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Is a Custom Pistol a Waste of Money?

I kinda see that like dating Scarlett Johansson and making her sleep on the couch…

The odds of having to use it are ridiculously low.

If you DO have to use it, and you live to see a DA taking it—it paid for itself a million times over.

It’s just a mindset I don’t get.
I am with Hans, I just do not see worrying about carrying something custom or expensive. I have had custom handguns, and very expensive watches, and used them all. The time to get rid of them came when they no longer were used or enjoyed for the purpose they were bought for. That's when they were moved on.
 
I have a few customs...a Bob Chow Combat Commander from a time when a 1911 had to be modified as I mentioned before. Now I also have a Les Baer that is crazy accurate as well as being super smooth. It falls into the wants category, because a good 1911 is a Springfield dealer away.
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I have had a Wilson Combat Protector 5” .45, two Wilson EDC x9s, and a Wilson Super Sentinel. While I did get a unique combat tuff on one of the EDC x9s, the only one I’d truly consider custom is the Super Sentinel because I actually called Wilson and had it built exactly the way I wanted it. The other three I bought off the shelf. I still have the Super Sentinel and the combat tuff EDC x9, but moved the Protector and a black over grey EDC x9 on their way. The thing I learned was one is not going to come close to recouping investments on these types of guns. Now I buy Springfield 1911s and Beretta autos.

This Super Sentinel has about 1200 rounds through it…

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While there are some nice custom makers (Wilson, Baer, Brown, Nighthawk etc).

But for me I’m not sure the juice is worth the squeeze when you look at how nice the Springfield TRP line, Colt Combat Unit guns and Dan Wessons are turning out the last few years.

I mean if money were no option I’d love to have a couple Baers and Wilson but a SA TRP would probably be just as good within reason. And the whole MIM thing is a non issue compared to 30 years ago!

Like always do what your bank account can handle!
 
While there are some nice custom makers (Wilson, Baer, Brown, Nighthawk etc).

But for me I’m not sure the juice is worth the squeeze when you look at how nice the Springfield TRP line, Colt Combat Unit guns and Dan Wessons are turning out the last few years.

I mean if money were no option I’d love to have a couple Baers and Wilson but a SA TRP would probably be just as good within reason. And the whole MIM thing is a non issue compared to 30 years ago!

Like always do what your bank account can handle!
No doubt. The SA Emissary AOS I recently acquired shoots as well as any of the Wilson’s I’ve had, at least for me. If I do pick up another gun, it would likely be one of the SA TRPs, but again, not sure what one would do for me over and above what the Emissary does. And that’s without even mounting an optic on the Emissary.
 
I have a J Frame Smith and Wesson 342 Ti from when they first came out and were impossible to get. A fellow industry friend came into my office and said "I was getting these for my family and so I got one for you too". I was touched, thinking what a nice gift. Then she gave me the bill! Ha ha. Anyway, I worked with Milt Morrison at the time and he slicked it up for me. Nice little carry gun, but it could not be used with my prefered .38 Special load of a +P Lead Semi Wadcutter Hollow Point. They would jump crimp. But I guess that is another custom gun. It is hard to get a good trigger on a J Frame, but Milt Morrison is up to the task!
 
The thing that drew me to the
SIG Legion line is that the factory did the upgrades to sights, triggers, barrels, and grips that I had been doing all along to my pre-Legion pistols. Sort of quasi customs. I felt the same about Springfield's TRP 1911 line. I want a pistol that I can put holes in the middle with and sights, grip, barrel, and trigger makes that happen for me. I have wanted a SA Professional for years. I would have no qualms about carrying a $3k pistol as EDC. If I need it, I will need it badly, and to perform the the task with aplomb.
 
It isn't like contributing to the loser's presidential campaign, you're gonna end up with something of value. The million dollar question is whether the extra cost is worth it to you or not. Will you appreciate the trigger, sights, or other feature(s) above what a more base model provides.
This. If it’s worth it to YOU fine. If not, maybe not so much. Today “most” pistols from established mfgr’s will run well and be decently accurate. Whether the extras are worth it becomes a personal issue. A Caddy and a Chevy may have the exact same power train-the difference in price is based upon the extra goodies and “luxury” features you get. Same with a pistol
 
What's more a waste of money, a custom gun you shoot or a "collector" gun you don't shoot.
I will shoot all my guns at some time or another.

Yeah, I have 5 Wilson Combat guns .... Waste of money, yeah probably. Do I care? Nope. I gots me some privilege.
 
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