Any item that is made using the best material and workmanship is more desirable IMO. Every part of nearly every Winchester made before 1964 was machined from steel. Because of the cost Winchester started stamping some parts after 64. The price did not go down. Ruger uses investment casting which is much more cost effective than machining steel. Admittedly Ruger firearms are competitively priced and of good quality. Along came the poly framed gun and nearly every manufacturer uses the material now because it is cheaper to produce. The price did not go down.

I would love to own an original Colt 1911