Jeff,
Why do you guys toot RRA so much? If you compare the guns and specs, RRA is not much cheaper then Les Baer. On the models that appear a lot cheaper, they are missing expensive work i.e. checkering. Match up the standard match OR national match hardball with the standard Baer Premier II. Add in the checkering and you'll see that you're not saving a whole bunch with an RRA. This can be applied to all their higher end guns that are comparable to the Baer guns. You're not saving a whole lot.
As for as "just as good", I would have to strongly disagree. There hasn't been one single RRA pistol over at 1911forum.com that was received in "perfect" condition. They all had some minor problems or cosmetic flaws. You guys can take the $50-75 you're saving and buy all the RRA's you wish
At least my Baers run and look perfect from the get go.
I'm sorry but there's no way in hell a two man shop can manufacture frames, slides, complete AR-15's, and 1911's without having some problems. Wilson and Baer tried to cut corners that way and it did not work out. RRA will soon find out too (if they haven't already).
Anyway, my pic for the worst value semi-auto would be any high-end 1911 if you don't shoot it. Any low-end 1911 if you don't shoot it. Any mid-level Glocks if you don't shoot it. Any gold plated Desert Eagles if you don't shoot it
If you spend the money on a gun and do not shoot it enough, then yes... you got a very bad value.
To each his own! It might be an "overpriced" Harley, Boston Whaler, Rolex, Ferraris... it matters not. If you can swing it and enjoy it, more power to ya