Who carries high-end pistols?

[spiroxlii]

Just to clarify... My girlfriend's carry gun and mine COMBINED cost $500. When I said we couldn't justify losing $1000+ handguns to the police if we were forced to defend ourselves, I didn't mean that our lives weren't worth $1000 to us. I meant that if we were forced to replace $1000+ handguns after losing them in the wake of a defense shooting, we would probably not be able to replace them with similar guns in our current financial situation.

That would either leave us unarmed until we saved enough to replace our expensive guns, or it would force us to do what we've already done and go with less expensive but reliable firearms. Since it's good to carry what you practice with, we chose to go with the inexpensive but reliable handguns from the start. That way, in the unlikely and awful event that we do have to replace them, we can get nearly identical ones to replace them without going into serious debt.

 

[Vanzpp]

Are you sure?

Positive. I took a class taught by a SWAT team member and another taught by a cop. Both stated that, if you have to shoot in self-defense anywhere outside of your domicile, you WILL be arrested and your gun WILL be confiscated. Period.

Will you get your gun back? Maybe...depending on the circumstances of the shooting, but you can't bank on it.

 

[Vanzpp]

Sorry, it just seems silly to say that you are happy spending big bucks on competition, but aren't willing to spend the same on your life. Yes, a Glock will do. Any reliable gun will do, regardless of cost, but phrased how you phrased things, I just had to laugh.

"A Glock will do. Any reliable gun will do."..my point exactly. Unless you can objectively prove that a Glock is LESS reliable than a high-end gun, there's no reason (except vanity) to spend an additional $2,000 for a self-defense gun.

 

[Ash]

Not High Road? Have a care at your admonitions. I think I have been around long enough to know what is and is not High Road. Belittling others because they are unwilling to pay $2,000 for a pistol is High Road? Come now, don't wander down that path. We can discuss things just fine without folks getting upset.

The lives of my family are worth what ever it takes. That they can be protected by my EAA Witness, which is as reliable as any other automatic mentioned here as it has never, ever failed, does not mean I value them less. I am silly in that regard.

I suppose that, since the 12 ga shotgun is ideal for home defense, I am being silly for using my $200 Mossberg pump? I have a Valmet over-under that I could use. Silly me for valuing my family at a mere $200 when I could value them at closer to $800. How callous of me for not having a Kreighoff for the job.

Of course that is not the case. Of course folks can have nice things. I am a minimalist. I have no use for some things that others term "the finer things." That makes me no less refined. I like other fine things. I wear a Poljot watch and own my own tux that I do wear at least twice a year to formal occasions. I love fine clocks and remarkably like fine china. Yet I prefer to spend my money on land. You might have a nice $100,000 car, but I have 80 acres of land for the same thing. Which will last longer? You might have a $25,000 Rolex, but I have another 20 acres. Which will last longer?

Shall I pontificate about those here who live in apartments and so do not value their families enough to buy a home? After all, apartments are more likely to be burglarized. Surely rent versus a mortgage should not get in the way of one's devotion to his family? Of course not. I will not elevate myself by putting on airs that I live in the home built by Bill Walker, who founded Bill's Dollar stores and died a multi-millionaire. I happen to live in Bill Walker's home. Or, that I was in a motorcade guided by the City of New Orleans police, who by the way stopped all Interstate 10 traffic so that the limo in which I was riding could get onto the Interstate without inconvenience? That I have slept with my wife in the corner suite of the Witney Windham hotel in down town New Orleans? Does that matter? Does it make my family more valuable? Not at all.

After Katrina, my EAA Witness provided safety to my family in Bill Walker's home. Again, folks can use what they will. A $4,000 custom 1911 can be just fine. But it will in no way perform better than my EAA in an emergency.

However, the logic of buying a piece of trash for defense against bad guys when I have said EAA at home would indeed be silly. It would make no sense to use something unreliable when I have something reliable at home. However, it also makes no sense to fret over my Mossberg being at the ready when my Valmet is in the safe.

Ash

 

[sturmgewehr]

I carry an Ed Brown Kobra Carry. I'm not worried about losing it should I need it in a fight. 1) I won't shoot someone unless I'm damn sure I'm justified and 2) if I do shoot someone the least of my worries will be my gun.

$2k or $200, they are just tools. If your concerned about the price, then you probably shouldn't own it.

