Magnumite
Ultimate Member
“...But what surprised me along the way was that, while I can live with the modern "non reflective" and non "game spooking" rifle finish well enough (read Oh ******** Mr. Manufacturer--blued and polished steel costs MONEY),...”
I don’t think it is cost to the manufacturer, they recover the cost, with a markup, in sales. It is a matter of how many units could they sell at the added cost. At some tiers of firearms a costly finish would sell. I know I would not pay $250 more for a Glock with a blued slide, barrel l, and metal components. I believe the EPA and new methods (and the attendant durability) have something to with that as well.
I like blued guns but there is something to be said for some modern finishes, as you noted.
I don’t think it is cost to the manufacturer, they recover the cost, with a markup, in sales. It is a matter of how many units could they sell at the added cost. At some tiers of firearms a costly finish would sell. I know I would not pay $250 more for a Glock with a blued slide, barrel l, and metal components. I believe the EPA and new methods (and the attendant durability) have something to with that as well.
I like blued guns but there is something to be said for some modern finishes, as you noted.