but why would this high dollar rifle maker even both dabbling with this price range? They have plenty of customers in line for the other expensive rifles.
cw, they
don't "have plenty of customers for their expensive rifles"!! That's why they developed the Vanguard! The principle is called "market share"!!
Vanguard is the Weatherby name for the Howa rifles. S&W once sold these under their trade name as well, as have a couple of other importers. I think Howa still makes Howas in Japan, regardless of who sells them under what name!