I bought one that was made I believe in the mid '80s about 10 years ago for $400. I had wanted one since I was a kid. I remember reading my Dad's Rifle magazine from sometime in 1975 about a guy who accurized his in anticipation of a bear hunt. I still have the magazine somewhere, and re-read it recently.
If we could use pistol caliber carbines on deer in Iowa it would be my first choice.