want the hassle or work to keep it!
seen this with guns as well, kids get em in wills and come to shops asking for worth , as many rather the $$ over the gun period! times have changed!
they have NO value on sentimental things as so many generations before have IMO!
its a changing world and mind set on the majority , and the gun company's know this! and market what makes them money, ,
THEY again have the custom shop for the few that wish to have something special!
so fine guns are still there from the big players!