I dont know if they would jump the prices up that high to make up the money, and like Ive said I sure hope that fella is wrong.
I do worry about the 50dollar jump, alot of the reason I and many others enjoy these rifles is because they are inexpensive, we can cheaply play around with various cartridges without investing a ton of money, not only that but its fun to "personalize" them in a way I dont think I try on a more expensive rifle.
And the kicker is, they are shooters, at least all mine have been, rugged and reliable, but going up in price you are starting to get into the same range as many other rifles, ie savage that
would eat up even more of the market for these.
how many times have you been on a forum, somebody asks about a handi and the replies are....save up just a little bit more money and you can get an accurate boltgun, well it may just change to..... get the bolt gun its the same price (or cheaper
)
I like my cable TV/internet but if the price jumped 20% i dont think Id think about it that way ether, will I enjoy it now, yes, will I worry about what itll cost in a year, yes but during that time Ill be looking for a more affordable way to get that same enjoyment, ie a dish or god forbid I start reading books
to be honest, A handi is not the best investment as far as rifles go, I dont really see the resale value of one, last one I found was used for 140.00, and I can guarantee he didnt get more than he paid in that trade
as far as keeping them on the shelves, around here finding the popular chamberings is fairly easy, getting harder, I can find 223,243,204 sometimes 357,44mag and there are a number of BC's still around. But if you wanted to order one, nope, not going to happen, not from the big boxes or alot of the mom and pops.
Ive had 3, on order for a long time, still none in stock from any of those places, trying to find a TDC in 12ga, its been longer than I can remember, but the toppers/pardners seem to be in good enough supply, unless you want a 20ga.
Dunno, mind boggling. either way I may just have to jump at that handi, pay the money, and enjoy it.
Dave