Price is one reason...but also the pistol itself uses a different trigger which I think CZ was anxious to try out. I like everything but the oversized trigger guard. The Phantom will not go after the XD/M&P market as well as a $500 Duty will. This is a simpler, easy pistol with more options for the money than the competition. As far as going after the Glock market, that remains to be seen. Personally, I think that 95% of Glock sales are to Police, Glock-aid Drinkers, and first time gun buyers who just want to buy a name. That market is a long-shot for CZ. If their rep agencies can get them into dealer cases across America (another long shot), and CZ can make enough to meet demand (yet a third long shot), then the Pistol will do well in its class.