RE: rifle prices
Yes, rifle prices have gone up. I paid $520 in 1999 for a Win M70 featherweight that same rifle in 2003 is $610. So that is $22.50 a year increase. Shotguns and handguns have as well.
I check out the used gun racks every time a go to the local store. There are always nice rifles in there for around $350 or so.