A Rough Guide of the Cost of Guns During WWII

[Remington788]

I'm more curious about inflation. 14 dollars then is not 14 dollars today.

Here's a calculator for it

http://www.dollartimes.com/inflation...nt=1&year=1942

[bamboomaster]

Here's a calculator for it

http://www.dollartimes.com/inflation...nt=1&year=1942

I'm starting to get concerned. Where are all the gun nuts on this forum?

Really good stuff you guys posted. Many thanks ..

[ALS]

You also have to realize the average yearly income was $2,900, $242 a month or $55.77 per week.

Minimum wage was .40 per hour or $16 per 40 hour work week or $800 a year.

[Kabloosh]

Here's a calculator for it

http://www.dollartimes.com/inflation...nt=1&year=1942

Prices don't look that bad then. I do know that a lot of those ww2 era 1911s were built with softer steel and you're not getting the level of quality many modern 1911s but still getting one for around 250 bucks would be nice.

Even from 2000 to 2016 your dollar then would be worth a buck 40 now.

[Gunsnwater]

I'm not sure how you blame this on the Federal Reserve.

Exactly how they get away with it. All the things you mentioned are derivative of the Fed Reserve actions.

[bortle]

I'd give a week's pay for a Thompson.

[free]

Not to mention, back then kids had to walk to school barefoot, in the snow, up hill, both ways.

While dodging bullets fired from inexpensive guns.

[ungawa]

I'll take the entire lot.

I'm not sure how you blame this on the Federal Reserve.
Plenty of other factors come into play in driving costs.
Since the only item on that list still being manufactured for general sale is the 1911 (I can buy a Colt 1911 at my LGS but not a MaDuece), ask why Colts price has gone up. I would think the cost of labor is the biggest factor. In 1942 people worked for lower wages, first because they were happy to have any job after the Great Depression. But also because people saw the war effort as a patriotic duty. Now the workers are unionized and the company has to cover million of dollars in pension costs.

Very cool article though.

Inflation is caused by money supply. The government printing money and giving it to certain people for free.

Wages increase due to productivity. Costs of goods DECREASE when wages increase due to productivity.

Inflation can cause an (worthless) increase in wages, but not vice-versa.

[abner13]

I've read several sources that said the Thompsons cost over $200. Remington Rand had the lowest 1911A1 price at something like $19.

[abner13]

You also have to realize the average yearly income was $2,900, $242 a month or $55.77 per week.

Minimum wage was .40 per hour or $16 per 40 hour work week or $800 a year.

Average Corporal's combat pay was something like $50 a month.