You cannot compare apples to oranges in a price debate....
A barrett action is not a defiance. Poor example to lead with.
And the fundamental thing people forget when comparing a factory to a custom... with a custom you get exactly what YOU want. The stock you want, color, barrel contour, twist, length, weight.
That's not saying a barrett isn't nice, but you're lying if you think its apples to apples with a custom. I have a buddy that keeps dropping $2000-$3000 on semi custom package guns that are just ok. Everytime he complains I tell him to just have one built for less...
$1800 barrett + tax+ transfer+shipping = well over $2k. If that's worth it to you, then rock on.