First Class vs. Economy Class Handguns

[Sigmund Sauer]

OK, signing off for a day. Have integrated all input. Thank you very much. Will integrate all further feedback tomorrow evening. Please post any insights you may have on this list. I am taking your posts very seriously, as you can see.

 

[reddog81]

I noticed that Coonan is in the economy class. That's probably not right. While you aren't going to find a .357 magnum 1911 in a duty holster, I would consider it a boutique or high end gun.

 

[F75gunslinger]

I would consider Dan Wesson in the first class, but not boutique range.

 

[Sigmund Sauer]

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I noticed that Coonan is in the economy class. That's probably not right. While you aren't going to find a .357 magnum 1911 in a duty holster, I would consider it a boutique or high end gun.

Couldn't stay away from the forum Glad you found that. Will change it. It was moved down with a whole bunch of handguns upon a poster's request. Didn't feel right. Will move it back. Thanks very much.

 

[Sigmund Sauer]

I would consider Dan Wesson in the first class, but not boutique range.

You're right. Done. Thanks.

 

[Andyd]

If Les Baer is listed as a Boutique First class handgun, then Korth cannot be considered a production gun, even since they moved to Lollar and got a new machine park.
Korth in Ratzeburg produced an average of 7 revolvers per month in 2008, right before they closed that facility, Les Baer or Wilson churn out multiples of that and give less time to handfitting and finishing.

If you spend the $1,000 + on a Uberti 1873 lever action, you will end up with a rifle that is much, much better made than a Winchester Miroku 1894 Ranger. Their Colt SAA clones are well made and respected.

 

[Sigmund Sauer]

If Les Baer is listed as a Boutique First class handgun, then Korth cannot be considered a production gun, even since they moved to Lollar and got a new machine park.
Korth in Ratzeburg produced an average of 7 revolvers per month in 2008, right before they closed that facility, Les Baer or Wilson churn out multiples of that and give less time to handfitting and finishing.

If you spend the $1,000 + on a Uberti 1873 lever action, you will end up with a rifle that is much, much better made than a Winchester Miroku 1894 Ranger. Their Colt SAA clones are well made and respected.

Should I move Korth to "boutique"?

Not sure what your pointa bout Uberti is. I'm not looking at rifles. Or is that a signature line? If you know about Uberti - my question is: should they be in First Class for their handguns (only revolvers, I think), or should they be Economy. I know they're not cheap. But are they supremely well made, with quality over cost?

 

[Sigmund Sauer]

Are you on the fence about Charter Arms? I see it in two locations.
No matter, it probably does not belong in the boutique class. economy is a better bet.

Goodness, it slipped into the boutique section by mistake. Economy Class, of course, you are right. Thanks for pointing out the error. Any other things that bother you on the list?

 

[Sigmund Sauer]

Are you on the fence about Charter Arms? I see it in two locations.
No matter, it probably does not belong in the boutique class. economy is a better bet.

Goodness, it slipped into the boutique section by mistake. Economy Class, of course, you are right. Thanks for pointing out the error. Any other things that bother you on the list? I feel like there probably are some amazing guns among the foreign ones that I lumped into Economy?

 

[CH4]

Thanks. Would love it if we could get some more thoughts on whether Kimber belongs in the S&W category or in the Taurus category.

To my mind, Kimber belongs firmly in the Smith/SA category and Taurus belongs in the economy category, below RIA. Just my opinion.

 

[B00bear]

Kimber Grand Raptur Ii

I would consider Dan Wesson in the first class, but not boutique range.

I have to say my 911 grand raptur is a nail driver I have about 3500 rds through my 911 and my belief is top shelf if u don't or are not sure how to take it apart have someone show u how !

 

[rburg]

It was predictable that you'd end up stepping on some folks toes. They have a whizbang ring of fire gun and they'd compare it against anything else. You've got to be careful of that.

I personally think you're far too generous in making 2 classes of equal size. Life isn't like that and neither are gun makers. What you've done is make 2 equal size classes that would maybe be better served by making a 3 dimensional model. Fun to look at but easy to disagree with some choices.

 

[Andyd]

Should I move Korth to "boutique"?

Not sure what your pointa bout Uberti is. I'm not looking at rifles. Or is that a signature line? If you know about Uberti - my question is: should they be in First Class for their handguns (only revolvers, I think), or should they be Economy. I know they're not cheap. But are they supremely well made, with quality over cost?

The last sentence in my post should have made my point clear. SAA stands for Single Action Army.

Their Colt SAA clones are well made and respected.

 

[F75gunslinger]

I have to say my 911 grand raptur is a nail driver I have about 3500 rds through my 911 and my belief is top shelf if u don't or are not sure how to take it apart have someone show u how !

I didn't say that to put the company down. I only mentioned it due to the fact that they produce guns in the range that most people can afford to have one and not spend the big money a boutique 1911 would cost. They produce a damn good gun at the high end of affordable ( for the most part ).

 

[bc1023]

There is way, way too much difference between manufacturers to break it down into just two tiers, in my opinion.

 

[bc1023]

Exactly what handgun does "Browning" make? Browning is just a name, other than the cheap stuff from Browning USA.

 

[bc1023]

I have to say my 911 grand raptur is a nail driver I have about 3500 rds through my 911 and my belief is top shelf if u don't or are not sure how to take it apart have someone show u how !

Kimber is not even close to being a top shelf 1911. They are entry level to mid range, depending on the exact model.

 

[4506517]

Isn't Stoeger owned by Beretta now? I've handled one of their versions of the Cougar. I was impressed with the fit and finish.

 

[DocB]

Kel-Tec should be in a class of its own. . .Class D or F! The gun writers can't even get one to last long enough to test it. I agree with Dr. Lou. I love it when people say that the Taurus has a lifetime warranty and that's why they buy them. If you need a warranty like that on a gun, it's not a gun you want to own.

 

[bc1023]

Wow.

Go search the last Valtro 1911 that sold on Gunbroker and then move it into the "A" class.