I've secured the permission of my significant other, and future wife, to purchase my first handgun. We'll be moving soon thus I'll have to begin the waiting period for my permit in a new county so I'll have plenty of time to make a decision on what my choice will be. That all being said, I'm kicking around the idea of simply having a custom handgun built from the ground up. I know this is very costly but as this may be the one and only gun I ever get I figure why not get the best. I'm looking for peoples experience with various gunsmiths and, of course, pictures of the final product wouldn't hurt.
Custom Handguns
- Thread starter Ale GOlem
- Start date
What constitutes "best"? If it's whatever is "best" for you, how do you know what that is if this is your first handgun?
I've had a number of guns tuned, but I wouldn't say I've had a custom handgun built. But, my background is that of a competitive cyclist, and as far as equipment goes, there are a lot of similarities. IME, then, there are 2 good reasons for going custom, and neither of them is because "custom" automatically means better craftsmanship. Today's manufacturing processes can make some really good stuff that isn't easy to surpass.
One reason to go custom is for a better fit - both ergonomically, and functionally. IOW, one is looking for some combination of fit and functionality that they haven't found together in any factory bike/gun. In my case, I had a custom bike built by a highly-regarded builder to whom I deferred much as far as design. It sucked. The craftsmanship was impeccable, but I hated how it fit me and how it handled. I learned my lesson, spent time understanding what it is I wanted and liked, then had another made where I had much more input. And this bike is the best bike in the world, not because of the decal on it, or any whizbang hitech material used (in fact, it's a pretty traditional build), but because it looks, fits and handles exactly as I intended, and couldn't find what I was looking for in a factory bike.
The other reason to go custom is simply for pride of ownership, and/or the feeling they've got something better simply because it's custom. These owners, IME, tend to be less educated and/or fussy about fit and handling, but love their custom rig as much as I do mine. To them, then, it was worth going custom.
I've had a number of guns tuned, but I wouldn't say I've had a custom handgun built. But, my background is that of a competitive cyclist, and as far as equipment goes, there are a lot of similarities. IME, then, there are 2 good reasons for going custom, and neither of them is because "custom" automatically means better craftsmanship. Today's manufacturing processes can make some really good stuff that isn't easy to surpass.
One reason to go custom is for a better fit - both ergonomically, and functionally. IOW, one is looking for some combination of fit and functionality that they haven't found together in any factory bike/gun. In my case, I had a custom bike built by a highly-regarded builder to whom I deferred much as far as design. It sucked. The craftsmanship was impeccable, but I hated how it fit me and how it handled. I learned my lesson, spent time understanding what it is I wanted and liked, then had another made where I had much more input. And this bike is the best bike in the world, not because of the decal on it, or any whizbang hitech material used (in fact, it's a pretty traditional build), but because it looks, fits and handles exactly as I intended, and couldn't find what I was looking for in a factory bike.
The other reason to go custom is simply for pride of ownership, and/or the feeling they've got something better simply because it's custom. These owners, IME, tend to be less educated and/or fussy about fit and handling, but love their custom rig as much as I do mine. To them, then, it was worth going custom.
"Best" in this sense would mean a gunsmith with a good reputation, respectable prices, good communication etc. You're obviously right about me not knowing what I want mechanically, yet. I plan to handle an extensive amount of handguns, both revolvers and semi autos, before making a final decision and may ultimately wind up buying a stock pistol and just having some cosmetic and light mechanical work done. I will admit that aesthetics are important to me and I'm not above taking pride in something simply because it looks pretty.
As far as custom revolvers, Hamilton Bowen is at the top of the list. He literally wrote the book. Others that come to mind include Frank Glenn, Randy Lee, Mark Hartshorne, and Gemini Customs.
Be aware that the best builders out there have quite a wait list.
If you're into 1911s, check out some of the premium builders, such as Les Baer, Wilson, & Ed Brown.
Edit: or maybe a Cabot has your name on it.
Be aware that the best builders out there have quite a wait list.
If you're into 1911s, check out some of the premium builders, such as Les Baer, Wilson, & Ed Brown.
Edit: or maybe a Cabot has your name on it.
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It's your money, but I would encourage you to find a handgun from a major manufacturer that fits your hand and spend the difference between that and a high-end custom pistol on ammo and training. In your shoes, I would hate to spend big money on a custom-made pistol before you really know what you are going to want and like. There is such an array of sizes and features available among currently produced models that I have a hard time thinking that a beginner can't find a starter pistol that suits them.
