An observation of prices of US vs import guns

[Elkins45]

I was poking around on Buds site looking at 9mm autos and did a sort by cost. One interesting thing I noticed is that Ruger offers several 9mm autos at lower cost than a number of imports. Several of the imported ones that normally show up at the cheap end of the spectrum were significantly more expensive. All of the Turkish makers and EAA/ Tanfoglio are at least $50 more than a Ruger SR9 or Security 9. For the most part the only guns that were cheaper were some Taurus, SCCY, Kel-Tec and Hi Point.

I wonder if this is more of a reflection of international economic factors or a testimony to Ruger’s manufacturing efficiency?

I don’t know that it’s anything profound, but I did find it interesting that I can buy multiple new Ruger models for less than the cheapest Canik or SAR.

 

[barnetmill]

Retail costs can vary to enough to make a modest profit to out of sight, but is normally not below manufacturing costs. Ruger from the founding of the company specialized in innovative mass productive methodology intended to keep final manufacturing costs down. They are industry leaders for example in investment casting of steel and other alloys. So if the rugers are cheaper, likely it reflects cheaper costs in manufacturing and also distribution of product.

 

[JTQ]

You've got to compare apples to apples. A 1911 vs 1911 works. A polymer, striker fired gun vs a metal framed hammer fired gun won't be an apples to apples comparison.