$14.95 was a lot of money back then. I have many pre-68 American Rifleman's and yes the prices are cheap for todays dollar, but $14.95 was more than a days wages when the minimum wage was $1.00 and gasoline was $0.25 per gallon.
In those days it WAS cheaper to convert an old obsolete military rifle into a hunting rifle with an inexpensive stock and aperture sight or drill and tap for a scope, hell American Rifleman magazine even told you how to go about it.
ugh, it makes me nauseous seeing those ads... even knowing the way value has changed... some of us still spend a weeks wage on guns and gun stuff... I grew up in the wrong Era...
I remember having a Marx M1 Garand cap rifle back in '65 or '66. Also had the Man from Uncle toy Broomhandle. Graduated to a Daisy Winchester 94 bb gun which was a wonderful companion. When it wore out I saved my coins for a Crossman M1 Carbine BB gun and was so disappointed as it didn't last long before breaking. But it was a beautiful rifle!
These days I geek out over all the amazingly realistic airsoft examples. Just have to wonder how many parents let their kids play with airsoft or if they're just big boy toys. And how long they'll be around before the play Nazis clamor to have them banned or restricted.
Interesting that the only Mauser I can find that was carried by Napoleon Solo was the 1934. I don't think a secret agent with a broomhandle would stay secret for very long. But I had the green plastic knockoff of Agent 11's pistol, with detachable magazine. It held maybe 10 plastic slugs that were like lethal ball bearings on a wooden floor. Making them twice as deadly.
I think the Man from UNCLE was responsible for destroying quite a few P.38's
... everyone wanted the "snub-nose" P38"K" so snicker-snack, off with the head.
Of course back then P.38's were the Mosin's of the handgun world, sold by the barrel.