What makes a custom 1911 expensive?
- Thread starter Sambonator
- Start date
Double Naught Spy
New member
What is it that makes an Armani suit so pricey, Rolls Royce, or any other items made by hand. It is the fact they are made by hand. You lose the benefits of scale that come with mass production when you make things by hand. Are the benefits readily apparent? No, not always. I have handled a few very expensive guns that did not seem remarkably better than my wife's Kimber Stainless Target aside from a few features like checkering, night sights, etc. The difference in price could not be justified by a few additional parts.
Are custom or semi-custom guns worth the money. It just depends. The value of the guns is more than the sum of their parts. Can you get cheaper guns that are as good. Maybe, but probably not. Now that is not to say that you can't get cheaper guns that will perform as well as you need them to perform. For example, do I need the 1" at 25 yards for Wilson Combat CQBs or 1.5" at 50 yards (normal being 2.5" for some models that can be made more accurate for more money) for a Les Baer? That is a really cool feature, but I can't shoot that good and for a combat handgun where my shooting distances will most likely be 10 yards or less, probably much less, that sort of accuracy is unnecessary based on the cost for the products, but I think I will buy the guns with the best accuracy and reliability I can afford. I just might have to shoot something at 50 yards some day and I will be sure that my gun can do it.
Are custom or semi-custom guns worth the money. It just depends. The value of the guns is more than the sum of their parts. Can you get cheaper guns that are as good. Maybe, but probably not. Now that is not to say that you can't get cheaper guns that will perform as well as you need them to perform. For example, do I need the 1" at 25 yards for Wilson Combat CQBs or 1.5" at 50 yards (normal being 2.5" for some models that can be made more accurate for more money) for a Les Baer? That is a really cool feature, but I can't shoot that good and for a combat handgun where my shooting distances will most likely be 10 yards or less, probably much less, that sort of accuracy is unnecessary based on the cost for the products, but I think I will buy the guns with the best accuracy and reliability I can afford. I just might have to shoot something at 50 yards some day and I will be sure that my gun can do it.
Son,
With all due respect, I have not met a 1911 yet that didn't need fiddling with to make it work right out of the box, except for the expensive factory custom jobs!!! You know as well as I, that companies like Kimber have taken to doing the custom work, much of it by hand, to the basic 1911 before it hits the gunstore case. If a milspec 1911 worked right out of the box, then the custom 1911 market would essentially dry up, and blow away. Supply & demand!!! What it really boils down to is that while JMB was a genius, there are better designs out there. No design stays at the top of the heap!!! You, as an engineer ought to know that!!! Do you still use TTL logic?????
I disagree with that statement denfoote. While the old milspec guns function just fine, there are those out there that want extreme accuracy results and parts their way. If one is satisfied with box stock parts, so be it. However, there are those that wish to have certain components for either accuracy sake or just for having it
Example, there are motorcycles that are cheaper and perform better than Harleys but the Harley will never die because it's a symbol of being American. In addition, for those that love customization, the Harley is a perfect for them.
I will never be drawn into a Glock vs 1911 debate and do not feel that was your intent. Simply, I marvel at Glock's great engineering marvel and own several Glocks myself. Proof - my personal web site has a Glock section*
However, they're apple and oranges. I just happen to like both fruits *ref. http://home.ptd.net/~nitto/glock.html
Just like Rolex, Armani, Ferrari, etc.
If you have got the money, and you get the pleasure out of owning something that nice. Go for it.
One of these days I'm going to have a family of 1911s all built up to my exact specs. One of these days... (Go over to pistolsmith.com and look at some of the pictures, warning it may end up costing you lots of money)
If you have got the money, and you get the pleasure out of owning something that nice. Go for it.
One of these days I'm going to have a family of 1911s all built up to my exact specs. One of these days... (Go over to pistolsmith.com and look at some of the pictures, warning it may end up costing you lots of money)
Most of what you're looking at is labor cost...the skill and talents that go into properly checkering frontstrap, lightening trigger, fitting frame & slide...all costs $$$$.
I have one 1991 w/ some work done and has proven to be a world different from stock. I'd recommend going ahead once you find the right 'smith for your gun(s).
I have one 1991 w/ some work done and has proven to be a world different from stock. I'd recommend going ahead once you find the right 'smith for your gun(s).
PERHAPS I'M A MORON, BUT........
I like spending money on my guns. Don't care if it's not reliable when I buy it, just pile on the lira. (Had to sell my custom M20 'cause it never got 'right'.) Personal pride in having something unique, and MINE.
Or else we'd all have the same gun (but not a Glock LOL).
I like spending money on my guns. Don't care if it's not reliable when I buy it, just pile on the lira. (Had to sell my custom M20 'cause it never got 'right'.) Personal pride in having something unique, and MINE.
Or else we'd all have the same gun (but not a Glock LOL).
CastleBravo
New member
Personally, I wouldn't spend $2,400+ on a handgun that just came from the factory, no matter how much alleged work was done by the factory custom shop. For that kind of cash I'd have a top-end gunsmith build a full-custom gun on a base Colt, Kimber or SA... or make one from scratch. Me, I like the fact that even though alot of the guts of my gun are aftermarket (Bar-Sto, Videcki, Wilson Combat, soon AFTEC extractor, etc.) it has groovy Colt rollmarks on the side. 
Jack Carson
New member
A hard question to answer
I've spent at least as much $$$ on single actions as I have on having 1911s customized. I can honestly say I've been pleased and p***ed off about my decisions both ways.
A really good 'smith can turn a nice gun into a work of art that makes an off the shelf handgun look like nothing you would want to own. It's the difference between a classic Pulitzer prize winner and the first edition of "Dick and Jane."
The most expensive custom handgun on the market won't turn you into the next Rob Leatham, though. Lots of money spent on practice ammo is the best money you can spend IMHO.
I've spent at least as much $$$ on single actions as I have on having 1911s customized. I can honestly say I've been pleased and p***ed off about my decisions both ways.
A really good 'smith can turn a nice gun into a work of art that makes an off the shelf handgun look like nothing you would want to own. It's the difference between a classic Pulitzer prize winner and the first edition of "Dick and Jane."
The most expensive custom handgun on the market won't turn you into the next Rob Leatham, though. Lots of money spent on practice ammo is the best money you can spend IMHO.
Bottom Gun
New member
My 1911 can whip your 1911.