Colt's AR 15
 

I believe Colt's first military contracts for AR 15's had prices in the range of $115. I purchased a civilian model from a friend at Colt's in the 60's for $168. Not a bad investment in hindsight.

The popularity of AR's was certainly enhanced by pricing of others. Some 10 yeas ago I bought a heavy barrel Bushmaster model for around $650 and thought that was a bargain at the time.

Even if bought in the 80's, a Colt could be a GREAT investment. These are the 151st and 271st production line Colt AR-15's mmade in the fall of 1959. If sold at auction today, the pair would likely bring close to $200,000:

https://i870.photobucket.com/albums/...psbomfwkim.jpg

https://i870.photobucket.com/albums/...psbbfoigps.jpg

https://i870.photobucket.com/albums/...psn8lf5h72.jpg

https://i870.photobucket.com/albums/...pswqxvqvas.jpg

https://i870.photobucket.com/albums/...psq0vgjb1s.jpg

https://i870.photobucket.com/albums/...psqelgm9j7.jpg

https://i870.photobucket.com/albums/...psnejt4689.jpg

https://i870.photobucket.com/albums/...psa7cgzryo.jpg

Colt business plan?
 

If you back in history to the year of 1921 colt refused to continue making the colt 1921 thompson because of the criminal element obtaining the thompson. Sure seems like history is repeating itself