John Browning’s design is over 100 years old. It has been in continuous production ever since adoption.  The first order in 1917 specified a price of $14.50 per gun.  It was developed as a service weapon for the military so it is not the prettiest.  It had to function under a variety of adverse conditions so fit and finish are not as precise, as could be.  From the outset, the military demand required a variety of manufacturers. That meant the parts had to be interchangeable.    They were. So machining tolerances are first rate. Almost every gun manufacturer has tried their hand at turning out a 1911.  It is still in the military inventory, although the last military order was in 1945.

One can easily spend in excess of $50,000 for a modern custom 1911. A matched pair of Cabot 1911’s recently sold for $100,000. (These guns come in right and left hand models).

According to the NRA, 1911’s surplus to military requirements will be transferred to the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) for sale to qualified buyers.

The gun pictured above was actually manufactured by Springfield Armory, under license.  More about the 1911 Colt .45. and the CMP at the link.