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Member Section => Down Range Cafe => Topic started by: WilsonCQB1911 on December 09, 2007, 02:29:52 PM

Title: Expensive Carry Guns?
Post by: WilsonCQB1911 on December 09, 2007, 02:29:52 PM
What's everyone's opinion on expensive carry guns?

While I do understand the sentiment of "how much is your life worth?", I also have some concern about never getting that expensive and, possibly sentimental, carry piece back. 

If a less expensive gun is just as reliable and 95% of what the expensive gun is in terms of accuracy and everything else is it more efficient to use the less expensive gun and thus not lose such a nice piece?

just something I think about.  Yes, I know there are a lot of other considerations out there such as being sued, etc.  I'm not belittling those.  And I'm conscious of the emotional trauma that comes from that sort of situation.  I'm just wondering that all things being equal - would it be better to lose a cheaper carry gun or is the threat of losing a pistol not very real at all?

I just finished reading "The Great Gun Grab (http://astore.amazon.com/downrangetv-20/detail/0970981333/104-9849499-9475955)" about the Katrina incident BTW  ;)
Title: Re: Expensive Carry Guns?
Post by: TAB on December 09, 2007, 02:51:16 PM
I guess it all depends on what you think is expensive. 

I don't think a carry gun needs to be pretty.  All they need to do is go bang every time you pull the trigger( and only then) and hit where the point of aim is.   Every thing else is just for show.
Title: Re: Expensive Carry Guns?
Post by: ellis4538 on December 09, 2007, 02:59:40 PM
Reading your post I would guess you probably have a Wilson CQB or something similar.  Expensive does not mean better, more accurate and etc.  I have match guns that I would stake my life on but I carry a stock S&W 642 except for different grips and a lightly gone over Lightweight Colt Officers ACP.  Both are easier to conceal and all anyone could ask for personal protection IMO.  Check out the General Discussion p2 about the Kimber Ultra Carry 2.  Also check out Expanding Full Metal Jacket also p2.  There is also another post about carrying full size 1911's but I can't put my finger on it right now.  If the CQB is all I had/could afford at the time I'd go for it.
Title: Re: Expensive Carry Guns?
Post by: WilsonCQB1911 on December 09, 2007, 03:07:49 PM
For me the Wilson is more accurate than my other fullsize 1911s.  But only by a bit.  Is it a better gun?  Yes.  Is it necessary over a stock Colt?  I dunno.

That's why I was wondering what your input was.
Title: Re: Expensive Carry Guns?
Post by: leatherman92 on December 09, 2007, 03:15:01 PM
 it's your choice. ;)
Title: Re: Expensive Carry Guns?
Post by: warhawke on December 09, 2007, 03:24:07 PM
Expensive is relative, my $600 Kimber is expensive compared to a Makarov but peanuts next to a Les Baer. The real issue is what fits you and makes you comfortable. If you feel secure with a $289 Charles Daly then go for it, but if your Wilson is the only gun for you it makes your choice no less or more valid.
Title: Re: Expensive Carry Guns?
Post by: ismram on December 09, 2007, 07:34:15 PM
What's everyone's opinion on expensive carry guns?

While I do understand the sentiment of "how much is your life worth?", I also have some concern about never getting that expensive and, possibly sentimental, carry piece back. 

If a less expensive gun is just as reliable and 95% of what the expensive gun is in terms of accuracy and everything else is it more efficient to use the less expensive gun and thus not lose such a nice piece?

just something I think about.  Yes, I know there are a lot of other considerations out there such as being sued, etc.  I'm not belittling those.  And I'm conscious of the emotional trauma that comes from that sort of situation.  I'm just wondering that all things being equal - would it be better to lose a cheaper carry gun or is the threat of losing a pistol not very real at all?

