Well back in 80's in my late 30's I bought one, still have it with a few modifications and believe it when I say I paid a grand for the basic model back then. Regret not spending the extra hundred for the National Match barrel, but M1A's still turn heads...
I bought a national match then decided I needed a scout as well. I developed an eye condition in my dominant eye so both have been in the safe for years unfired.
Takes me back- I had an M1A standard with a 3x9 Burris scope. My shooting bud had the Bush rifle... good rifles, kinda wish I had kept my M1A... very accurate rifle. Traded it minus scope and mounts for an HK91..