A lower grade Meridian is still a much better gun than a Crescent. I have had both and the fit and finish is much better on the Meridian.

I place Meridian at about a Baker level of fit and finish, much higher than any Crescent we commonly see. I know that some here do not pay much attention to either because they are not a Smith or Lefever. High grade Bakers were as nice as they come and the two higher grade Meridians that I own are very well made as well. I suspect that most makers could and would finish their gun to a much higher level for their own higher grade guns. We just see so many field grade guns that we forget that better guns could be had if the shooter wanted them and had the money.