how many top flight gunsmiths use m70s and how many churn out tikkas? There is your answer.
Is that because the M70 requires a gunsmith and the Tikka is good to go right out of the box?
If you would prefer to leave your kids a nice stick of plastic then have at it. Sounds like you haven't t owned or held a true piece of craftsmanship in the form of a rifle made to order. Once you do, that Tikka, while perhaps a useful tool, will reveal itself as the soulless object it is.
"don't hold back" is in the title...………..
I have held some very nice rifles that could only be described as functional art. Some have been so far out of my price range that I had no business even picking them up. I'd love to own a bespoke rifle at some point. Even a high end "curio" like a made for me Dakota M10. I begrudge no one there toys. I'd also like to travel to hunt at some point. Out of curiosity, what would it cost me to have one of my M70s turned into an "Al Biesen-esk" rifle? (actually, not being snarky, serious question)