If it your first handgun, I will perfectly honest and tell you to save your money. There are so many high quality production models available that there is no need for it. If you just want to buy "the best" for bragging rights (and possibly to collect dust from never being used), you could purchase a semi-custom pistol from one of the high end companies (Ed Brown, Gemini, etc.) and have a gun that is capable of better performance than 95% of shooters can wring out of it.
My best advice is to rent, borrow or at least handle a variety of different types of guns to see what appeals to you. If you just like the idea of a one-off fully custom gun, buy a good base gun that can be modified once you're a better shooter and can appreciate the little differences.
Best of luck.
My best advice is to rent, borrow or at least handle a variety of different types of guns to see what appeals to you. If you just like the idea of a one-off fully custom gun, buy a good base gun that can be modified once you're a better shooter and can appreciate the little differences.
Best of luck.
Custom anything in the firearms world implies budget--and it all depends on what's "custom" to you. Depending on what that is: If we're talking a total budget $1500, say--which is approximately 2x (or more) what you "need" (as a base condtion) for a quality, functional firearm (Springfield 1911, S&W M&P auto, Ruger Flattop .45 SA revo, S&W 686 .357 DA revo etc), I'd just look into a high end revolver--which doesn't mean all that "custom-built" at that price, but a decent quality firearm worthy of admiration. For a Single Action revolver that might mean Freedom Arms or an engraved or beadblasted and tuned Ruger, or just a stock US Firearms "Pre War" optioned out with Tru Ivory (faux) grips, or a nickel Colt SAA .45 with extra .45ACP cylinder and aftermarket stag grips.
In a Double Action revolver, maybe a Pro or Comp series Smith & Wesson with aftermarket Cocobolo (or whatever) grips. In an auto, perhaps a Dan Wesson Guardian or Valor (on sale)--both 1911 styles. Maybe a stainless and beadblasted Browning Hi-Power, flared ej port (etc)--which means some customization over a base $700 cost--with custom/Novak sights, etc.
$2500 budget for each of the above categories, maybe:
- engraved Colt Single Action
- engraved Double Action
- Ed Brown 1911 Special Forces or SF Carry (commander bobtail), Kobra or Executive Carry (Bobs) or Wilson Combat
...And it goes on from there.
Past the $2500-3000 point, arguably you're just spending money--especially as your first gun. Truly custom 1911s (the above might be considered semi-custom), can run you .$4-6k easily. Not recommended as your first gun, IMHO. Same for Single and Double Action revolvers.
Each of the above, depending on your taste, has a certain "june sequois" all its own in the appearance department, some adorned some not--just "classic/clean."
Some ideas.
Edit: some names in the single action world (esp Rugers but also some Colts): Bowen, Clements, Harton, Gallagher, Reeder.
1911 - a great number of them. Ted Yost is one I'm familiar with.
EDIT: since you (OP) say that appearance is important to you, maybe even paramount, a caution to a novice in particular, is that on an auto especially, most specifically 1911s, you can spend a great deal of "customizing" money without seeing visually significant "improvement." Reovlvers, generally at starting prices lower to begin with, can have major visual impacts by the time you're just starting mechanical customizing on, say, a 1911. For instance,you canhave a very "fancy, suctom tuned, stag or Tru Ivory (or even real ivory) gripped Ruger Flattop or Vaquero for the starting price on a high end Dan Wsdson Valor or Ed Brown 1911. Or an engraved and fancy wood-gripped Smith 686, etc, or a Sambar stag or real ivory gripped Colt SAA.
In a Double Action revolver, maybe a Pro or Comp series Smith & Wesson with aftermarket Cocobolo (or whatever) grips. In an auto, perhaps a Dan Wesson Guardian or Valor (on sale)--both 1911 styles. Maybe a stainless and beadblasted Browning Hi-Power, flared ej port (etc)--which means some customization over a base $700 cost--with custom/Novak sights, etc.
$2500 budget for each of the above categories, maybe:
- engraved Colt Single Action
- engraved Double Action
- Ed Brown 1911 Special Forces or SF Carry (commander bobtail), Kobra or Executive Carry (Bobs) or Wilson Combat
...And it goes on from there.
Past the $2500-3000 point, arguably you're just spending money--especially as your first gun. Truly custom 1911s (the above might be considered semi-custom), can run you .$4-6k easily. Not recommended as your first gun, IMHO. Same for Single and Double Action revolvers.
