eightbore, seems to me that the only problem is yours, not that they are Rugers. Dont misunderstand, a model 77 is to the 700 is to the 70 is to the whatever Savage calls thier bolt action, is to the 202 etc. etc. My point being all are well made with little difference between them really. I dont see how Rugers shotguns merit the "different situation" noted. The red label is to the citori is to the 686 is to the falconet or whatever Frachi calls them, is to the sig etc. etc.
As far as the gold label goes Bill Ruger had a vision to bring back to market the most elegant ROUND boxlock ever produced. At a price that almost everyone could manage. Yeah, they advertised it long before it was available. Probably to guage interest. They did not ask you to send them money up front for it although that would have sped up production. Some of the first ones delivered had issues which Ruger corrected. Does this story sound familier so far, (except the most elegant ROUND boxlock part). I find reports of 40thou gaps and such as nonsense as what Ruger of ANY model have you seen for sale that you could not at least say was well made. But I may be wrong. Maybe after Bills passing things "loosened up".
Its clear that the initial price was overly optimistic and a very, very good deal for astute consumers. Its a good thing that I got mine at the "introductory" price as they are scarce now.
Sorry I kind of highjacked the thread but I could not let eightbores "different situation" opinion slide. I am sure some of you will not be able to let my post slide either so I am putting my steel pot on and jumping into the foxhole to await incoming.
