When Remington introduced the SxS Spartan DR at the Shot Show (2004 or 2005), everyone was really excited and couldn't wait to be able to own one. Years went by and the excitement turned to anger because some of our Aussie friends were able to purchase them but they were still not available here in the US. Everyone still wanted to be able to own a DR without taking a second mortgage on his home. $600.00 seemed like a great deal, even for an ugly Russian rifle. It has been 4 years since the rumors of this gun were started. Price of gas skyrocketed as the dollar plummeted. It's 2008 and the gun finally is a reality, but now it is too ugly or too expensive for a club. Well for some of us that may never be able to afford a fancy European or English gun these cheap shooter grades were just the ticket. It looks and fits quite well in the gunsafe next to my Stevens and Fox double guns that also are scorned by the connoisseurs of the gun world. Heck these guns served America well for almost a century and may do so for another.
I have only got about 50 rounds through my Spartan. It shoots well and hasn't blown up yet. I have yet to go hunting with it, but when I do take it here in my neck of the woods in Florida, I won't have to wear a brown bag over my head in shame.
Now I have to scrounge up some cash so I can get the 45-70 version before they are all gone!