UpNorthMI
Well-Known Member
I was at the Stalking Show at Stafford and enjoyed looking at all the offerings, the UK stalking scene has certainly grown, I remember struggling 40 years ago to find someone to tell me more about stalking as I was keen to give it a try. I started spending a lot of time from the late 80's in the US and was shocked at just how main stream and big deer hunting was. It's funny how the 2 markets are treated different by manufacturers. I just upgraded my foxing rifle in the UK and wanted a dedicated thermal mounted rifle. I went with a Tikka Tx3 lightweight stainless, I thought I would go the same route in the US for coyote and other critters but was shocked to find out the same rifle was not supplied with a threaded barrel, so many European manufacturers lower specs for the US market.
Maybe in the UK we have specific requirements but in my opinion you are not selling new rifles in the UK if they are not threaded. I'm not suggesting that we all shoot moderated but it's an option a lot of us use. In the US we are slow in the uptake of moderators but the number of active shooters who are adding moderators must out number the UK market 10 fold, US gun manufacturers are fast responding, we are seeing a large portion of rifles in stores being factory threaded, it seems that every European rifle being sold in the US is largely not threated unless they are very high end guns aimed at the fast growing predator segment. Blaser barrels are not threaded when sold in the US.
I understand why the US domestic basic budget rifles are not threaded as typically they are purchased by people who don't shoot or hunt much but most shooting guys I know buy "non budget" quality rifles, European manufacturers need to adjust to the current market trends and understand that the age of the threaded barrel in the US market is here. I'm refusing to add the time and cost of getting a rifle threaded on any of my new purchases. So Tikka will not be selling me another Tx3 lightweight stainless as they are not factory screw cut. By the way a Tikka Tx3 lite stainless is $879 in the US versus £1,249 in the UK. The US is definitely cheaper on price as it has always been, the manufacturers just need to understand that we like quality product with more features, we are happy to pay more money.
I met a factory rep from Bergara (Spain) at the stalking show, they have a great range of product, most of it with threaded barrels, my biggest comment was I cannot see any of their rifles in the US, his comment was they cannot make enough to satisfy demand, it was nice to see their display in the UK but we had a lot of conversation about how different their products were in the two markets.
Anyway my new Coyote dedicated thermal order was placed online last night for a Ruger American Ranch Rifle Gen 2 in 5.56 / .223
Ruger American Rifle Generation II Ranch 5.56mm NATO Cobalt Cerakote Bolt Action Rifle - 16.1in
I wanted a compact rifle that I can add a moderator and my Pulsar thermal scope, it is a feature rich rifle that meets all of my needs and comes for a total price of $599, I did have to add $36 in sales tax but my local Sportsman's Warehouse will ship it to my local store for free, I should be picking it up in 4 days, yep no variation required here! That's about £500 all in, a lot of gun and features for the money.
Anyway my key comment is that as consumers there is a lot of amazing product around for us to choose from today, manufacturers need to be in tune with customers demands and find the right mix of products, not understanding changing customer needs can kill manufacturers quicker than anything today, look at the automotive industry! I sent an email to Sako in Finland to pass on my constructive criticism from a fellow business owner, active hunter and rifle buyer.
It's a "Funny old world".
Maybe in the UK we have specific requirements but in my opinion you are not selling new rifles in the UK if they are not threaded. I'm not suggesting that we all shoot moderated but it's an option a lot of us use. In the US we are slow in the uptake of moderators but the number of active shooters who are adding moderators must out number the UK market 10 fold, US gun manufacturers are fast responding, we are seeing a large portion of rifles in stores being factory threaded, it seems that every European rifle being sold in the US is largely not threated unless they are very high end guns aimed at the fast growing predator segment. Blaser barrels are not threaded when sold in the US.
I understand why the US domestic basic budget rifles are not threaded as typically they are purchased by people who don't shoot or hunt much but most shooting guys I know buy "non budget" quality rifles, European manufacturers need to adjust to the current market trends and understand that the age of the threaded barrel in the US market is here. I'm refusing to add the time and cost of getting a rifle threaded on any of my new purchases. So Tikka will not be selling me another Tx3 lightweight stainless as they are not factory screw cut. By the way a Tikka Tx3 lite stainless is $879 in the US versus £1,249 in the UK. The US is definitely cheaper on price as it has always been, the manufacturers just need to understand that we like quality product with more features, we are happy to pay more money.
I met a factory rep from Bergara (Spain) at the stalking show, they have a great range of product, most of it with threaded barrels, my biggest comment was I cannot see any of their rifles in the US, his comment was they cannot make enough to satisfy demand, it was nice to see their display in the UK but we had a lot of conversation about how different their products were in the two markets.
Anyway my new Coyote dedicated thermal order was placed online last night for a Ruger American Ranch Rifle Gen 2 in 5.56 / .223
Ruger American Rifle Generation II Ranch 5.56mm NATO Cobalt Cerakote Bolt Action Rifle - 16.1in
- Splatter finished stock provides excellent grip without being too sharp or abrasive.
- Soft rubber recoil pad features a large radius on the heel for easy shouldering and improved geometry that progressively collapses to reduce felt recoil.
- Removing the installed spacer allows for length of pull to be adjusted from 13.75in to 12in.
- Installed low comb improves sight alignment when using magnified optics but can be removed when utilizing low-mounted sights.
- Professionally applied Cerakote coating on barrel, muzzle brake, receiver and bolt handle results in a durable, easy-to-maintain finish.
- Medium contour barrel features deep spiral flutes that reduce weight at the muzzle end of the barrel to improve balance without sacrificing stiffness or accuracy.
- Compact, threaded barrel with factory-installed radial port muzzle brake is cold hammer-forged, resulting in ultra-precise rifling that provides exceptional accuracy and longevity.
- Intuitive three-position tang safety locks the bolt, preventing inadvertent bolt opening while allowing the rifle to be loaded with the safety engaged.
- Ruger Marksman Adjustable trigger offers a crisp release with a pull weight that is user-adjustable between 3 and 5 pounds.
- Patented Power Bedding integral bedding block system positively locates the receiver and free-floats the barrel for outstanding accuracy.
- The one-piece bolt is CNC machined from stainless steel for smooth operation and the familiar three-lug design with 70° throw provides ample scope clearance.
- Oversized bolt handle for positive bolt manipulation, with a 5/16in-24 thread pattern for easy replacement.
- Factory-installed, one-piece Picatinny scope base.
I wanted a compact rifle that I can add a moderator and my Pulsar thermal scope, it is a feature rich rifle that meets all of my needs and comes for a total price of $599, I did have to add $36 in sales tax but my local Sportsman's Warehouse will ship it to my local store for free, I should be picking it up in 4 days, yep no variation required here! That's about £500 all in, a lot of gun and features for the money.
Anyway my key comment is that as consumers there is a lot of amazing product around for us to choose from today, manufacturers need to be in tune with customers demands and find the right mix of products, not understanding changing customer needs can kill manufacturers quicker than anything today, look at the automotive industry! I sent an email to Sako in Finland to pass on my constructive criticism from a fellow business owner, active hunter and rifle buyer.
It's a "Funny old world".
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