why are hand guns so much more expensive than rifles or shotguns?

[letrain]

ive just noticed hand guns are expensive when compared to rifles or shotguns, and was wondering why. its not materials, is it designs? or just the fact that handguns are so desirable? or the fact that the government restricts them more?

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[deen_ad]

Smaller parts, harder to make, more precise machining and higher development costs?

 

[MrCaprioni]

I would have to agree with deen_ad on this one.

 

[RBid]

Deen ad is correct.

 

[kumabear17]

You"re just not in the market for some of the rifles that are out there. Montana gun company, NEMO arms, makes a great AR platform in 300 Win Mag for $6500. Way out of the ballpark for my pocketbook, but the I said that before I bought my first Kimber....

 

[Mark W.]

How do you figure? A common Savage model 11/111 bolt action rifle at BiMart is $450.00 Same with the bottom of the pile from Ruger or Remington. A Henry lever action 30-30 pushes 600.00 A nice rifle like a Savage model 12 will be pushing $1000.00 at a LGS A Ruger 10-22 will be $240.00 at BiMart

I don't see rifles as any cheaper then Pistols within a range.

 

[Mezzovex]

You"re just not in the market for some of the rifles that are out there. Montana gun company, NEMO arms, makes a great AR platform in 300 Win Mag for $6500. Way out of the ballpark for my pocketbook, but the I said that before I bought my first Kimber....

Same here. Lol

 

[jluck]

ive just noticed hand guns are expensive when compared to rifles or shotguns, and was wondering why. its not materials, is it designs? or just the fact that handguns are so desirable? or the fact that the government restricts them more?

Hype,Buzz,Advertising and suckers demand a premium and it works.

 

[CJ1089]

Funny, my most expensive firearm is a rifle, followed by a shotgun, then the pistols start up.

 

[Misterbill]

I think the OP has a point, but it's been answered in post #2.

Point being, you can GET a solid, reliable rifle for less than you can GET that same quality of handgun for the most part. If I could get my hands on a pistol that had the same rock-solid reliability and accuracy and utility that a Mosin has AT THE SAME PRICE, I would have a drawer full.

Come to think of it, I'll add another factor to Deen's observations: Supply vs. Demand.

 

[misplacedtexan]

Both my rifles and my over/under cost at least 1 1/2 times what either of my handguns cost.

I'd pin it as they require a long production line, and possibly not comparing same tier firearms (Mossberg 100 ATR vs Colt 1911)