On Comparing those old 1975 catalog prices:
Don't swoon about the $2.00 comparison between the S&W and Colt until you consider the changes of inflation over 40+ years. In 1976 the minimum wage was $2.10, gasoline was 59 cents / gallon, bread was 28 cents for a 1 pound loaf, and a new car that costs over $31,000 today (2016) could be had for $3,800.
http://www.mybudget360.com/cost-of-living-compare-1975-2015-inflation-price-changes-history/
http://www.inthe70s.com/prices.shtml
Don't swoon about the $2.00 comparison between the S&W and Colt until you consider the changes of inflation over 40+ years. In 1976 the minimum wage was $2.10, gasoline was 59 cents / gallon, bread was 28 cents for a 1 pound loaf, and a new car that costs over $31,000 today (2016) could be had for $3,800.
http://www.mybudget360.com/cost-of-living-compare-1975-2015-inflation-price-changes-history/
http://www.inthe70s.com/prices.shtml