Yes, but.... I agree to point, but only part way there. Since we are using analogies here, which would you buy:
The "express" version of the Remington 870 - birchwood stock, functional but plain checkering, dull wood finish, cost about three week's pay (made up that last part).
The standard version - walnut stock, a little bit of flair added to the checkering, little metal cap on the end of the grip where you can engrave your initials, satin like finish on the wood, cost about 5 week's pay.
The super deluxe limited edition NASCAR commerative version with engraved metal flourish on the action, silver inlay in the wood, and super glossy poly finish on the wood, cost about 3 month's pay.
Mechanically, all three guns are identical.
My experience says that "express model" is what you get your son to start out on, and it gets passed down to the next one when he gets his own gun. You might make do with it yourself if you're pinching pennies, but someday you'll get that standard model - because you can! It looks nicer and it will show the boys down at the club that you're doing okay. Chances are you won't even think of getting that NASCAR version 'cause you think it looks too gaudy and you ain't never even thought about paying that kind of money for gun, let alone one you wouldn't want to actually take out in the woods for fear of puttin' a scratch on it.(That said, there are folks out there buying them, for their own reasons, otherwise they wouldn't be making them.)
I'm not arguing from the historical record here, mind you. I just don't think human nature has changed that much in a few hundred years. If the old-timer could get better wood in the stock, a little bit of decorative carving, and maybe a piece of inlay or two for just a little bit more, I think he would as long as it didn't make the gun less useful to him somehow.
