Yikes! I have maybe $1900 into my UK-59. Lots of hours designing and machining parts though. My striker is the weap point, 4140 is way too soft. Was hoping a case harden would be enough. Deforms pretty quick still.
They are cool guns. I like my UK but I also made a point to go with the original wood and carry handle. The original carry handle is pretty unique in that it is also how you hold the rifle to shoot from the shoulder.