I guess it how you look at it and what you have at your disposal. For main battle rifle 5k per is reasonable for us as a group. We found if you cheaper out beyond a certain point failures in the field began to climb. It also came down to what is proven in field by us.
Yes we have cheaper rifles but as a group we decided on one type to have familiarity with ALL members. Using AR platform there was starting to have too many draw back expecially in heavy under growth forest with wide open valley and grizzly/cougars. It was best suited for us as after a few fails with AR platform to do the job only we wanted more security, betting your life with marginal equipment if you can do better does not seem prudent…
I agree tolik it should not be over 700 but what are the choices? Pay or do without…. we decided to cut some meals till the price was paid.