I decided to start to look for an old Steven's, model 24 type over/under combo gun. I found a 'few' on the auction online... Not what I'd expected though! They are going from $999.00 to $1,299.00 today...and those are the USED that are available. My favorite the .22 magnum over a 3 inch chambered 20 gauge. I'd have settled for the .22lr-.410, even though I am no fan of the .410! ( I want MORE lead!) Locally, as far as I can find, no such critter is on anyone's shelf.. Sad, but understandable. Today with all the newest (old) combo's, that have from: .223, .243, .270 and even up to .30-06....I'd have chosen the old standby, the .30-30 over a 12. Tell ya how old I am, my Stevens/Savage model 24 only cost $129.99 back in the "good ole' days"! Sux gettin' old!
Check out this site: http://www.gunsamerica.com/Search/Category/611/2/Guns/Shotguns/Savage-Shotguns.htm
Even the ones on that site seem to be going for around $600. I must be getting old too, I remember K-Mart selling 30-30 rifles, your choice of Winchester or Marlin for $89!
Last time I checked, I could "special order" a .45-70 guide gun, or a .444 Marlin at Wallyworld's for around $600. Man, even the older C&R rifles are getting scarce today, and prices are outrageous! Not to mention buying ammo to feed them! I am not really into the 'single shot-multi-barrel' types, but ya gotta go with the flow, until you can find some relic out there being sold for a half decent price! Near as I can tell, most combo's are not cheap by any means, including those that are missing pieces, broken hammers, cracked or broken stocks.... Sheesh!