Picture from manufacturer website
It's a hair under $5K,which begs the question: Is it really worth $4K more than any other quality 1911? The Smith & Wesson SW1911, Kimber Gold Match, or Springfield Trophy Match are all well below a third of that price; while they might not have as many custom-fit options, the question is if those options are worth $3,500 or more. That's a question left to the individual, of course, in that it's worth $5K to whoever will pay it. It's also indicative of the amount of custom work involved with hand-fitting and other individual options.
This is not to say that there's anything wrong with a $5,000 custom 1911, mind you - in fact, far from it. For the expert pistolero, those extra custom touches might very well be worth every penny, allowing the shooter's skill to fully blossom to full potential. Or it could allow a mediocre shooter to finally stop blaming the firearm (not that *I* know anyone like that of course, Minute-o-Berm be damned...).
This is one of those cases where "need" has exactly squat to do with it. "Why would anyone need a $5,000 gun?" How about because they want it? It'd be a pretty safe bet that the number of folks who can honestly discern - let alone make use of - the difference between a $1,500 gun and a $5,000 gun is vanishingly small. But if someone wants to spend that extra $3,500 just because they want to? More power to them. No one needs a $5,000 firearm - but then again, no one needs a $5,000 HD/3D TV or a $50,000 muscle car, either.
Welcome to America, where "need" has nothing to do with it...
That is all.
7 comments:
I don't know Jay -- I have no quibble with how people spend their money. But these folks want $4350.00 for a GI model. I won't be shopping with them, thanks.
I agree with you completely on this. If you can make a 1911 that someone will pay $5000 for, good on 'ya.
I get reliability and 2-3 inch groups at 50 ft. with a 1911 I paid $800 for. If what I want is a firearm to shoot USPSA with, I have it. What would the other $4200 gain me? It can't be more reliable and nothing is going to make my groups smaller but practice.
If, however, fit, finish, and the right name rolled into the slide has a high personal value, it's America, go and get one. Personally, my next 1911 will be a Les Baer.
If I had $5000 to spend I would buy a Barrett .50 cal rifle.
Would look nice with the Aston-Martin, though.
Of course, since only the 1% can afford such pistols, I think we need to Occupy the Factory and Demand they make them for $19.95! ; )
If I'm gonna pay that kind of scratch for a 1911, I want it hand assembled from the parts of my choosing and I want something museum grade when I'm done!
Speaking strictly for myself, I do not need a $5K 1911.
(translation: I cannot afford a $5K 1911, so f**k those sour grapes:)
tweaker
For my $5k 1911, I'll want a Colt Series 70 Lightweight Commander, Colt Royal Blue, suitably engraved with a modest bit of gold inlay and blue-veined "bark ivory" grips.
Other high-grade specifications would apply, such as 100% forged and machined parts, a Kart match barrel, Heinie Slant 8 sights, and a complete hand fitting by a proven shop such as Colt's Custom Shop, Ed Brown, Wilson or Cylinder & Slide.
I might even have a bit left over for a very BBQ worthy belt rig.
Bet it'd shoot just as well and run just as strong as Cabot's best, too.
And far prettier, to boot.
Jim
Sunk New Dawn
Galveston, TX
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