thats the key to this. What is your definition of top shelf. Personaly i think that something like one of the win 70s being made today is as reliable, accurate and well made as any rifle anywhere. Now no doubt you can spend twice as much and get nicer wood, better bluing, engraving ect but as far as it functioning as a working gun your not going to improve much at any higher price level. Now does that bling mean anything to me. YOU BET. But on a differnt level. I dont need AAA fancy french walnut and deap bright bluing but i also dont spend much money on entry level guns like the bottom end savage, rem, marlin, ruger ect. I may not need a custom but i dont want take the class dog to the prom either. Whats top shelf to me. Something like a supergrade 70, CDL rem., or #1 ruger. Nice enough to brag a bit but not so nice they have to live in the safe because im afraid to scratch them.
One of the things you mentioned, as have others, myself included, is how do each of us define "best" quality. It is something different to each. Fit, finish, smoothness and tightness of action, no roughness..anywhere, accuracy and aesthetics are most of what define "best" to me. Of course for the firearms I drool over and their pictures and think "best" that also includes perfect checkering and some tasteful engraving, as long as it is not bulino. Neither of which are necessary but certainly add to the package.
Master tradesmen. I agree. I know I am not in the same category as a Master Gunsmith but I passed my Master Electricians test in 1981. It took a lot of work for a dumb ol' Ozark farm kid with no education. I've been somewhat proud of it. It's made me a good living and I want to think my little company has a good reputation. That's more important than a lot of money anyway.
