As my old grand pa use to say, "Son, if you want good oats, you have to pay the price. If you'll take the oats that have already been through the horse, those come cheaper."
Over the years I have witnessed firearms go from reasonable to out-of-sight. I don't see an immediate change in the rate they are going up. Buy quality, maintain it as such, and look at it as an investment. But don't be surprised if it appreciates more than a simular amount invested in the stock market.........