Mixed emotions on a production gun versus custom target gun. Another class of pistols is semi-custom.
Below are my three (3) groups of pistol makers:
The "production gun manufacturer" hopefully, will continue to be build guns and the manufacturer does not go out of business, if so the source for parts and repair work disappears. Some manufacturers are gone and so are the parts.
"Custom builder", when he dies, parts and knowledge is gone, he is the only one making the parts and building the pistol.
Semi-custom, he uses his knowledge, but uses locks, triggers and barrels from others. Hopefully, the suppliers of the locks, triggers and barrels continue on after the maker is gone.
Pedsersoli makes some very nice pistols and come equipped with some nice prices. I am currently shooting three (3) Pedersoli's in line matches and have been pleased with them, with one minor glitch along the way. Perdersoli quickly fixed the problem.
I also currently have five (5) "custom pistols" and the parts are only made by the each maker and they were built one at a time as such. The problem with true custom pistols is that when the builder dies you are in a world of hurt for parts unless you have a bunch of spare parts made by him.
I have seen a lot of Pedersoli's in line matches and for the most part they are one of the dominant pistols.
Given a choice, I would have to give a nod to the semi-custom pistol or the Pedersoli over a true one of a kind custom built pistol.
RDE