The MG ponderings
In the spirit of the original post, and the ponderings of FA ownership, here are my thoughts.
They are beyond my financial ability at this time, especially in the downturn days. Pretty to look at and ponder, but unobtainable right now.
Kind of like owning a really boss muscle car. When we were younger, who would have thought these cars would become so expensive and collectible? Lots of money now. Expensive to operate. I can't afford them. So I see them at shows, in museums and on television and relive the glory days. At 8 to 10 mpg, who would really be able to operate one as a daily driver anymore? Driving an old Datsun 280 ZX Turbo gets me close, and without breaking the bank.
Back to guns. In that vacuum, a SA rifle or shotgun seems to get me pretty close for a LOT less money. The SA rate of fire conserves ammo sufficiently, that I can afford a good number of practice sessions each year. They are the "ALMOST" guns, like my 1981 Turbo ZX. They have the look and some of the performance, but in the working class financial realm.
I have always looked at guns, magazines, ammo as a financial equation. I am constantly running the numbers on ammo prices, magazine prices (based on round count to cost) and rifle prices, (what is the most economical bullet thrower in a certain caliber?) that work within my budget. Most FA just have no real correlation with their cost anymore. They are out of the "usable" commodity market and into the "financial investment" market. If I ever bought one, it would sit in a safe all the time. The only way I would shoot it would be if we were at war within US borders.
I would like to see them return to current manufacture and sale for civilian ownership. They may still require a register, but having them available for reasonable prices would be a welcome addition to the firearms fraternity. Plus, all those historical surplus weapons that have been destroyed just make me melancholic. Oh to have Bren guns for less than a grand! Happy Days have passed.