I just finished reading "The Great Gun Grab (http://astore.amazon.com/downrangetv-20/detail/0970981333/104-9849499-9475955)" about the Katrina incident BTW  ;)
Do you think that your going too have your gun taken, like what happend down there?
Title: Re: Expensive Carry Guns?
Post by: 2HOW on December 09, 2007, 07:43:21 PM
I wouldnt carry anything I couldnt replace. If you have the money to carry a 2000.00 pistol by all means do so.  :)
Title: Re: Expensive Carry Guns?
Post by: saltydogbk on December 09, 2007, 07:46:35 PM
I would hate to lose any gun, I just love the little darlings so....
Title: Re: Expensive Carry Guns?
Post by: MikeBjerum on December 09, 2007, 11:06:41 PM
I believe that in the $600 to $1,000 range you can get any number of guns that are just as reliable as a $1,500 to $2,500 gun.  Who can fault any major manufacturer carry style gun (standard model or custom shop/performance center).  Remember that you are not shooting 50 yard bullseye here.  You are point shooting at a 12" x 18" torso from no more than ten yards. 

My two favorite carry guns are a S&W hammerless J frame and a Gov't model 1911.  For less than $3,000 I can have two of each, shoot and practice with them on a regular basis and have a back up of each as they go in for regular maintenance.  My 1911's have both been rotated through the factory shop after approx. 10,000 rounds through one and 8,000 through the other.  Even with the turn around time I still always had one with me.

My advice is that while I believe in buying the best I can afford, the best tool for a carry gun is not the most expensive.  A $500 gun that you shoot weekly will hit the target far better than the $2,000 gun that you clean weekly.  Buy reliable and spend the excess on practice ammo!
Title: Re: Expensive Carry Guns?
Post by: Trevor on December 10, 2007, 09:49:55 AM
Should a person (Heaven forbid) engage in an act of lawful self-defense, the loss of the $5,000 carry piece to the police evidence locker (and never getting it back) will be the least of his problems.  If he can afford the lawyering, he can afford to buy another such carry pistol.  Be vigilant.  Stay safe.
Title: Re: Expensive Carry Guns?
Post by: 2HOW on December 10, 2007, 10:56:39 AM
I would bet my life that my Rock Island, although given the fact it is customized, is as good as any pistol made. After adding up the cost of the pistol and the parts and work it comes in under 800.00. The man I traded a Ruger Deerstalker rifle had 350.00 on this gun at a gun show, I jerked his arm off.  I wouldnt sell it for 2000.00.
Title: Re: Expensive Carry Guns?
Post by: tumblebug on December 10, 2007, 03:20:11 PM
Confidence in your piece mean's a lot. But practice means more. It's not the size of the rock but your accuracy with it.Money is irellavent just make sure it's not a left it gun when you need it .Left it home ,left it in the car ect...
Title: Re: Expensive Carry Guns?
Post by: Jkwas on December 10, 2007, 03:33:58 PM
I don't believe in expensive carry guns.  There's all kinds of ways you can lose your carry weapon. You could be in a car crash and go to the hospital. You could be involved in a dispute or mistaken identity and have it confiscated.  Any number of things could happen that wouldn't involve you using your weapon in self defense that could have it taken away.  And even if you do get it back, it might be beat up etc.   My carry guns are not cheap, but they are reliable.  They are not overly expensive either.  They are "just enough"
Title: Re: Expensive Carry Guns?
Post by: hawkeye1 on December 10, 2007, 05:08:53 PM
My personal carry guns run the range from a Czech Makarov to a Para 1911 LTC.  I just carry the one that I want to carry depending on the weather and what I happen to be wearing at the time.  Sometimes 9, sometimes 45.  Other times a 357 Ruger Sp101
Title: Re: Expensive Carry Guns?
Post by: Walter45Auto on December 14, 2007, 02:49:45 PM
Most expensive one I own is my GLOCK 30 with Lasermax. I don't hesitate to carry it. But then again I don't have any $2 or 3 Thousand dollar guns either. But I think I'd carry them If I had them. I wouldn't use anthing that expensive as a dedicated truck gun however.