Just offering it up as an option in this time of scarce parts. Looks like a few folks are willing to spend a little extra to get something that's in-stock.
As far as Sabres being worth more than the other guys, I'll throw out a few things that might make people want to pay a few more bucks.
- They recently won a contract with the military to build M4s. I'd guess it wasn't for being the lowest bidder. They are the only company besides Colt and FN to be awarded a military contract for M-16 type rifles.
- According to their literature, SD Rifles feature 100% Mil Spec components: Hardcoat anodized receivers made from forged 7075 T6 alloy, choice of Chrome Moly Vanadium Mil-B11595 alloy phosphate coated barrels, and forged front sights
- They manufacture the important parts of their rifles in-house and are ISO 9001-2000 certified (repeatable processes and consistency).
- Steyr selected Sabre to build the domestic AUG for them
- The cool logo
I'm not saying these are all great reasons to spend $124 more for a SD Barrel, but there's more to the game than accuracy which seems to be all you're focused on. I typically discount the accuracy reports from the gun magazines anyway. Unless you take the shooter out of the equation, there's too much variance to trust someone's 5, 10, 20, or whatever shot group. I think you'll find plenty of folks on this board that have produced sub MOA groups from Sabre Rifles.
As far as the gun rags, I mostly read them for the pictures. I believe they select their articles based on the amount of ad revenue the various companies are sending their way. The one exception in my opinion is SWAT. So far, they seem like straight shooters.
Maybe you missed this article on the front page of the Board:
SWAT Article