Bowtier,
You get what you pay for. O/U's are not ALL high-priced. I have a Browning Citori that for me at least, was what I call expensive. I also have a Stoeger Condor that cost less than most decent autoloaders ($300). The difference is in the fit and finish. I enjoy shooting both of them. I've never owned a semi auto, but I would like to have one someday. I've just always heard they are more trouble to keep clean and maintain, but this wouldn't stop me from owning one. The way I see it, it's all about choices, and in my case, financial limitations!
There are as many different buying motivators as there are people. I looked at all types of shotguns before purchasing my O/U's. For me, the balance of the O/U, the classic styling, the simplicity of the action, and prior experience shooting them swayed me to go that route.
The O/U market has a huge spread in price from low-end to high-end.
From what I found, the Stoeger has models that represent the lower end of the O/U market, from $300 to about $600.
Remington's Spartan line seems to be the middle of the market, from around $500-$800. Seems like I also saw other O/U's for less than $1000, maybe Franchi if I remember correctly. Used Brownings, Berettas, and Rugers can be found in this category as well.
From there, it's the Berettas, Brownings, and etc. from $1400 to infinity. Last I heard, Purdy will still custom-build you a double gun that exceeds the value of many people's homes.
Regarding my O/U's, from a practical standpoint, they will both break clays or kill birds. However, there are times when the superior workmanship of the Citori just appeals to me. I like the fact that the tolerances are so tight, indicating the care taken by the craftsmen who built it. The fact that Browning sells so many of these is evidence that there are lots of people who are willing to pay for whatever they consider to be important enough to justify the additional cost.
In short, when the perceived VALUE of a product exceeds the price, folks will turn loose of their money. What makes it even more interesting is the fact that different people have different perceptions of what constitutes value. To some people, image is the dominant motivator; showing up at the trap club with a beautiful, expensive double gun makes them feel good.
Some folks are practical to the point that they would never even consider spending $2000 on a shotgun when a $300 gun will accomplish the same result, ie; busting clays or bringing down a pheasant, even if money was no object. Nothing wrong with that; I feel that way myself at times. There are times when I shoot the Condor and feel good about the decision I made to satisfy the practical side of my personality. I think it was a great value for $300.
Handle and shoot a couple O/U's and see what you think.
So that's what piqued my curiosity. I did not realize there was a lower end to the market, that gives me something to consider. I wouldn't use it much and that's why I could not see sinking that much into it right now. But I do have something else to put on my list