 

[Vanzpp]

Shall I pontificate about those here who live in apartments and so do not value their families enough to buy a home?

Good point!!
To me, the bottom line is reliability. This "what is your life worth" stuff is bogus. This "logic" can easily be carried to an extreme.

For example, what if I spend $8,500 on a Korth semi-auto to carry around for self-defense? Does that mean I value my life more than someone who spends "only" $3,000 on a Wilson?

Jeez....

 

[Ditto_95]

ASH, you misunderstand me. My admonishment was meant the other way.
The reasons people buy what they do is never silly or dumb.
For someone to say that because I spend more money on my SD weapon is a waste of money or to say that I don't value mine or my families life because I choose not to spend big bucks on a seft defense weapon is the point.
As I stated earlier, it isn't what you shoot, its how you can perfom and how the gun performs.
I find it difficult to use a Glock but find a 1911 reassuring. My training is from the military in the 80's so I trained with the .45.

 

[Mandirigma]

Thanks Bigmike & CWL, those are the answers I was looking for. Do you all worry about scratching them or bumping them against hard objects? I mean for $2000, I would be super-cautious carrying them.

Since you are looking at a Nighthawk, I just wanted to point out a finish they offer(ed) Its called Diamond Black, its a DLC (Diamond Like Coating). when I first got mine, I actually dulled and scraped metal off of one of my knives trying to see if I could get it off. A quick wipe down and it was good as new.

to you original question. I do, sometimes. In addition to my NHC, I also carry a STI Spartan, a Glock 33, and a Glock 19 on occassion. Just depends on the day.

 

[CWL]

"A Glock will do. Any reliable gun will do."..my point exactly. Unless you can objectively prove that a Glock is LESS reliable than a high-end gun, there's no reason (except vanity) to spend an additional $2,000 for a self-defense gun.

For the record, I own 2 Glocks (G17, G22) and at one time, I've owned 3.

Why don't I shoot Glocks anymore? Because they have never fit my hand and I hate the trigger. Glocks are not the answer-all solution for everyone.

I train with Richmond (CA) SWAT Entry Team and have taken weeklong classes from people such as Jeff Gonzales and Larry Vickers. Interesting to note that they all prefer M1911 platforms.

I have also seen the vaunted Glock break during firing sessions, just like I've seen Sigs and M1911s and Beretta.

I have not seen anyone here "belittle" others if they choose cheaper firearms, the general concensus throughout this post is "carry what you want". The only "judging" I see is one person trying to impose his gun choice onto others.

Why does anyone here care about what I choose to spend MY money on?

 

[springmom]

*snort* I don't even own a high end pistol, not as it's defined here. My highest end pistol, though, is my usual carry piece, a Kimber Ultra Carry II. It wasn't cheap but it shoots accurately and reliably and I can hide it reasonably well under most clothing except in the hottest part of the summer.

If I had one of those, I think it'd be a safe queen. Maybe an unfired safe queen, just for the investment.

Springmom

 

[Vanzpp]

the general concensus throughout this post is "carry what you want".

I totally agree. I just used Glock as an example, because that's the gun I'm the most familiar with. Like I said, ANY reliable pistol will do. Reliability is the key.

But don't take my word for it--at least regarding the Glock!:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4yr_cM8kvig

 

[Ash]

Then Ditto, I tip my hat to you for further explanation.

CWL, do you think I am the judge and perhaps jury? If so, rest assured I don't at all care what you carry.

Ash

 

[Double Naught Spy]

Unless you can objectively prove that a Glock is LESS reliable than a high-end gun, there's no reason (except vanity) to spend an additional $2,000 for a self-defense gun.

Now this is very silly. Just because I want to carry a high end gun and because you see there no point to it, you decide I must be carrying it because of vanity.

Sorry, but that is just plain, unsupported stupid logic.

There may be some who carry for vanity just like there are some on insist that anything more than a Glock is too much. I don't think highly of either of those lines of thought. However, the reasons for what I carry have nothing to do with vanity or price. Then why don't I carry a Glock? Because I think the triggers on Glocks suck and I don't like the grip angle.

Now if Glock made a gun smaller than my Kahr PM9 with comparable capacity, I would gladly carry the Glock because I think the Glock has a better trigger than my PM9 that I sometimes have to carry when I can't carry large.

Any reliable pistol will do so long as it meets your needs. THEREFORE, price isn't an issue, is it?

