Wonder if BF expected these type of replies? Probably
Yup. In my opening post, I tried as much as I could to provide some preface as to the goals of the project, as experience on this and other forums tells me that nothing brings out opinions more than discussions of rifle and cartridges. As seen here, many are happy to share opinions, whether they've considered the goals of this project, or not.
Point is, we know what our goals are for this project. We knew that there would be gaps in cartridges where some people would disagree, some vehemently disagree. Just part of the gig.
A few things I do know. Every cartridge we selected is very capable. Some will find their favorite cartridge is missing and they will probably not be the target buyer for this combination. Nothing wrong with that.
I know Howa has been selling rifles for a long time. They have excelled, even in down markets, because they know what people want. They have connections with every ammo manufacturer. They know from their own rifle sales and from the sales of ammo, what cartridge trends are in terms of customer demand. They also know where costs come into play and how to prioritize features that help add value.
I know I have put together a lot of rifles in the last fifteen years. I have loaned rifles to more guest hunters than most and I have watched those guests use those rifles out hunting. I have a ton of experience as to what values are worth having in a hunting rifle that is going to be used at normal hunting distances for the conditions/species/terrain we hunt.
I have been using Leupold CDS dials since they came out. I'm completely confident in my opinion that the CDS is the best and most simple turret option at normal hunting distances, especially for new hunters who might think MOA means Mall of America. I have a lot of Leupold scopes. None have ever failed me. The VX3i is an impressive scope that might push the price of the package to the top end of what some are willing to pay. We have accepted that risk, as the world needs another el cheapo package rifle deal like we need another stock market crash.
I know that Howa and I have a pretty long track record of understanding business, how to meet sales, how to have margins, and how to create value. Part of that requires sticking to your own plan when there exists an endless supply of free advice.
To your point Jabber. Yeah, a lot of people will use the forum to express their opinions, good or bad, agreeing or disagreeing. Many will critique what they would have done or would like to see, though they are not responsible for the project being a success at the gun counters. That is all fine. I'm comfortable with where Howa and I are headed.
Many will say they would/will not buy the rifle package. That is fine. Lots of great options exist and many have the experience to make great choices for their specific needs. Though we have worked on this for two years, we did not approach it to provide the first ever "end all, be all" rifle/scope solution for every hunter. We have done it with a specific goal in mind.
The most common question I get from rifle hunters is from newer hunters, "What rifle, cartridge, scope should I buy?" I can now provide them with solutions that I am 100% confident will work.
With any project, risk exists that maybe it will not go as planned. Given the work and thought put into it, I suspect we will achieve what we set out to do.
in 7mm08. It is easy enough to manufacture, and they do want to sell rifles..
