Gucci might be a clothing brand wrapped up in mystique and controversy, but it’s also become synonymous with something expensive. You can put “Gucci” in front of anything to describe it as expensive. Watches can be Gucci, even if Garmin makes it. Shoes can be Gucci, even if it’s Solomon who makes them. Guns can be Gucci. In fact, the term “Gucci gun” is used all the time in the gun community to describe guns that are fancy, expensive, or both. Plenty of folks question the need and value of a Gucci gun. When a Glock costs less than $600, how do you justify a $3,000+ M1911?
Are Gucci guns just expensive showpieces, or do they offer practical value? We aim to answer this question today, providing you with the most comprehensive answer we can.
Defining Gucci Guns
Before we get too deep into this conversation, it’s smart to make sure we are all on the same page. Maybe you’ve never heard the term. Expensive is also subjective. Glocks might be considered affordable to some but way too expensive to others. With that in mind, we’ll use a fairly standard industry definition for what makes a gun, “Gucci.” Gucci guns are typically defined by the following factors:
- A cost far exceeding the average cost of an acceptable firearm in a specific genre
- Custom guns produced in limited numbers
- They are both a gun and a piece of art
- Institutes a novel design concept
The price tag of what makes a gun expensive or Gucci is going to vary depending on the genre of firearm. $2,000 for a handgun is expensive, but $2,000 for a .50-caliber rifle is nothing. Prices can vary wildly for firearms, so there is no set price point for a Gucci gun.
The rest of the factors are self-explanatory. It’s easy to see why a Taran Tactical MPX costs more than a standard MPX, why artistry costs money, and why testing and implementing new designs are expensive. This can all create a verifiable Gucci gun. We’ve defined it, but let’s look at a few examples.
Examples of Gucci Guns
One of the first handguns that comes to mind in the Gucci category is something like the Staccato P series. They cost more than $2,000, which is easily three times the average cost of a handgun. Guns like the Cabot 1911s are another example of very expensive handguns because they are made of unique materials and are true works of art.
Beyond handguns, anything made by Knight’s Armory falls into that Gucci realm. Their AR-15s are most certainly expensive. Guns like the Turnbull TAR-10 have sold for over $100,000 due to the artwork they exhibit.
In terms of novel concepts, guns like the FK Brno and Laugo Alien are both very expensive, but both try to do something a little different. Now that we know what exactly we are talking about, let’s tackle the main question in depth: Are Gucci Guns worth it?
The Three Types of Gucci Guns
First, any gun is worth what you are willing to pay for it. This is America, and in America, if you want it, you should be able to own it. If it’s worth it for you, then it’s worth it. On the flip side, if you are on the fence, then we can break it down and help you figure it out. There are three types of Gucci guns out there: Practical, Good-Looking, and Odd.
The Practical
Practical Gucci guns are expensive but designed to be high-performance machines. As mentioned above, KAC and Staccato guns excel at every level. They are accurate, reliable, and designed to function in austere conditions.
In my opinion, these guns are worth the cost of admission. The real question is, will you benefit from these firearms? Without a doubt, good guns help bad shooters or average shooters. That’s true, but good shooters are going to get the most out of good guns.
There is a point of diminishing returns, and a good shooter will be able to milk those returns out of a CZ Shadow 2. An average shooter might not experience much of a difference between a CZ 75 and a Shadow 2. These high-performance guns aren’t necessary for most shooters, but if you plan to pursue shooting extensively, they might be a solid investment.
The Good-Looking Gucci
If you appreciate the artistry of firearms, then you may be interested in firearms purely for their aesthetic purposes. The firearms industry is home to some true artists who can make beautiful guns. Some might feature beautiful scroll work and inlays that are impractical but gorgeous. You can’t beat a Colt Python with scrollwork.
These firearms may also be limited edition designs that fetch a premium. These can be collector’s options that might be limited in number. One of the most recent examples is the Smith & Wesson 1854 rifles, which have a limited edition collector’s model with inlay, wood furniture, and a blued finish.
From a practical perspective, these guns don’t stand out in terms of performance. They look good and are functional pieces of art. They are often considered an investment with a value that would grow over time.
The Odd Gucci Guns
Rare guns, new gun designs, and one-off limited runs make up our odd Gucci gun category. Sometimes, these firearms don’t quite look nice, and sometimes, they don’t even function at a higher level, but their odd nature increases their value. Another value of these firearms comes from their often limited production.
Novel gun designs are pricey due to their low production and high investment into proprietary parts and pieces. That’s why a Laugo Alien costs $5,000. These guns are very expensive and slow to produce, so the cost reflects that. People who purchase these guns might find the design fascinating beyond all other factors.
Are Gucci Guns Worth the Cost?
It depends on the person making the purchase, what they value, and why they value it. I don’t care about guns as art or good-looking Gucci guns. I’m not spending seven grand on a Colt Python with scrollwork or a fancy M1911 that looks nice. And I can assure you, I’ll also never purchase a gun with another man’s face on it.
I tend to value practicality, and I love odd and weird guns. I’ll spend a few thousand dollars on a high-performance weapon and likely way too much to justify a weird or novel design. What I value is subjective to me, and what you value is subjective to you. Gucci guns can certainly be worth their cost if they excel at something you value.
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