Why do people pay more for handguns than rifles? I don't understand it. $700 for a SIG and Kimber. $1100 for a USP45 Expert and SIG GSR. And there are the $2000+ 1911's. When I see the high prices on "custom" 1911's such as Wilson's, I wonder what fool would buy one. What justifcation is there to spend so much on a handgun? Except for some "hand fitting", which I doubt is worth the extra $1000, and some upgraded parts that I can buy for less than a $100 there is no reason in my book to pay pre-ban rifle price for a silly Wilson or Les which aren't rare or collectable. The number of parts used is the same, the metal is the same, they hold the same amount of rounds and shoot the same bullet. Sure they may be a little more accurate and feel a little better, but at the expense of reliablity. The price to "accuracy/feel better" ratio is ridiculous. At least when you put money into a better car you get more features and upgrade in power and performance, but I seen no benefit of $1000+ production handguns like Wilsons. They aren't true custom guns like Tussey. At least they use exotic metal like Damascus steel in some of their guns.
Why do people buy handguns that cost more than rifles?
- Thread starter Amish
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Mannlicher
Member
Expensive by who's standards? For some, expensive is a $85 Tokarev. For others, that might be a $50K collectable.
I can understand why folks with little discretionary income question another guy buying a Kimber, or a SIG 210.
Most people buy the best they can. For some thats buying quality used guns, for others, its what ever they want.
I can understand why folks with little discretionary income question another guy buying a Kimber, or a SIG 210.
Most people buy the best they can. For some thats buying quality used guns, for others, its what ever they want.
I buy what i like do i hate the high prices you bet but do i love my HK 45 you bet .
Will i buy a pistol over 1K probley not Hk was close when i bought it but i usually average round 5-600 for what i buy but i buy mostly new as the deal on used here lately aint deals when i can pay 25-50$ more for brand new
Will i buy a pistol over 1K probley not Hk was close when i bought it but i usually average round 5-600 for what i buy but i buy mostly new as the deal on used here lately aint deals when i can pay 25-50$ more for brand new
Maybe because a handgun is a close-in defensive weapon. When you need it, you need it NOW and it has to work 100%. So maybe people think the more they pay, the more reliability they get 
Or maybe it fits in with the "Tactical Poser" image some people like. You know, always gotta have the latest and greatest whiz-bang wondernineforty357sig10mm. Just like the FBI,CIA,SEALS, etc.
Some people just like handguns for no rational reason and like to collect LOTS of them.
I would rather limit the manual of arms to the 1911 and any double action revolver.
Or maybe it fits in with the "Tactical Poser" image some people like. You know, always gotta have the latest and greatest whiz-bang wondernineforty357sig10mm. Just like the FBI,CIA,SEALS, etc.
Some people just like handguns for no rational reason and like to collect LOTS of them.
I would rather limit the manual of arms to the 1911 and any double action revolver.
litman252
Member
So my $1K+ Customized 1911 that I shoot the most of any gun I own, use for a house gun and want to start using in compitition is a waist of money???
I saved up for 10 months, did not buy anything I did not need in that time to have a gun built that I hope to pass on to my kid at some point in time.
I want to have one custom rifle and maybe a shot gun at some time, but for now the 1911 is it in the custom catagory. My most $$$$ rifle is my Mod 70 classic in 7mmSTW and I have not shot it yet.
I like my $100 SKS, and my 30-30 from my dad more than most guns that cost more money than I will ever have, but don't tell me not to spend $$ on a once in a lifetime gun like my 1911.
Tony
I saved up for 10 months, did not buy anything I did not need in that time to have a gun built that I hope to pass on to my kid at some point in time.
I want to have one custom rifle and maybe a shot gun at some time, but for now the 1911 is it in the custom catagory. My most $$$$ rifle is my Mod 70 classic in 7mmSTW and I have not shot it yet.
I like my $100 SKS, and my 30-30 from my dad more than most guns that cost more money than I will ever have, but don't tell me not to spend $$ on a once in a lifetime gun like my 1911.
Tony
M2 Carbine
member
Why do I have 11 Makarovs,
9 M1 Carbines
4 Kimbers
3 Polish P-64
2 M1 Garands
a UZI
a Thompson
and 53 other guns
BECAUSE I WANT THEM.
That's the only reason necessary.
9 M1 Carbines
4 Kimbers
3 Polish P-64
2 M1 Garands
a UZI
a Thompson
and 53 other guns
BECAUSE I WANT THEM.
That's the only reason necessary.
Because pistols absolutely have to work perfectly at the range they're used. Some people are willing to pay thousands to insure that. My $500 Glock hasn't had any problems and I'm happy with it, but I've shot $3,000+ 1911s and they ARE worth the money and labor put into them if you can shoot up to the level of accuracy and speed they are capable of.
