John, thanks. Yours is an interesting question and it has received the anticipated wide variety of opinons/experiences. IMHE, the abilities among shooters vary as much as the replies. I might have answered differently 45 years ago but, at this point, my eyesight, etc. are probably as determinant as the equipment - maybe moreso.
There is some rather expensive stuff here and some that was seen as "cheap" when it was made quite a while ago - but no rifles that have been made cheaply more recently. Only one non-wood stock, and that happened for a good reason. Over a period of almost 60 years, only one scope has failed and, in that case, the entire windage adjustment setup simply fell apart.
A lot of water has gone under the bridge. If a rifle here functions as it should and shoots dead-nuts great with whatever scope is on it (and some are "cheap"), expert opinion, high-end brand, market value,etc. are not in mind.
Have a great trip.
