I think the demographic is changing. You can go buy a plastic rifle(no offense intended) that is accurate so why pay up for a classic that shoots just a bit better. I don't post much on this sight but have been watching it for 15 years. I couldn't afford some of the classics when I was younger and now I don't see the reason for some of them when I can get the accuracy for a lot less. I like vortex scopes now because you walk into scheels and just exchange for a new one vs sending one back to luepold/Nikon. (Convenience) A lot of the former customers are gone(deceased). The exceptional classics might hold but a decent shooter in good shape has a smaller customer base
