I bought a really decent 1896 Krag carbine at the Cabela's in Hoffman estates for around $700 which was quite a bargain. I also bought a real nice Colt 1894 all original US marked pistol for less than 300 in Wheeling and it retained about 85% original blue. I agree, depending on the store,  employee knowledge ranges from excellent to why aren't they working in the shoe department and as such, prices seem to be all over the board as a result, some real sleeper deals but most of the time, way over priced considering condition.  Either way, if I am going by their store, I always stop if I have time.