I've heard of him before, it' what gave me the idea.
I'd like to see something in the $500 range
What I had in mind though was more of an "All American" version of the SKS, An inexpensive, more or less all purpose carbine that is butt simple and nearly indestructible. But in a caliber of American origin that preserves the lines of the Garand.
Some version of an upside down SKS or AK action with an internal magazine ?