Ben

Interesting question.

Can an old Brit rifle be used in the same way as a new rifle? Depends.

If you are talking about hunting than absolutely, it is probably a much better made weapon and more reliable if maintained.

If you are talking about target practice and shooting hundreds of full blown loads, of overloads, as some on AR do, than probably not. The steel in today's weapons is definitely higher quality.

But what is good enough and what is more than needed? When you try and use a tank to do the job of a Ferrari than you get a Ferrari that handles like a tank. Entry level rifles try and compromise but it is always easier to build big and strong than slim and strong.

By the way I saw some pics of a Searcy sidelock that looked very nice. It seems Searcy will slow down on the entry level rifles, that he can no longer compete with anyway, and concentrate on better quality for more money.