 

[19-3Ben]

My regular, every day carry gun is a 3" Ruger SP101. Cost me $460 brand new. I liked it, so I bought Hogue rubber monogrips. I liked it even more, and carried around for a year with those grips. I have taken such a liking to it that I sent it to Gemini Customs to get worked over. It's due back in the next week or two.
For me, I like nice things. The gun worked and was totally reliable in bone-stock form. But now that it will have a trigger job, chamfered cylinders, re-crowned bbl, nice grips, etc... it will shoot better and I will find it more pleasing (both esthetically and functionally). I'm a big fan of buying stock and using it in stock form for a while and THEN seeing if a gun needs to be modified.
The price isn't what's important. The important thing is finding a tool that works for YOU and fits YOUR needs.

 

[Seiko]

Unless you can objectively prove that a Glock is LESS reliable than a high-end gun, there's no reason (except vanity) to spend an additional $2,000 for a self-defense gun.

Wait a minute here!
So Glock is the only gun that is worth of carry unless you are a John Edwards $1600 hair cut getting vain ass?

Glock is a ok gun I own 3, but its not the end all be all only thing on the market.

Some people have spent countless rounds and hours trigger pulling other guns. I shoot probably 10,000 rounds a year out of a 1911 between IPSC and IDPA practice and matches. So Why would I ever consider carrying any other type of gun.

Most days I carry a Chuck Rogers made Springfield, a gun that cost almost as much as the car I drive. If I had to use it tomorrow the only thing that would be on my mind is what gun to send him next.

 

[gpo1956]

I've never understood people who want to slam those who spend more than they think is appropriate for a custom handgun. You carry/spend what you want and I'll carry/spend what I want. I really don't care and I'm certainly not impressed that you're too smart/frugal/tactical or whatever to spend more than a couple hundred dollars for a gun. And please step back and think before you start this "Glock is the best handgun for everybody and every situation". A couple of things that I have to keep reminding myself about gun forums is: 1) Pay attention to what people actually have to say, not how many posts they have 2) Most people should shoot more and talk less.

 

[Ash]

Veiled statements. Gotta love them. Perhaps all the statements should be read, and perhaps then it would be better if read in full. Sage advice to be sure. I suppose when a fellow begins to brag about 100,000 cars and 25,000 watches, things that really are symbols of status, brags about his life is worth more than x amount of dollars and so he must have a pistol that costs xxxx because his life is worth it, it rubs folks the wrong way. You know, bringing us back to the kid on the playground who has the $50 football and brags about his being so great and that when it's on the line, that is the only ball worth playing with.

In the end, though, the point is not how much is spent. A fellow can certainly spend what he will. But when statements about his life is worth it are bandied about, that implies that the more spent money, the greater the insurance. This is not the case and there can be no correlation between the money spent on a custom gun and the amount of security it brings.

I'm glad you are not impressed that my EAA and CZ are 100% reliable. I'm not impressed you paid way more for your pistol than I. I am really not impressed that you feel it takes $2,000 or some such cost to ensure safety or reliability. Spend your cash as you will. Bragging about how much you spend is generally considered poor form in polite circles.

I have the money to spend - but why would I? You have the money to spend and do. Good for you.

Ash

 

[tkkr]

Please dont call a glock a handgun, it gives the 1911 a bad name.

 

[DZL HOG]

I dont see anything wrong with carrying a $4K handgun if you got one. Chances are if you have one, you can afford to fix/replace it, or you wouldnt be carrying it in the first place. I know many of us have different lifestyles and jobs. For me a $1K gun is highend.

