Why do 1911s cost so much?

[Guest RGL01]

1911s require a bit more attention when being fitted together, on top of being entirely machined metal instead of 50-cent polymer molds with stamped frames pressed inside... you'll find that the cast-frame 'GI' guns are more in the $450-$500 range though, and function just as well albeit with a shorter expected life and looser tolerances (less accurate). But very few people could test the fatigue limits of a cast-frame 1911, much less a more expensive forged frame, so that really shouldn't be a consideration, unless you plan to send $10,000 worth of ammo through the gun (in which case, spending an extra $300 on a forged frame 1911 is a drop in the bucket).

You're on target.

[Guest BigShot]

Well, I've never really been a fan of the Rock 1911s BUT during a friends divorce sale I got one. It's a GI model, the cheap one, and after taking it to pieces to see how they make it, I am impressed.

They are put together well... no rough edges, not a tight fit but typical GI, great park finish and they even polished the feed ramp. I can see if they took the time to accurize it by fitting a match barrel and bushing and sweet trigger it would cost more. However,as it is, it's a great value for a knock around entry level shooter. I have to say they done good.

Edited March 28, 2010 by BigShot

[rentalguy1]

That Taurus 1911 is a cheap handgun.

Spoken like someone who has never owned, carried or fired one. The Taurus 1911 has many of the nicer upgrades found on much more expensive makes, and performs just as well as a $2000 Kimber or Dan Wesson; FLAWLESSLY. I carry one everyday, and would/possibly will stake my life and the lives of my family on it. It is a superbly manufactured firearm, and it is in every way a equal to the bigger name manufacturers.

I also own several other Taurus handguns, and the only one that has ever given a problem was the PT709 Slim, which was a brand new design for the company. Sent it back to the manufacturer, and 5 weeks later got it back with a new slide. Not a single malfunction since. This ain't your father's Taurus anymore...

To the OP's question, I think this sums it up:

[rentalguy1]

Is RI warranty better than Taurus? I've heard a lot about unnecessary wait times as the gun makes it's way to S. America and back.

More false/misinformed, second-hand information. Taurus pistols are no longer sent to S. America for warranty work. They haven't been for years. They go to Miami, and if it takes more than three weeks to get it back, then something is going on that they have not encountered previously.

[luvmyberetta]

I personally like the 1911 pistols, but agree that they tend to be a little pricey for what you get. I agree; they are reliable, look and feel good, but tend to be overpriced, especially when you consider the amount of 1911 parts available floating around out there. Go into a gun shop or gun show & ask a seller why they are so expensive. I gurantee that about 90% of them will say, "Cause its a 1911" & not explain quality or reliability. They are expensive because people expect them to be expensive.

[tnhawk]

I bought my first Colt 1911, NIB for $237. It was a well built, quality pistol made in the USA.

My last 1911 was 10 times that price.

[SmokyBaer]

Have to agree with TNHawk...

After 30 years of avid 1911 shooting, I have seen the cost of getting started increase dramatically with inflation and grow with what the market will bear. Also, my basic choices of what I really want in a pistol changed over time. Comfort, reliability and best accuracy have become priorities over price. Other folks just like me have waited until saving enough money or the right deal comes along and will pay more to get what they want.