Each of the above, depending on your taste, has a certain "june sequois" all its own in the appearance department, some adorned some not--just "classic/clean."
Some ideas.
Edit: some names in the single action world (esp Rugers but also some Colts): Bowen, Clements, Harton, Gallagher, Reeder.
1911 - a great number of them. Ted Yost is one I'm familiar with.
EDIT: since you (OP) say that appearance is important to you, maybe even paramount, a caution to a novice in particular, is that on an auto especially, most specifically 1911s, you can spend a great deal of "customizing" money without seeing visually significant "improvement." Reovlvers, generally at starting prices lower to begin with, can have major visual impacts by the time you're just starting mechanical customizing on, say, a 1911. For instance,you canhave a very "fancy, suctom tuned, stag or Tru Ivory (or even real ivory) gripped Ruger Flattop or Vaquero for the starting price on a high end Dan Wsdson Valor or Ed Brown 1911. Or an engraved and fancy wood-gripped Smith 686, etc, or a Sambar stag or real ivory gripped Colt SAA.
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You are putting the cart before the horse. It is impossible to recommend a good custom gunsmith without knowing what platform you are looking to customize.
If I was looking to have a 1911 worked on then I would choose from one set of smiths.
If I was looking to have work done on a S&W revolver there would be another list.
BHPs another, Sigs another etc....
It sounds like this is your first handgun and by the way you have phrased the question it seems to me that you have limited experince with them. IMHO you need to get a stock gun that you like that fits your hands, points naturally and you shoot well. Always shoot before you buy if you can. Sometimes something will feel great but not shoot great. Everyone with a large collection will have at least one example of a gun that they owned that ended up not working for them.
Once you have chosen a gun shoot it a lot before you do anything to it. By a lot I mean 2500 to 5000 rounds. Then you will know what you like and don't like about it. You will know that the platform really works for you. There is nothing worse than dumping $$$ into something that you do not keep. If you have to resell a custom gun you will be lucky to get 50% of the money you spend on customization back from a buyer.
Do not rush into a custom gun. If you do I can almost guarantee you will loose money and not end up with exactly what you want long term which IMHO is the only reason to customize in the first place.
If I was looking to have a 1911 worked on then I would choose from one set of smiths.
If I was looking to have work done on a S&W revolver there would be another list.
BHPs another, Sigs another etc....
It sounds like this is your first handgun and by the way you have phrased the question it seems to me that you have limited experince with them. IMHO you need to get a stock gun that you like that fits your hands, points naturally and you shoot well. Always shoot before you buy if you can. Sometimes something will feel great but not shoot great. Everyone with a large collection will have at least one example of a gun that they owned that ended up not working for them.
Once you have chosen a gun shoot it a lot before you do anything to it. By a lot I mean 2500 to 5000 rounds. Then you will know what you like and don't like about it. You will know that the platform really works for you. There is nothing worse than dumping $$$ into something that you do not keep. If you have to resell a custom gun you will be lucky to get 50% of the money you spend on customization back from a buyer.
Do not rush into a custom gun. If you do I can almost guarantee you will loose money and not end up with exactly what you want long term which IMHO is the only reason to customize in the first place.
buck460XVR
New member
Hard for me to imagine someone never owning a handgun to know exactly what they want from a custom handgun. Without a knowledge of how a base gun functions and fits, how does one know what to enhance or modify? I suggest handling and fondling as many handguns as possible till you find one that feels like it belongs in your hand and trips your trigger aesthetically. Once you have a thorough understanding of it, gotten proficient with it and have defined it's shortcomings as it pertains to you, you can either have it customized or upgrade to something else. Otherwise it's just a shot in the dark.
May I ask why you believe you will only be able to own only one handgun, but cost is not a determining factor? If you can afford a truly custom gun, you can afford several "very nice" upper end firearms. You could actually become familiar and proficient with more than one and then decide if one custom firearm would fit all your needs. If you do not intend to get proficient with it, there's really no need to spend the monies for a custom gun unless it's just for bragging rights. Kinda like if you can't ride a mini-bike, there's no need to spend the monies for a custom chopper, unless you are just interested in driveway candy.
