I agree, IMO there's more to it than just price. I like the old guns, steel and walnut, even steel guns in top end synthetic stocks..
If someone is just shopping price, this deal from Bass Pro/Cabelas is hard to beat.
Now, I DON'T want one, don't currently have any Salvages and not much into Chicom made Weavers, assuming that's where this one is made. From the price, probably a pretty sound bet.
Now, this rig will probably shoot and you can choose a number of popular chamberings.
Doesn't leave much excuse for price being the reason for not having a deer rifle...
DF