Depends, depends, depends... If the gun is for SD, then reliability is the biggest factor. Should be able to get a decent Glock for 5-bills. If, on the other hand, you are going to hunt elk on a guided trip that will set you back 4-grand plus transportation and taxidermy, then the price of your long gun should reflect the value of the hunt and $2000-4000 or something more might not be unreasonable. If you will be hunting cape buffalo in the wilds of Africa, and you wish to maintain a connection with the tradition of the big game hunt, a $10,000 double rifle might be just the ticket. OR, if you wallet is infested with moths and Mrs. Crusader thinks the arms collection has exceeded all reason, then $40 worth of ammo makes a pretty fair investment in the armory. Seriously, Haz and I own a Winchester 30-30 that I got for a couple c-notes. It's a great pig gun, and I would have no qualms about taking it on a deer hunt. On the handgun side of things, my Ruger Red Hawk in .44 Mag was just over $400 (used, of course) and it has become my favorite wheel gun. Personal carry is a Glock 27 that I got used about 10 years ago for $475 with a few mags and some ammo. I've seen them available currently in the $520 range. It always goes bang when my booger hooker hits the boom switch. I'm no fanatic believer regarding the Glock line, but my experience tells me it works. I would believe less if I had to pay new retail. So, FQ, I guess my definition of a pricey gun would be over $650 for a hand gun and probably over $1000 for a long gun. As you can see, I am a simple man. But, I engage in no competitive shooting which could rapidly upgrade my estimations... I'm just sayin'