1911's, why so expensive?

[BCPerry]

So, I've shot a few 1911's and loved the feel. Loved it. Have wanted one for a long time. But the one thing I can't figure, why do they cost so much?

I see all the 1911 companies saying, " best price around. Cheapest price. "
But to tell you the truth, $800 ain't cheap.

I've been trying to save $1000 for a year now. But everytime I get close, something happens to put me back out. Now, I'm going to have $10,000 worth of spine surgery the first week in November.

I guess I'll never be lucky enough to say I have a 1911.

 

[Nowhere Man]

I could never figure how they justify prices of any guns. A riding lawnmower that weighs 200 times more with 200 more moving parts costs less.

It doesn't add up.


Dave

 

[eatont9999]

Might have something to do with the labor involved in fitting/machining parts. You don't have to spend $1000 to get a nice 1911, though. I have seen some nice pistols for around $600. I don't think I could pay $1000 for a handgun. That is a lot of money. I paid like $500-$550 new for my 1911A1 and it is a nice pistol with no issues.

 

[Schofield3]

I have seen some nice pistols for around $600.

That's what i'm selling mine for

 

[tlen]

Simple: Tupperware and stamped parts VS all steel machined and fitting parts.

 

[Jim Watson]

The Philippine RIA has a pretty good reputation as an inexpensive 1911 copy.

 

[BCPerry]

...

Okay, I'll bite. What maufacturer makes them for $600. And i didn't mean to sound as though I were trying to save $1000 for the gun. The money was for, a quality 1911, make sure I have a good quality holster, extra magazines, ammo, and Mag holders.

 

[fineredmist]

2 reasons they are so expensive:

1. Insurance

2. People are willing to pay the high prices for "semi custom" guns and they will spend more money on to get them "perfect".

A fool and his money are soon parted.

 

[BushyGuy]

yeah they are expensive cuz they are built to last. I had to sell 4 of my rifles to get enough to buy my Bushmater AR15 - i always wanted a Bushmaster so i came up with the idea to sell 4 of my bolt actions for 1 . i regret selling my Winchester model 70 but i am happier with my Bushmaster. i want a .45 acp some day but not for awhile cuz x mas is around the corner.

 

[BlindJustice]

Datum point

1970 Colt Goverment model was around $112
The SIg P210 which was handfitted, and had many
machining cuts i.e. labor intensive was $195 10
yeaars later, the GM had doubled and the P210 was
about $2K.

The S&W MOdel 18 I bought in the MId 60s was $78
now used ones go for $450 or more and the new 617 I bought
about 2 years ago at $629 was msrp of about $100 more
and the new classic M18 msrp is what? just over $900.

for the O.P. a Springfield GI runs around $600 and the
SA Mil SPec with enlarged ejection port, better sights and the beavertail
if you price modding a SA GI is a bargain for the additional cost
of having that done.

I got a 'good' deal imo with my S&W 1911 for $720 + $25 Xfr & $20
shipping 2 years ago with BUds now asking near $900

supply & demand...

Randall

 

[KaceCoyote]

because people pay it.

No other reason at all.

Because people pay it.

If they thought they could get 3k for an M1911, they would. Manufacturing costs are no more than any other comparable pistol. You think it costs more to make an M1911 than a CZ-75? Do you really think in raw cost the M1911 costs more than an EAA witness?

Its not as though they are the most reliable, most accurate or largest capacity weapon. Its their cult that makes the price.

 

[jordan1948]

From what I've heard Rock Island Armory's are decent quality and the local shop has them new for areound 500 after tax

 

[kamagong]

You think it costs more to make an M1911 than a CZ-75?

Yes I do. I have a Les Baer Concept II and a CZ-75B. The CZ is a fine pistol, I wouldn't have bought it otherwise. But it is not as well put together as my Baer. My Baer is more precisely put together. It is finished better. And it is made by Americans making a higher wage than their Czech counterparts. All of these factors contribute to the higher costs associated with 1911s.

 

[Just One Shot]

I just purchased an American Classic II by Metro Arms on Saturday and it was $449.00 + tax.

Granted, it's not the top of the line 1911 but the ammo doesn't know that!

 

[Shawn.L]

hand fit parts are labor intensive, and the skilled craftsmen who do this work are not (and shouldnt be) cheap.

now some companies (Kimber) charge what they do because they have the marketing to do it.

I have had a few nice 1911's. In my mind a Springfield TRP at near $1300 is the best value going. I have a Wilson CQB and its worth every penny. Kimber for 1K ? I think thats a rip off.

Im not really sure why people get so worked up about prices and feel they have to belittle people willing to spend more on their pistols. In actuallity, if your like me, and actually shoot your guns rather than just talk on teh enternet about how awesome they are the cost is dwarfed by the cash outlay in ammo and training.

 

[benderx4]

Here you go:

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/manufacturers_id/85/products_id/17285

Kinda looks like a Yugo to me. You don't have to spend big bucks. (Ha, the roll mark isn't even put on straight)

 

[Just One Shot]

I say, if you can afford the better guns and that's what you want then go for it!

 

[Myles]

I would wager that 90% or more of those "hand-fitted" parts are just drop-ins.

This is a century old design with more OEM and aftermarket parts available than any other firearm, excepting the AR-15 clones.

It's all about how much the market will bear, and plenty of people line up to pay for them.

 

[gyvel]

So, I've shot a few 1911's and loved the feel. Loved it. Have wanted one for a long time. But the one thing I can't figure, why do they cost so much?

Because they're worth it...

 

[Shawn.L]

I would wager that 90% or more of those "hand-fitted" parts are just drop-ins.

This is a century old design with more OEM and aftermarket parts available than any other firearm, excepting the AR-15 clones.

It's all about how much the market will bear, and plenty of people line up to pay for them.

and you would lose that bet.

even the parts you see listed as "drop in" are NOT, they need hand fit. I have personally fit thumb safeties and even had a hell of a time with a slide stop. Nothing on a 1911 is "drop in" sometimes not even the mags.......

 

[Cosmoline]

People will pay the premium for the caché.

 

[BCPerry]

Okay

So after reading the reviews on the Metro Arms 1911, I might just finally be in luck!

 

[wally]

A good 1911 shooter like the RIA "Tactical" is not expensive at all compared to any of the current crop of polymer pistols (M&P, XD, Glock).

Unfortunately 1911s have developed a cult following with high dollar eye candy guns dominating the market.

--wally.

 

[earplug]

600-700 all day long for good used 1911's

I have seen several very nice tricked out Springfields for sale for less then $700. I have a nice Springfield that I bought used for about that price. Mag well, ambi safety, Bomar adjustable sight, HiVis front sight, aftermarket drop in hammer and sear kit.
For a price and history lesson, in 1913 a Colt 1911 sold new for $23.00, this was when a one ounce gold piece was $20 dollars.
Today that one ounce gold piece is still about the cost of a nice new Colt.
Factor in changes in labor costs, new machine tool technology and new government red tape on firearms.
The actual value in Gold has not changed much. Its just hard to save faster then the dollar drops.
I bought new Colts in 1980 for $189-230. Series 70's and Commanders.

 

[LancerMW]

sti spartan shoots just as good or better than most 1k 1911's