That sweet .223 AK, 1989 edition
While today the .223/5.56 NATO-caliber AK is a staple product on the U.S. commercial market– and indeed, companies like Kalashnikov in Russia are making them for export elsewhere– back in the 1980s, they were downright unheard of, only floating around in a few high-dollar Valmet M71/S and Hunter models.
Then, China Sports, Inc.– located in Ontario, California of all places– introduced a couple of new Norincos to the market in late 1988, notably chambered in calibers other than the traditional AK 7.62x39mm. This included the 5.45x39mm Type 88 and the Type 84S AKS in .223 Remington.
This. You could pick these up, new in the box with two mags, a bayonet, and accessories, for $275 in 1989.
The thing is, they were only imported for one year.
More in my column at Guns.com.
laststandonzombieisland 
Based on 113% inflation between 1989 and today, $275 would be the equivalent of $586. Sounds about right.