Raw materials are likely a small part of the gun cost, be it metal or plastic. Engineering, testing, marketing, tooling, insurance, distribuion and profit margin (manufacturer, distributor and retailer potentially all taking a small cut) are all built in too. When you move a big volume, you lower the the fixed development cost for each gun, along with securing lower prices on raw materials and subcontracted assembelies. You should never buy a gun, car, lawnmower or any other consumer item for investment, as it is difficult to estimate what something will be worth in the future. Most items people see as collectible, when adjusted for inflation, are not particularly good investments. There are exceptions, usually bacause something is rare. S&W Shields or Glock 19s or insert xxx metal or xxx plastic gun name here, are not rare and likely will not be in the near future. By something you want when you can afford it and think the value is good. Use it, enjoy it and if the value goes up and you want something else, sell it. Value goes down, don't sell it, if it is worth more to you than the price you can get in the market. I am suprised so many freedom loving patriots don't support the free market