Don't know where you're getting those figures from but here's what the BBoGV says: MSRP $599, Conditions: 100% - $475, 98%, $425, 95% - $395, 90% - $365, 80% - $335, 70% - $295, and 60% - $250. Now throw in the following on top if so equip'd: $18 for adj. rear sight, $22 for steel sight, $47 for night sight, $80 for fixed Meprolight sight, $105 for fixed Trijacon sight, $22 for compensated barrel (23C), and $145 for competition model w/ adj. sights (23CC) So he was on the high side for his gun, but this does not take into account the current economic forces pushing prices up slightly. Are there better deals around, sure maybe.