I haven't seen a Hunter yet, so I have no opinion either way on comparisons, but a rifle is a package, not just simply how well it shoots at a give price point. Otherwise people would buy nothing but Stevens. Ergos, feed/function, materials, etc all play a part, and if we're comparing rifles and their price points, they should share similar materials and construction. If the hunter is SS, then that adds value, and a Tikka needs to be SS as well to be comparable.
Well said!
