OUCH!!, why did it cost so much.

I'm sure you can still get these through the GSSF Gun Cert. Program for a lot less then $600. Even paying $60 for a two year membership to GSSF so you'll get your certificate to purchase a gun you'd be way under $600. Like I said, I got my G26 with 3 mags OUT THE DOOR for $485, that was in January of 2010 but I'm sure the GSSF membership gun prices haven't gone up that much.
Hit the link, download the .pdf and you'll see that you can get a G27, Gen 4 for $425, of course you'll have to add tax and whatever your NCIS fee is(ours is $10 bucks here in Tennessee) but still, way under $600.
http://www.google.com/url?q=http://...IQFjAA&usg=AFQjCNEc2xGLLdMIzVrqQkryHgBfS6-zPw