May I ask why you believe you will only be able to own only one handgun, but cost is not a determining factor? If you can afford a truly custom gun, you can afford several "very nice" upper end firearms. You could actually become familiar and proficient with more than one and then decide if one custom firearm would fit all your needs. If you do not intend to get proficient with it, there's really no need to spend the monies for a custom gun unless it's just for bragging rights. Kinda like if you can't ride a mini-bike, there's no need to spend the monies for a custom chopper, unless you are just interested in driveway candy.
Drummer101
New member
Something I have found to work well for other purchase is that before you buy your custom gun to get something to use for a bit (even a $250 Neo) so that you can figure out what things you really want to get it truly customized for you.
For some strange reason, I again find myself in agreement with WVSig. 
A couple of thousand of rounds will insure you like the platform and the gun itself. You will have an idea of what improvements or enhancements you might want. Perhaps it just might be an action job. Perhaps more.
A couple of thousand of rounds will insure you like the platform and the gun itself. You will have an idea of what improvements or enhancements you might want. Perhaps it just might be an action job. Perhaps more.This Ruger 357 Anniversary was done by Hamilton Bowen of bowen Classic Arms. The work on the gun was completed about 6 years and 6000 rounds ago. It is as nice today as it was 6 years ago. He recontoured the front sight to my drawing, recut the crown and forcing cone, and hand lapped the barrel. All the cylinder spec's were brought into tight tolerance with the hand being replaced and timed with a Ron Powers hand. The hammer and trigger sears were welded, hardened, and recut with a perfect match. An internal trigger stop was added to limit travel to about .040". The whole action was polished and smoothed with the gun being refinished in CCH and blue to complete. I paid $400.00 for the gun and $900.00 for the custom work. Right away the gun was worth just over half of what I paid for it. This is my favorite and most accurate single action gun that I own. If for some reason I ever got seperated from this gun I would do it all over again as it was well worth it to me. The time frame was about 16 weeks to complete. The grips are Du Pont white Corian by Don Collins of Collinscraft. This is just a wonderful gun done by a graet gunsmith.
"May I ask why you believe you will only be able to own only one handgun, but cost is not a determining factor? If you can afford a truly custom gun, you can afford several "very nice" upper end firearms." - buck460XVR
It took a couple years of begging for my girlfriend to final acquiesce to me even buying a gun, I also had to agree that I'll never have ammunition in the house. There's a very good chance this will be my first and only gun.
It took a couple years of begging for my girlfriend to final acquiesce to me even buying a gun, I also had to agree that I'll never have ammunition in the house. There's a very good chance this will be my first and only gun.
"I hope that permission was granted for ammunitiion, too.
" - Patrice
Read above.
"I'm kinda getting the impression that the tool you're seeking is not going to be a working gun, so I'd say to get a Walther PPK...they're pretty & sexy. I'm sure the lady-of-the-house would approve.
" - Patrice
True, I don't see myself carrying on a daily basis. It'll be a range gun, first and foremost. I'm not too keen on Walthers, aesthetically that is. I do like compact 1911s, Kimber and Para have caught my eye. Some of the chunkier revolvers, mostly from S&W, have caught my eye as well.
I'm not dead set on going full custom but, as I posted, I'll be restarting the wait period to get a pistol permit shortly so I'll have a year or so to make a final decision on what I purchase. I just like to know what all of my options are and, personal research aside, you lot seem to have a vast collected knowledge that I enjoy tapping.
Oh, the lady of the house says she thinks revolvers are prettier.
" - PatriceRead above.
"I'm kinda getting the impression that the tool you're seeking is not going to be a working gun, so I'd say to get a Walther PPK...they're pretty & sexy. I'm sure the lady-of-the-house would approve.
" - PatriceTrue, I don't see myself carrying on a daily basis. It'll be a range gun, first and foremost. I'm not too keen on Walthers, aesthetically that is. I do like compact 1911s, Kimber and Para have caught my eye. Some of the chunkier revolvers, mostly from S&W, have caught my eye as well.
I'm not dead set on going full custom but, as I posted, I'll be restarting the wait period to get a pistol permit shortly so I'll have a year or so to make a final decision on what I purchase. I just like to know what all of my options are and, personal research aside, you lot seem to have a vast collected knowledge that I enjoy tapping.
Oh, the lady of the house says she thinks revolvers are prettier.
