The premise is quite valid in the lower price range. One can purchase an O/U shotgun of good quality for $1,500 brand new from Browning or Beretta. These are solid, proven designs that shoot where pointed and will last the user at least one lifetime. There is no comparable SxS. The Ruger which is now unobtainable was at least 25% more. The also unavailable RBL had a base price higher still. A 471 is close to 3 grand now.

There is no comparable price SxS that approaches the quality or durability of a basic Citori or 680 series Beretta for the money.

"The price of good shotgunnery is constant practice" - Fred Kimble