I don't get what all the uproar is about. They still make the 70, remington still makes the 700 (which was derided at the time of introduction much like the current budget guns are now), ruger still makes the 77, etc.
The budget guns have not killed off the flagship models, and they allow someone to get into the sport with a fairly low level of cash. I have always figured the rifle is the cheapest part of the equation, after all I spend on ammo, scopes, rings, mounts, slings, cases, etc. That's why I typically don't mind to spend a bit more to get what I want, although a Ruger shorty American in .308 is looking kind of attractive to me right now.
