Yes, the dollar cost of the Ruger No. 1 has gone up sharply, but it has never been an inexpensive rifle. A fair amount of the increased cost could be attributed to the declining purchase power of a dollar, known by the misleading misnomer "inflation". There are many other types of rifles on the market that are much more costly and way less appealing, at least to me. For example, I am amazed at the $2-3K prices posted for some black rifles. Quality bolt rifles are in the same price range. Compared to these rifles, one could conclude that the No. 1 is the better buy. As a disclaimer, I must state that I have 3 No 1 rifles and I love them. And I consider a black rifle to be too complicated a platform for launching a bullet.