I think there's still enough demand for CRF, blued steel, and walnut to keep the 77s going. The RARs are selling to folks who might otherwise buy used or borrow something to hunt with, and also of course to Loonies who want to play around with something without burning out Old Faithful's barrel. Where once guys would chop down an old SMLE or 95 for a truck or barn gun, now they can get something new, accurate, and reliable for a few hundred bucks. I'm convinced a fair number are sold as impulse purchases. Guy goes to the LGS, would like to buy something, but his budget and/or conscience hold him back until he spots the RAR and BOOM, game over. Once he's had his fun or if little Sally Ann suddenly needs an operation, he can sell it and not lose much money.
Another thing is that so far, they're not chambered for any magnum rounds, which still have a following. Whether that's a marketing decision or to keep costs down is anybody's guess.
