Year and a half ago I bought a n.i.b condition Remington 760, May of 1979 production, .35 Remington for $1500. Considering her performance, she was a bargain. SPOOKY accurate and makes lovely batches of chest soup.
Just picked up a 1981 production Marlin 336, also a .35 for $500. Haven't shot her yet, so jury's out on bargain status...
Also got a new Ruger/ Marlin. 357 Model 1894. Paid a grand for that one. FINE little carbine that I'd put up against any original JM I've ever owned or held. Polite on the shoulder, buckets of fun to shoot and ACCURATE.
Long story short, if ya want it ya gotta pay. Always been that way. Always will be...
