No, classic rifles aren't doomed. But as one of the more perceptive posters noted, there are zillion out there already--which is why there's no reason for most big rifle manufacturers to continue making more. Here are a couple of examples:

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The top rifle is a German custom 8x57, probably made about a century ago. Bought it for $600 at a gun show--about the same price as many new synthetic-stocked bolt rifles today.

The one below is a custom .30-06 built on a G33/40 Mauser action. Great work, nice wood, and very accurate. Got it a couple years ago for $1500. Might have to to 10 times as much to have a similar rifle built today.

There are a BUNCH of similar old custom rifles out there.

The same thing applies to Savage 99's. Some 99 fans still whine about why Savage never started making the "old 99" again after CNC machinery made it possible The reason they didn't is there are millions of original, old 99s that can be purchased for maybe $600--again, about the same price as many new synthetic-stocked bolt rifles today.


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