You are actually right...they are much heavier, much more expensive, hold 1/2 as many rounds, and are drastically less reliable than a modern plastic fantastic (Glock, S&W, etc.). With what other firearm can you find so many threads about FTF and malfunctions, with custom work needed to get them to feed HP bullets...none. It is a great gun, I really like mine. But it is not a good carry piece for so many reasons, not to mention the safety issue.