Ok, this changes everything. FA's areindeed in a nother class above Rugers. Don't get me wrong, I love my Rugers and will w/o a doubt buy more. The FAs however have that extra attention to detail. Kinda what a custom shop Ruger would be but these are all std production pieces. More expensive yes, but after all, you get what you pay for. I've been tempted before to purchase one of the FA's but went with a Ruger becasue of a weak wallet (impulse buy). Would they find thier way into the woods with me? Most certainly! They're designed and built to be used! Just how much is gonna happen to them? No different than using a pricey Bowen Ruger in the woods or a top shelf rifle/shotgun for hunting.