I'd love to have a $1,000-3,000 custom rifle, but the odds of using it for anything other than punching paper are low. A $1,000 custom pistol can save your life. I've already nearly needed my Glock once and my S&W bodyguard once.
I'd love to have a $1,000-3,000 custom rifle, but the odds of using it for anything other than punching paper are low. A $1,000 custom pistol can save your life. I've already nearly needed my Glock once and my S&W bodyguard once.
My carry pistol (sp101) has taken so much abuse. I would feel really bad if it was a $1000 dollar gun.
There ARE people that like certain kinds of expensive guns. There are also people that like to have PERFECT fit and finish. There is nothing wrong with that at all.
Of course there are also people that just have to have whatever is that 'coolest' gun on the block (not directed at any of OUR friendly H&K owners of course)
There ARE people that like certain kinds of expensive guns. There are also people that like to have PERFECT fit and finish. There is nothing wrong with that at all.
Of course there are also people that just have to have whatever is that 'coolest' gun on the block (not directed at any of OUR friendly H&K owners of course)
Mr. Chitlin
Member
Might depend on how much you pay for a rifle. This one is $7300. A $2000 pistol isn't that expensive, then.
Handguns seem to be addictive. Maybe because there are so many varieties. For example, I just read a post over on the Handgun forum. A guy carries a 3 3/4 in Ruger Birdshead Vaquero in .45 LC. A single action.
So I google'd an image and NOW I think I NEED one.
I just don't know what in the hell is wrong with me
So I google'd an image and NOW I think I NEED one.
I just don't know what in the hell is wrong with me
stiletto raggio
Member
I have six pistols, five shotguns and four rifles. What is the gun I am most likely to use to defend myself? A glock 23, because that is what I carry. If I knew I was going to fight, I'd take my M1A and get 'em out at 500m
I see your point about the point of diminishing returns for a handgun being lower than for a rifle. I am about to drop 6k on two shotguns that I hope will fill my skeet, trap and sporting clays needs for the rest of my life. I could buy several very nice rifles and pistols for that much, but there is something to be said for getting the best one can afford for the job to be done, training with it, and having it around to hand off to the next generation.
I do not buy cheap guns. I do not generally buy guns that I intend to sell, either. Buy what works. If it takes "Wilson CQB" on the side of the slide to give you comfort, fine, but know how to use it. I tend to think that most people who spend that much on a pistol think they can buy skill, but I will not dismiss the possibility of spending 2500 on an SVI because I think it is a work of art.
To each his own, but I don't see myself ever carrying a steel framed pistol except in war (ugh, Beretta), and there is no way I'm spending over 600 on a polymer gun.
I see your point about the point of diminishing returns for a handgun being lower than for a rifle. I am about to drop 6k on two shotguns that I hope will fill my skeet, trap and sporting clays needs for the rest of my life. I could buy several very nice rifles and pistols for that much, but there is something to be said for getting the best one can afford for the job to be done, training with it, and having it around to hand off to the next generation.
I do not buy cheap guns. I do not generally buy guns that I intend to sell, either. Buy what works. If it takes "Wilson CQB" on the side of the slide to give you comfort, fine, but know how to use it. I tend to think that most people who spend that much on a pistol think they can buy skill, but I will not dismiss the possibility of spending 2500 on an SVI because I think it is a work of art.
To each his own, but I don't see myself ever carrying a steel framed pistol except in war (ugh, Beretta), and there is no way I'm spending over 600 on a polymer gun.
Random number $1000.00, where did 1K come from. Is it because its a big number to you, a pain point or what. Actually $1050 to 1500 are pretty reasonable numbers on high end 1911's. No not the bone stock mass produced ones, but the semi custom's with some fitting. The 1911's are expensive guns to manufacture, when the price is $400-500 corners must be cut. There are hundreds ( actually probably dozens ) of ways to get to these price points but something must give, and usually its features and quality. And no I am not going to get into the merits and detractions of different models, but don't expect to pay the same for a pistol with a tool steel hammer, sear, disconnector and a match grade barrel as the less expensive guns you just aren't going to get it.
Actually when I look at some of the plastic pistols like Glocks, HK's, and some of the wonder 9's I wonder why these don't sell for the same price as a Springfield XD's or KelTec's. They are plastic pistols for the most part. Don't bother flaming me I know the answer.....QUALITY
Actually when I look at some of the plastic pistols like Glocks, HK's, and some of the wonder 9's I wonder why these don't sell for the same price as a Springfield XD's or KelTec's. They are plastic pistols for the most part. Don't bother flaming me I know the answer.....QUALITY
Shouldn't be a problem, Stilleto.
Because the wartime Beretta you're probably gonna have to use is a M9, aka 92F series. It's got an aluminum (aluminium to some) frame. So you're all set, fear not.
