I realize double bbl sxs shotguns can get expensive as well......but at least a nice double shotgun can be had for less than a grand.
Russ
Russ
1.) Very limited demand, thus difficult to amortize design and tooling costs.
2.) Most doubles that are sold are fancy firearms. They would be expensive even if they were bolts.
3.) Compared to a similar caliber bolt action rifle, there's a great deal more hardware involved -- second barrel, trigger assembly, etc. This also impacts #1 -- particularly at the entry level.
4.) I think the barrel regulating is a crock for the most part. Almost like an excuse that's maintained. What I mean by that is that I do think regulating barrels via traditional methods is indeed expensive. That said I think that superior processes (and barrel designs) already exist that make this process very straightforward, efficient and inexpensive -- although the barrels themselves, particularly chopper lump barrels can be expensive before regulation.
5.) Barrel regulation is for a specific load, thus limiting the versatility and demand for the gun.
5.) Design. I think if someone gave Ruger an order for 500K doubles in say .500 NE, that they would have no trouble designing and selling them for a very reasonable price.