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zippy13 · March 22, 2010, 02:07 PM

Gun prices then and now...

Based on hours worked:
I recall one of the famous old time gun writers commenting that a decent gun will cost about a week's wages. If you're above the 2010 poverty guide lines then you're earning at least $560/week. There are many guns available these days that go for $560 or less.

Using minimum wage scales:
I got my first new O/U, a Winchester Model-101 (made in Japan) in 1968 for $350 (with a dealer installed recoil pad), when the minimum wage was $1.25/hr. So, a 1968 M-101 represented 280 hours at min wage. Now the min wage (in CA) is $8.00/hr, and 280 hours represents $2,240. The present M-101's (made in Belgium) have a MSRP of $1,679 to $2,179. The Pigeon Grade Sporting is listed at $2,619, but it's a higher grade gun than the 1968 M-101.

Super-Dave, don't you think shotguns are relatively cheaper today?

March 22, 2010, 02:07 PM	#22
zippy13 Senior Member Join Date: August 23, 2008 Location: SoCal Posts: 6,442	Gun prices then and now... Based on hours worked: I recall one of the famous old time gun writers commenting that a decent gun will cost about a week's wages. If you're above the 2010 poverty guide lines then you're earning at least $560/week. There are many guns available these days that go for $560 or less. Using minimum wage scales: I got my first new O/U, a Winchester Model-101 (made in Japan) in 1968 for $350 (with a dealer installed recoil pad), when the minimum wage was $1.25/hr. So, a 1968 M-101 represented 280 hours at min wage. Now the min wage (in CA) is $8.00/hr, and 280 hours represents $2,240. The present M-101's (made in Belgium) have a MSRP of $1,679 to $2,179. The Pigeon Grade Sporting is listed at $2,619, but it's a higher grade gun than the 1968 M-101. Super-Dave, don't you think shotguns are relatively cheaper today?