Y'all keep in mind that the AWB sunsetting is a big IF. A very big IF. From what I can estimate there's enough support in the House & Senate to pass an extension or an expansion. Bush said he'd sign it & hastert said it's not off the table. Meanwhile there's a House passed appropriations bill headed to the Senate & they could easily tack on an extension or expansion of the AWB.
So don't let up on your congres critter or Bush. Keep writing, calling, attending their meetings, etc... & don't believe them if they say it won't be voted on , it's a non-issue, they're NRA members or they support the rights of gun owners. We have to keep reminding them that they'll lose our vote if they betray us again.
As to the original question, I think this distortion in the semi-free market created by the AWB will have lasting effects. I'm thinking 10% to 25% cheaper is all we can expect or hope for, if we get that. Naturally "post-ban" rifles will be cheaper than that, but no more than a quarter below what we would be paying for them now if they were legal.
Odds are though that the prices will remain the same as most "post-ban" rifles are now, but with the added evil features. In some cases we might be paying a little more.
But don't look to a bargain of rifles with those "evil features". Instead just look forward to being able to get after market accesories (stocks, flash hiders, etc..) at maybe 10% less.
Mag prices though should drop down - at least for certain "high capacity" mags that can't be made currently. I don't know if this will affect the AR's as there are a ton of mags already out there, but for pistols & other firearms that only hit the stores in the early 90's then it should come down to $25 to $45 for a "high capacity" mag instead of paying that for a ten rounder or twice to three times that for a "pre-ban".
As I said though, this is all dependent on the AWB sunsetting & it really doesn't look as good as you'd think.