Im not trying to flame anyone here, just asking a guestion, so dont take offense.
For you guys that carry $2-4K handguns in CCW situations, what is your normal dress attire and daily activities? I would guess most are in offices and wearing nice clothes also that they will not be getting so dirty in. So really how much of a beating is that high end gun gonna take from riding in a nice leather holster tucked in a nice pair of pants or behind a nice suit jacket or something.
I dont think many farmers, construction workers, contractors, mechanics...etc carry a $3K pistol on their side everyday when they know how dirty things are gonna get.
Im a truck driver and usually end doing all sorts of odd things when business is slow, from walking thru deep **** feeding the boss' cows or crawling around under truck changing oil. I definitely would not want a highend gun on my side in those conditions. Not saying it couldnt be done. But Ive seen how much dust gets on my XD as well as hoslter wear thats on it from the few times Ive carried it, not too mention the gashes on the plastic holster. That bothers me now, and the XD isnt that expensive or pretty. I would cry just thinking about a highend gun taking that abuse. Ill probly never own one, would love too, just dont make that kinda money to put into something thats just as reliable as my XD that cost 1/2, 1/3, 1/4 of highend stuff.
I do own a very expensive truck. Well too me anyway, some folks think $55K is a drop in the bucket. For me its more than I make in 2 years and more than the cost of my parents house. I enjoy cleaning it up and putting it on the show field, drag strip, or truck pull track for all to see. Its my pride and joy. I think many ppl feel the same way with their guns. Whether it be their custom 1911 safequeen that rarely gets seen, or the one they carry everywhere. Same thing with shotguns. Many ppl shoot clays with $2k+O/U. Id hate to hit the dove field with that gun, just b/c of the thought of it getting scratched up. But just cuz its pretty/fancy dont make it any more or less capable of gettin' it done over a $200 Mossy.
If ya got the money to spend on a custom gun, and dont mind what happens to it(seized by cops or scratched up), go for it.
Id love to own a highend gun, just experience the handling and performance differences that have been stated throughout this thread. I probly never will, just my lifestyle. I could afford to buy the gun(once), knowing that I wouldnt be able to replace it, should something happen, and would be very paranoid of any lil ding happening to it, that I would rarely use it and keep it in the safe.
And then what would I have and what would be the point of having it?

I want an EMP, but cant justify paying over a $1K for a gun, that I KNOW Im gonna freak out if it ever gets a scratch on it. Im sure Ill eventually give in(like many of us do LOL) and buy it, then Ill have a nice expensive paperweight in the safe, that will occasionally go boom on the weekends. LOL

Thats how this Po' boy sees it.

Thanks,
Matt

Sorry about writing a book, I get longwinded sometimes.

 

[bigred82]

People who can afford high end sidearms and have the desire to carry them should. It isn't like we are going to take our money with us after we die. Too many people take too many things personal. I'm currently a college student, so I can't afford a Wilson or a Baer just yet. I own a G19 that cost me $400, but I happen to prefer to carry my Dan Wesson CBOB that cost me $900.

Why? Because I like it better!

Sure, the G19 is dead-on reliable and accurate, but why carry it when I have this nice 1911 Commander that is just begging to be carried. If I unfortunately happen upon that 1 in a million encounter of having to use it in self-defense, so be it. The cops can carry it off to their evidence locker, and I'll go out and buy another Dan Wesson or maybe upgrade to a Les Baer. It is only $900 bucks. Or $1500. Or $2500. Who Cares?!

People seem to take it as an insult when someone wants to invest $2500+ into their self defense while they've only invested $300. People, we all carry what we want. Call it vanity, Luxury, or whatever else makes you feel like you're equal or better. I can laugh at the guy in the BMW M5 as I drive past and think how much money he spent on a car that isn't going any faster than my cheap Chrysler Sebring, but guess what - I'd rather be driving his car than mine. I can't drive his car because I can't afford it. He can't drive any faster than I can without getting a speeding ticket, but he still can buy the car - and he gets more enjoyment out of it knowing that he owns it. Don't take this stuff so personal.

After I am out of school, you can sure bet I'll be carrying a Wilson or a Baer or a Brown. I will carry it because 1. I want to carry it, and 2. I can afford it.

Different strokes, different folks.

 

[sandwich]

I'm talking custom pistols, 1911's in general. Ed Browns, Nighthawks, Les Baers, etc. that are $2000+. Are these custom pistols really made for carry or for target/show? There was one thread here (or maybe TFL)that a poster said their new Ed Brown was so tight that it took several hundred rounds to get her running smooth. (FTF to be exact.) If that is the case, would you trust it in a carry situation? What about battle scars? Would that bother you?

I, myself, really want a Nighthawk but wonder if it is more for a show piece than carry piece.

What say you?

I buy pistols to use, not for show. I'll take a Glock, Ruger, XD, Bersa or CZ over some $2000 showpiece any day. The people who buy those showpieces are usually compensating for something they lack

At least that is my opinion.

 

[sandwich]

I have not seen anyone here "belittle" others if they choose cheaper firearms, the general concensus throughout this post is "carry what you want". The only "judging" I see is one person trying to impose his gun choice onto others.

