I would actually say they DID have the best rifles, though I've never heard a bad thing about the barrels in current models their designs were not compelling. I think Knight is an example of an innovator that could not compete effectively when competition caught up (in both design and marketing).

The proliferation of models, that failed .52 caliber thing and a bad economy killed Knight. Thompson Center is not in very good shape either. They have had several layoffs since about September of 08.