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Seems the price is rather on the high side to me, although as has been stated, engraving and other embellishments can add an astounding amount of cost to the price. In my humble and very limited experience, a "made to order" rifle will cost more than a rifle built and embellished by the factory "on speculation". As an example, I paid less for a Merkel off the shelf with full coverage engraving, cocking indicators, etc, etc, etc, vs the Merkel I special ordered that came as plain and bare as a new born's butt.

When I ordered another rifle, I found out painfully just how much each and every tidbit costs... Big bore versions tend to be built as "Safari" models and double the price. The 9.3x74R seems to be the cutoff caliber before one moves in to the so called safari grade calibers, generally starting at the .375H&H. Sidelock versions add a king's ransom, (on a small bore, side lock would just about double the cost on the base rifle), engraving is waaaaaay super expensive, particularly if you want the "deep engraving". I paid $7500 for shallow engraving, but the same engraving in deep relief would have run me well over $20k. The engraving, signed by M. Richter, is incredibly detailed, and looks like a photograph it is so lifelike, but quality artistry is hard to come by and it ain't' cheap. Even small items such as a tiny gold leaf stripe up the centre of the rear sight leaf will add $200.00. It all adds up VERY fast!!!!!!

Unfavourable exchange rates can also add to costs, and then to add insult to injury, sales taxes are generally slapped on top to ensure the government gets their rake off. In my case, 13% is added to the top at point of sale.

Edited by Postman (24/05/16 09:13 PM)

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