Amish, I've got bunches of rifles that cost more than my $1000 custom 1911's, with some of them closer to $3000 once the scopes are mounted. Mine is a layered defense, with both rifles and pistols serving their purpose when the time comes. They fit me, because they were built either for me or by me. The money is well-spent when I have no qualms with a given gun's function and reliability. Folks who spend top dollar for their vehicles use those same criteria often enough that nobody bats an eye, what's the difference?
Because the wartime Beretta you're probably gonna have to use is a M9, aka 92F series. It's got an aluminum (aluminium to some) frame. So you're all set, fear not.
Amish, I've got bunches of rifles that cost more than my $1000 custom 1911's, with some of them closer to $3000 once the scopes are mounted. Mine is a layered defense, with both rifles and pistols serving their purpose when the time comes. They fit me, because they were built either for me or by me. The money is well-spent when I have no qualms with a given gun's function and reliability. Folks who spend top dollar for their vehicles use those same criteria often enough that nobody bats an eye, what's the difference?
SirPorl
Member
Simple
The spend more on handguns than rifles because they can and that is prolly what they are really into. Everyone needs a hobby.
SirPorl
The spend more on handguns than rifles because they can and that is prolly what they are really into. Everyone needs a hobby.
SirPorl
cracked butt
Member
If you compare a 1911 to a rem 700, the 1911 needs a whole lot more critical, inticate, and expensive machining than the simpler rifle.
I'm mainly a rifle shooter, but my most expensive guns are pistols. Go figure.
I'm mainly a rifle shooter, but my most expensive guns are pistols. Go figure.
pauli
Member
unless you dig the bum leg look, it's hard to ccw a rifle...
step one: figure out your requirements.
step two: figure out your optionals
step three: figure out what class of device best meets the above.
step four: figure out where your budget and your optionals meet within that class.
i guess there are people who feel their requirements in a firearm are better met by a $1000 1911 than by a $1000 rifle or shotgun. ::shrug::
(me, i'd love a rifle, but *** am i going to do with it? seems silly to have a rifle and only use it at the local 25yard pistol range...)
step one: figure out your requirements.
step two: figure out your optionals
step three: figure out what class of device best meets the above.
step four: figure out where your budget and your optionals meet within that class.
i guess there are people who feel their requirements in a firearm are better met by a $1000 1911 than by a $1000 rifle or shotgun. ::shrug::
(me, i'd love a rifle, but *** am i going to do with it? seems silly to have a rifle and only use it at the local 25yard pistol range...)
Greg L
Member
My USP rides on my hip most every day, my rifles sit in the safe 95%+ of the time. If I'm away from the house then the percentages get closer to 100% that the pistol is what I'll have with me (if I have to go somewhere where I feel the need to load up a rifle & stick it in the truck, then if at all possible I just won't go there ).
Besides, I have a C&R. Seeing as how most of my rifles these days cost around $100 or so, I would much rather spend a little more on a pistol than limit myself to Ravens or Jennings .
Greg
).Besides, I have a C&R. Seeing as how most of my rifles these days cost around $100 or so, I would much rather spend a little more on a pistol than limit myself to Ravens or Jennings
.Greg
GigaBuist
Member
Guns are inexpensive when you really look at it. Well, that's my story and I'm sticking to it!
$500 for a Glock is next to nothing when you consider what you're getting. $1000 or $1500 really isn't THAT much for what you're getting either.
We're talking about devices that will run for thousands upon thousands of rounds, last for a hundred+ years if taken care of, and always retain a decent resale value. You cannot find another product on the market like it. I cannot think of any moving machine that will last a lifetime or two except a good firearm.
Oh, and it can save your life too.
So, $1500 for a 1911 that'll last your life, your child's life, and your grand child's life and perhaps beyond (150 years say) is really just $10 a year.
There, now everybody's got a new excuse for the wife.
$500 for a Glock is next to nothing when you consider what you're getting. $1000 or $1500 really isn't THAT much for what you're getting either.
We're talking about devices that will run for thousands upon thousands of rounds, last for a hundred+ years if taken care of, and always retain a decent resale value. You cannot find another product on the market like it. I cannot think of any moving machine that will last a lifetime or two except a good firearm.
Oh, and it can save your life too.
So, $1500 for a 1911 that'll last your life, your child's life, and your grand child's life and perhaps beyond (150 years say) is really just $10 a year.
There, now everybody's got a new excuse for the wife.
greyhound
Member
Best explanation I have heard about this is that as the US has become more urban/suburban than rural, we have become a nation of handgunners as opposed to riflemen.
I assume that means that the opposite used to be true.
Also, here in MD at least, its much easier to find a place for handgun practice than rifle practice.
wanderinwalker
Member
I'll second the "guns aren't that expensive" approach!