Clearly you have never seen a Hi point thread then.

 

[Ash]

I don't see where anyone is insulted about the price of anything here. I see some folks see it is silly to not carry your most expensive firearm. Some see it as silly to carry an unreliable firearm over a better one. Some see no value at all in the world in spending $4,000 when said $300 pistol is 100% reliable and remains accurate. But, it seems some $4,000 pistol guys feel it important to justify their decision by comparing the worth of the pistol to their personal worth or the worth of their family. That is absurd. The value lies in the ability of a firearm to perform the intended role. A Glock really will do the same thing as the 1911. One can carry what they will, what makes them comfortable, but as said before - and evidently ignored - is that the cost of the pistol is irrelevant. It doesn't matter how much you spend as long as it is reliable. Spending an extra $3,000 on a pistol does not make you value your life or family more. And carrying a $3,000 race gun over a $300 production model because you have both and your family is worth ten times as much is just as illogical. Does the same guy do yard work in Armani shoes because he loves his yard only wants to wear the best while working on it? Perhaps. But Wolverines will do yard work. Do what you want, but you aren't assessing a value based on the price of the shoes. I can afford said race gun. I have owned a $4,000 Czech Sniper rifle. But because I owned that rifle, I did not go hunting with it. I have a Mossberg 800 that is reliable and accurate with excellent optics. It might have been a cheap hunting rifle, but it does the job as needed. Plenty of folks have firearms like that. I don't care if a guy buys a Colt Sauer rifle on a hunt. But it would be silly if he says it takes that much money to take a deer. It does not.

As to CCW, a guy can carry what he wants and what makes him comfortable. I thought after Katrina I would carry my CZ-75 with 15 rounds of ammo, but when push came to shove, I just felt more comfortable with 10 rounds of 45ACP. That was what I carried in the woods and Jeep and just felt more comfortable with it. There are guys here who carry a Makarov, and did so when they were much cheaper. Did they, in doing so, place so little value in their lives? No, they didn't. In the end, carry what you want. But I'm not impressed by the BMW that drives by and not impressed by the custom gun. You are welcome to have it, use it, what ever. You may think it silly to own land. Fine by me. Different strokes and all. But don't say that the $4,000 pistol is carried because your family is worth it. Your family is worth protecting and the most reliable pistol is what you should carry. A Korriphilla would be nice, but no more effective than a CZ-75. You have not valued your family/life more because of it.

Ash

 

[LKB3rd]

I agree that the whole "my life is worth it" argument is flawed. An expensive gun won't function better than a glock or xd in a life or death situation.
If you like expensive guns, i have no problem with that. I have a Colt Python that i paid a lot for, and i did it because i like it. I don't have to justify why i like it. I just do. I like looking at it, and i like shooting it. It doesn't work better when push comes to shove than my XD45.
Money is just money, and i'll earn more of it the next time i go to work. I am definitely not rich, but if i want something, and it costs a lot, if i can figure out a way to get it, i get it.
I would never try to say that there is any sort of logical reason for getting anything, other than i wanted it and liked it. Some things cost more than others, and if you want what you want, you have to pay the price they go for.
I have and will carry my python anywhere i can open carry, and i am not particularly concerned if it gets some wear on it. I actually like some wear on things i like, as long as it isn't abused, and still works like its supposed to.

 

[98C5]

I'm amazed at some of the responses here. Yes, a Glock or Taurus can defend your life just like a $2000 custom gun. But some people like a to own a high-end gun than a non high-end gun. A few even stated that the pistol was custom taylored to their needs. So, why does that bother some here? Now, it is wrong to say that a 'basic' Glock or a Springer GI model is not worthy enough, because they are.

Sandwich, the whole compensating thing gets me. I get that all the time because I bought a 98 Vette. (Hence my name) I've always wanted one when I was little and now had the means to buy one. It was NOT to impress anyone, because I could care less what anyone else thinks. And trust me, I DON'T make a lot of money, but I wanted one and got it.

My whole point to me starting this thread is not 'who's gun is more expensive than the others'. It was to see if anyone who did carry a high-end pistol and why? To each his own.

This is the High Road, and we should all respect everyone's firearms equally. Regardless if it is a Hi-Point or a Les Baer. We are here to learn and give/take advice. I mean, GEEZ, I thought this was a GUN forum, not a gun-bashing forum.