Jim PHL
Member
I don't mean the cheapest one that works! I have been looking for a 1911 "other than" a full-size or Commander-size steel .45. So either something in 9mm or some type of lightweight and/or compact .45. I was recently checking out a few models of Sig 1911 that I had not previously considered. (Went into the LGS to BUY either a Colt Defender or SA EMP in 9mm. Ended up buying nothing after getting distracted by the Sigs then not being able to make up my mind!)
In conversation someone offered that Sig is where Dan Wesson and STI were few years ago. That is, excellent value offering a lot of features, high-quality parts and excellent assembly at what should be considered a low price based on what was being offered overall. This is kind of where Springfield "Loadeds", Colt XSE's and Kimbers were a decade or so ago, packaging features that would cost much more if added to a GI gun.
Some feel that lately DW's and STI's are pricing themselves a little high. No complaints about the offering, still excellent guns, but not as much of a "value" at their current higher prices. (Most $1100+ and many well up over $1500+) So is Sig the value buy now in the $800-$1000 range? I was looking at the "Ultra Compact" and "Compact" at $950, C3 at $850, and Nightmare Carry at $1000.
I am not knocking the "semi-customs" at $2500-$3000+++ (just can't afford them!) nor am I overlooking the Phillipine guns in the $500 range (I realize they are fine weapons but I would choose to improve certain things that would put them at about a grand anyway). Is Sig trading on their name and throwing "ok" parts together or are they worth a grand? Are the "lower end" DW's and STI's still the "sweet spot" in the $1k range? I will say I was pretty impressed with the Springfield Loaded Champion at $850 but that's not "different enough" from the full size Loaded model I already have.
In conversation someone offered that Sig is where Dan Wesson and STI were few years ago. That is, excellent value offering a lot of features, high-quality parts and excellent assembly at what should be considered a low price based on what was being offered overall. This is kind of where Springfield "Loadeds", Colt XSE's and Kimbers were a decade or so ago, packaging features that would cost much more if added to a GI gun.
Some feel that lately DW's and STI's are pricing themselves a little high. No complaints about the offering, still excellent guns, but not as much of a "value" at their current higher prices. (Most $1100+ and many well up over $1500+) So is Sig the value buy now in the $800-$1000 range? I was looking at the "Ultra Compact" and "Compact" at $950, C3 at $850, and Nightmare Carry at $1000.
I am not knocking the "semi-customs" at $2500-$3000+++ (just can't afford them!) nor am I overlooking the Phillipine guns in the $500 range (I realize they are fine weapons but I would choose to improve certain things that would put them at about a grand anyway). Is Sig trading on their name and throwing "ok" parts together or are they worth a grand? Are the "lower end" DW's and STI's still the "sweet spot" in the $1k range? I will say I was pretty impressed with the Springfield Loaded Champion at $850 but that's not "different enough" from the full size Loaded model I already have.