I have a garage full of motorcycles. Well, only one is mine. Then there are my dad's and brother's wheels. My brother's is an older model, less value left in it (~$1000). My father and I both ride newer machines, with values pushing close to $6000. Now, in 6 years neither of those machines is going to be worth that much.
IF I had a $6000 firearm, I would expect it to have more of that value left in it in 6 years. Possibly alot more if it was a "rare, pre-2XXX-ban" model. A firearm is better investment than most vehicles and cheaper too. Why not?
FWIW, I have a $1500 CMP-spec Armalite AR-15 hanging around in my cabinet. Is that an expensive rifle? Yes. Does it shoot with a Baer or Wilson. Hell yeah!
I have a garage full of motorcycles. Well, only one is mine. Then there are my dad's and brother's wheels. My brother's is an older model, less value left in it (~$1000). My father and I both ride newer machines, with values pushing close to $6000. Now, in 6 years neither of those machines is going to be worth that much.
IF I had a $6000 firearm, I would expect it to have more of that value left in it in 6 years. Possibly alot more if it was a "rare, pre-2XXX-ban" model.
A firearm is better investment than most vehicles and cheaper too. Why not?FWIW, I have a $1500 CMP-spec Armalite AR-15 hanging around in my cabinet. Is that an expensive rifle? Yes. Does it shoot with a Baer or Wilson. Hell yeah!
Vitamin G
Member
I personally spend more time with pistols than rifles because I'm not too worried about invading armies. I'm more worried about the random idiot with a knife who wants my wallet, little sister, or someone i know to bend over in a dark alley.
Now, i LOVE my AK-47, but to be honest I use it for little more than a plinker gun. It just looks so COOL on the mantle (just kidding). I can't really see myself needing a rifle, but I train with it anyways. Very similar to me not really seeing myself needing a pistol either, but I train with them just in case.
As much as I hope i wont need either, the probability of me needing a pistol (everyday self-defense) is going to be much higher than me needing a rifle (extraordinary, "invading army" style self-defense.)
Now, i LOVE my AK-47, but to be honest I use it for little more than a plinker gun. It just looks so COOL on the mantle (just kidding). I can't really see myself needing a rifle, but I train with it anyways. Very similar to me not really seeing myself needing a pistol either, but I train with them just in case.
As much as I hope i wont need either, the probability of me needing a pistol (everyday self-defense) is going to be much higher than me needing a rifle (extraordinary, "invading army" style self-defense.)
Badger Arms
Member
Handguns are easier to tote in and out of the safe and to gun shows. They take up less space. They cost more per OUNCE than rifles do, therefore my profit/work margin is greater.
Amish,
First.... thanks. Thanks for calling us fools.
Calling fools, the folks who know what works best, do the extra research, seek out the proper gunsmiths, and (in my case) save up a long time to secure one of the very best life saving devices currently available. It's far from a foolish process.
After your careless use of adjectives like “fool†“ridiculous†and “silly†that betrayed your knowledge levels in these areas, there is little incentive to clue you in to the real-world reasons and intricacies involved in the decision - and then the undertaking of this type. Further, your stated dollar/cost standard of a “pre-ban rifle priceâ€, and then the use of that as any real measure of something says even more.
But I won’t call you any names.
Your own “pre-ban, collectible and rare†measures of firearm values serve to gauge only what the current market in these items will bear. But the value of owning a modern day "Excalibur" is something else entirely.
Wise up.
Edited to add: I looked up my 2001 costs on a Colt 1911 pattern gun for replacement of the MIM and some other parts, metalwork like checkering and deburring, new night sights and then regulating them for my chosen ammo, accuracy and reliability work, and finally a durable finish - $1145 for parts, labor & shipping.
My life's worth that.
First.... thanks. Thanks for calling us fools.
Calling fools, the folks who know what works best, do the extra research, seek out the proper gunsmiths, and (in my case) save up a long time to secure one of the very best life saving devices currently available. It's far from a foolish process.
After your careless use of adjectives like “fool†“ridiculous†and “silly†that betrayed your knowledge levels in these areas, there is little incentive to clue you in to the real-world reasons and intricacies involved in the decision - and then the undertaking of this type. Further, your stated dollar/cost standard of a “pre-ban rifle priceâ€, and then the use of that as any real measure of something says even more.
But I won’t call you any names.
Your own “pre-ban, collectible and rare†measures of firearm values serve to gauge only what the current market in these items will bear. But the value of owning a modern day "Excalibur" is something else entirely.
Wise up.
Edited to add: I looked up my 2001 costs on a Colt 1911 pattern gun for replacement of the MIM and some other parts, metalwork like checkering and deburring, new night sights and then regulating them for my chosen ammo, accuracy and reliability work, and finally a durable finish - $1145 for parts, labor & shipping.
My life's worth that.
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