I ran across an AMT Hardballer Long Slide at the gun show today. I had never actually seen one in person, just looked online. It balanced much nicer than I expected it to. It was in great shape, original owner, personal collection blah blah blah.

He had it tagged at $1300+ with a $1200+ something for cash in hand. I did a quick search of a handful of websites and came up with average prices in the 7-1100 range. I asked what he'd be willing to do (I was comfortable under $1K) and he stayed true at $1100. I just couldn't justify it. At $800 or even $900 I'd have made it work. But you have to have a line at some point, right?

I came home and looked around some more and it looks like a few years ago they went for $5-800 but now they do kind of average around 11. It just fell squarely in the "I don't super need this and you don't super want to sell it." But now I'm a little itchy. I really don't want to go find one on line. I don't want it that bad. But having it right there- in person- made it awfully attractive.

I've been saving up for a nicer 1911, something in the Dan Wesson, TRP or Warrior schools. This was a very tempting setback...

I had one, it was a shit sandwich. I sure wouldnt buy one at those prices.

I have nothing helpful to say.  But I'd skip it and get something with better known quality.

No way at that price

AMT anything are a toss up , some are good , some are marginal , and some suck

Springfield use to make a 6" 1911, don't know if it was a custom shop or regular production one. At least if there is an issue the company is still around. With the AMT Hardballer you don't have that option, not saying you'd need to send it in.

many years ago (80s) the stainless pistols had a bad reputation for galling, where metal was actually pulled off where they came in contact under pressure

AMT is like early American Tarus.  Find something else to do with your money. Seriously.

Wow. Ok then. I won't lose any sleep tonight. Maybe I'll start looking around for one of those Springfields...

Thank you all.

RIA makes a 6" long slide that got pretty good reviews from what I hear.

Hardballer and Javelia longslides are 7" guns

Love the long slide but that does seem high, but don't know current prices.

The one I got is unstoppable, seems more reliable than an AK.

I've always wanted a pair of blued M1911-style long slides with one being left-handed ejection. Now that is a pipe dream for sure. :)

I wouldn't pay more than 300-400 bucks for those pieces of shit.

I traded one for some lowers and parts a while back.

If you want a long 1911, STI makes BRAND NEW 6" guns in the 1.5k range.

I had an AMT Longslide Harballer back in the mid 80s - loved it and have always regretted selling it.

That said, I would NEVER pay that much for one- that price is stupid ridiculous.  Offer him half and if no, walk away.