The "Made in Japan" thing doesn't hold much water for me either. Most of what we consumers use and drive comes from off-shore. Take a walk Thu Wal-Mart some day and check the "Made in" places there. Why not our rifles too?
Saying that, I've personally seen the bedding pop out of two new synthetic stocked A-Bolts and hate that mongo magazine system they went to.
For the average shooter who hunts a bit every yr, they probably work alright. I have a sporter in 22/250 that has been the most consistent rifle I've ever owned. It has lasted longer than almost every other gun in my cabinet and avoided sale because of its everyday accuracy. It fits me well and a 2x7 works perfectly on it. If it didn't shoot so well, I would have sold it yrs ago.
