You have that right. I have been impressed with the Japanese Winchester products, Walther PDP line, Sako rifles out of Finland, the Ruger GP-100s, the Benelli Shotguns, and the Uberti copies of the early Colts and Winchesters. My experience with S&W has been mixed. If you are going to drop $1K Cdn on a gun you should be able to expect some degree of quality and with the Smiths I have bought it is pretty hit and miss. The Mossberg line of pump guns are good value.
None of the offshore products listed are inexpensive but you do get some semblance of quality. I am sure there are other gun manufacturers that produce well made products I just have not run into them yet.
Take Care
Bob