Why does it have to be "either or"?? I'd bet on a broad spectrum of original purchasers - from the back woods gun nut who couldn't reall afford one to the "town doc" who could afford whatever he wanted, but chose not to afford a higher grade. Who was median/average purchaser? My money would bo on "Joe Average Hunter". I really don't believe there is a social class action involved in the history of the Stirlingworth.