[4V50 Gary]

Back in college when I was laid off because of Proposition 13, I got my last check (barely over $100) and stopped by Markell's (a gunshop on Judah in San Francisco). They had a M-1 Carbine (Saginaw) for $105. They normally went for $200 if you found a GI surplus one. I said, "You don't see them for that price anymore." The salesman said, "That's right. We won't see this one here for long." I signed my check over to them right then and there.

In 1980, after class my friends and I would take a HK-91 ($385 to $425) to the 100 yard range and smack the gong with every shot. Ammo was $2.00 for twenty rounds (brown box, PMC from Korea). .38 special reloads was $5 for a bag of 50. You got $1 back if you brought back the shells.

I bought used Pythons for $325 back in 1984. Years in 1990 I bought a worn reblued Python for $399. I also picked up a 4" 22 LR Diamondback for $200 in 1992. Try finding any of those critters today.

Back in the '70s, Lyman (Lyman 48) and Redfield both offered steel construction rear aperture sights. I should have bought a ton of used ones as no one wanted them anymore. Excuse me while I beat my head with a stick.

Yep, the old days are gone.