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Northrider
New member
Here's another thought you may want to consider. Instead of a custom built gun, how about a very good quality firearm that you can introduce your beloved to at the range? She may enjoy the time spent with you doing something you enjoy (this is after you have found something that fits your hand and easy to aim and shoot) and thus she may be inclined to make further negotiated concessions. Just my $.02
On a side note, I once invited my brother in law to go to a gun show with me while we were visiting her folks. My wife proceeded to say "You better not buy any guns. You don't need any more." My reply surprised her, me, and her mom: "All of my guns were bought with my own money and did not come out of "our" money or household budget. Ready to go K---?" Nothing more was said about it or since---and that was many years & guns ago. Oh, by the way, I did not see anything I liked at the show either.
On a side note, I once invited my brother in law to go to a gun show with me while we were visiting her folks. My wife proceeded to say "You better not buy any guns. You don't need any more." My reply surprised her, me, and her mom: "All of my guns were bought with my own money and did not come out of "our" money or household budget. Ready to go K---?" Nothing more was said about it or since---and that was many years & guns ago. Oh, by the way, I did not see anything I liked at the show either.
The Bowen custom is beautiful. Something like that from him or one of the other top Rugersmiths (mentioned earlier) would make a nice range gun that would double nicely as a fondling piece the 95% of the time it's not in use.
Since the OP has also mentioned a compact 1911, perhaps a Dan Wesson Valor Bob stainless. If additional budget allows, I'd then beadblast it to give it an even softer, satin finish, or get the coated blue (black) to begin with, my preference though perhaps not as flashy as desired for this purpose. On a lesser budget, look for a pristine used Dan Wesson VBOB, which are all stainless, predecessor to and discontinued three years ago for the ValorBob and Guardian--all the great Commander size. He mentioned Kimber specifically and they now also have their own Commander-size "bob" as does S&W--worth looking at.
Since the OP has also mentioned a compact 1911, perhaps a Dan Wesson Valor Bob stainless. If additional budget allows, I'd then beadblast it to give it an even softer, satin finish, or get the coated blue (black) to begin with, my preference though perhaps not as flashy as desired for this purpose. On a lesser budget, look for a pristine used Dan Wesson VBOB, which are all stainless, predecessor to and discontinued three years ago for the ValorBob and Guardian--all the great Commander size. He mentioned Kimber specifically and they now also have their own Commander-size "bob" as does S&W--worth looking at.
"Instead of a custom built gun, how about a very good quality firearm that you can introduce your beloved to at the range? She may enjoy the time spent with you doing something you enjoy (this is after you have found something that fits your hand and easy to aim and shoot) and thus she may be inclined to make further negotiated concessions. Just my $.02" - Northrider
The thought had occurred to me and she has since stated that she thinks it might be fun to go to a shooting range, especially since it's important to me. The only problem is we live in NY and I can't find one public range that rents handguns. This makes test firing a wide range of guns difficult, however the hunt continues.
"...perhaps a Dan Wesson Valor Bob stainless. If additional budget allows, I'd then beadblast it to give it an even softer, satin finish, or get the coated blue (black) to begin with, my preference though perhaps not as flashy as desired for this purpose. On a lesser budget, look for a pristine used Dan Wesson VBOB, which are all stainless, predecessor to and discontinued three years ago for the ValorBob and Guardian--all the great Commander size. He mentioned Kimber specifically and they now also have their own Commander-size "bob" as does S&W--worth looking at." - gak
I've been checking out the Dan Wesson homepage a bit. Honestly, every time I go to the S&W page my mouse clicks straight on the revolvers. For some reason S&W, in my head, doesn't connect with semi autos, I'll see what they have to offer.
The thought had occurred to me and she has since stated that she thinks it might be fun to go to a shooting range, especially since it's important to me. The only problem is we live in NY and I can't find one public range that rents handguns. This makes test firing a wide range of guns difficult, however the hunt continues.
"...perhaps a Dan Wesson Valor Bob stainless. If additional budget allows, I'd then beadblast it to give it an even softer, satin finish, or get the coated blue (black) to begin with, my preference though perhaps not as flashy as desired for this purpose. On a lesser budget, look for a pristine used Dan Wesson VBOB, which are all stainless, predecessor to and discontinued three years ago for the ValorBob and Guardian--all the great Commander size. He mentioned Kimber specifically and they now also have their own Commander-size "bob" as does S&W--worth looking at." - gak
I've been checking out the Dan Wesson homepage a bit. Honestly, every time I go to the S&W page my mouse clicks straight on the revolvers. For some reason S&W, in my head, doesn't connect with semi autos, I'll see what they have to offer.