Elkslayer,
No offense taken, as I thought about the same thing. However, a small stamped metal bar & sight for $220.00 (not counting the cost of the Smith to mount it) does seem to pale a touch in comparison to the lenses, intricate parts, and technology that goes into a modern scope. Don't get me wrong - all of my rifles are older lever actions for the most part, and my newest scope is a 1950s Weaver K3 on my Model 99, so I prefer the old stuff. I think it may boil down to comparing apples and oranges.
Thanks,
Cliff
