What's the most expensive CCW gun you've carried, or have seen carried? I've always heard not to carry expensive guns. Carrying is rough on them, and if you ever are forced to use it, you might not get it back.
Still, I once met someone who used a stainless Kimber Compact 1911 as their CCW. Talk about pricey...
Well, I don't think that concealed carry is rough on a handgun in any way. As a general rule CC guns are holstered and covered, protected from the elements (except maybe sweat). So, except for range use and the small percentage of them that are also used in competition, I don't see where the life of a concealed carry piece is too tough.
As far as expensive carry guns, expensive is a matter of perception and it's all relative, one man's cheap is anothers outrageous. I have $1500+ into my duty gun, an FNP45 Tactical with a Trijicon red dot, and $1200 or so in my BUG, a custom S&W snubby. My usual off duty carry is a Novak Colt Commander that I got a great deal on at $1200 with a slew of extras like mags, ammo, and holsters but I also have a custom Colt 1991A1 Compact that gets carried regularly that would probably cost $3000+ to replicate.
Those sound expensive and, based on averages, I suppose they are, but I know an older gentleman who carries a fully engraved, ivory gripped Dan Burns custom 1927 Colt 1911A1 every day. I know this because I shoot action pistol with him occasionally and he competes with it as well. The cost of the most expensive of my guns pales in comparison to that one of his, which happens to be half of a matched set.
As far as losing the gun to evidence if I'm involved in a shooting, so be it, as long as I'm alive to complain about it it's all good. I'm not afraid of my guns getting scratched or the finishes worn. I carry what I like and shoot well, I see no point in carrying a gun that I don't enjoy owning simply because it meets a certain price point, is more utilitarian than another, or easier to replace.