Mine was a Glenfield/Marlin I believe 22. $69 at Roses or Big G in Decatur Al in 78. Main reason I bought it was because I had a pick up with a gun rack but no rifle for it. First handgun was a Smith mod 29 from Franklin’s in Athens in 93. Still have both.
Colt Python 4 Inch Nickel at the Rod and Gun Club in Germany in early 70s. Paid $200 for new Python. At the same time the S&W 66 was about the same price and not available, hard to find.
Many had been passed down to me but the first purchase I believe was a Winchester model 70 featherweight in 30-06. Bought it at a Gander Mountain in Eau Claire, Wi. Leupold rep happened to be behind the gun counter an offered me a VX2 2x9 at cost so I jumped at it! Has been my go to deer slayer ever since.
Was back around 1990, can't remember what I paid. I was on a business trip for the newspaper and took a long lunch!