You do realize the 80's was a long time ago, right? I don't think we are talking about what they cost in 85
There was a time when they came flooding in for sale and were common. Many of the flood were used as parts by companies to build new rifles for those who wanted one as a shooter. Again it's not the 80's any more and has not been for a long time. So only way to see them at what the OP would consider not "The M1 Garand is the most artificially inflated surplus rifle" would be to see them mass produced again. Unless maybe someone thinks there is a mass supply still to hit the market? Doubt that will happen, and doubt anyone is going to tool up to mass produce them again. So I would also very much doubt we will see the day were they were common at places selling use guns again. Price will stay "artificially inflated" as the OP put it because there is many who want one, and few for sale. Still not quite sure why so many seem to not be able to get their head around how this works <shrug>