Custom Handguns

"My $ is on this will not be your only handgun. Guns tend to communicate with the part of your brain that controls reasoning, and you quickly find reasons to buy more." - TennJed

Not an unreasonable assumption, especially given a majority of the posts I've read on the boards. Also, if I can get her into the hobby then it'll be a whole new ballgame, she's not above changing her stance if something clicks with her. I'm kind of all over the map at this point. I've jumped between wanting a revolver to a semi auto, deciding to buy a cheap .22 to start in case I decide I don't like the hobby, getting a high end custom job right out of the gate and everything in between. I'm really just looking for the best information possible and the majority of the community here has been more than generous with their knowledge.

"...let HER pick out a gun SHE likes." - dajowi

I don't understand how that would be helpful. She does not want the gun, I do. She has no opinion on what type, caliber, color or finish it should be. I'm the one looking to get into the hobby of range shooting so how would allowing someone else to blindly pick out my product assist in this decision? That's like having someone buy a car without you on the lot.

"I think that's your best bet in getting a second firearm at some point." - dajowi

I don't know if I'll ever want multiple firearms so it's not a concern right now.
 
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Sorry but this thread is useless. You are not listening to any of the useful info and suggestions people have made.

How much experience do you have with handguns? From your statements it appears not much. The idea of a newbie to guns properly customizing a gun from recommendations on the internet is an absurd proposition. IMHO

Give is more meaningful information and we can make meaningful recommendations. If you want to argue/debate about your relationship with your GL I suggests posting on another forum. :eek:
 
WVsig said:
"If you want to argue/debate about your relationship with your GL I suggests posting on another forum."

To be fair, it's a few here in the thread, not the OP, that've somehow sidetracked this into a Dr.Phil session on relationships or *whether* he should get a gun at all, etc. He's just asked for some specific GUN ideas. As one poster said, to greatly paraphrase, if he wants to only occasionally or never shoot it, hang it on the wall, put it in a sock etc.,...his business. He's just repsonded to the assault on his relationship--probably his only mistake, 'cause it just goads the thread distractors on.
 
"You are not listening to any of the useful info and suggestions people have made." - WVsig

Inaccurate, if you would direct your attention to the lower portion of the first page you will see that I stated compact 1911s have piqued my interest as well as some of the more robust revolver models. I even noted a company or three that had some products I was looking into. This excess information was only included because of your post stating "It is impossible to recommend a good custom gunsmith without knowing what platform you are looking to customize." Now I know that saying I like "chunkier revolvers" is not very specific but, as you've pointed out, I am new to the information. To narrow that field a bit I'll say I'm looking into revolvers with a DA, full underlug in .357 caliber. I'm thinking a 5" or 6" barrel but until I get my hands on one I can't say for sure.
I've actually looked at a lot of the information presented, on my own time, assuming that the community here didn't need a step by step account of every website I visit. If it interests you I'll say I've liked Gemini Customs the most thus far, in regards to 1911 work as well as their gorgeous wood grips.

"If you want to argue/debate about your relationship with your GL I suggests posting on another forum. :eek:" - WVsig

Apologies, but I believe you're viewing other posters continuation of a topic I've already addressed as the main thrust of my query. I've attempted to move back to the topic at hand, with some expansion into other areas of discussion. Such as looking for rental ranges in NY state, other than NYC, to both get hands on experience and possibly bring others into the hobby. The latter of the two I'm sure everyone here can agree is a good thing.

It seems that the general consensus, one that I am inclined to agree with, is that I am far too inexperienced to know what I want or need, mechanically, out of a hand built firearm. I'm okay with this and have no problem, as I've stated previously, starting off with a shelf model. Aesthetic customization does still interest me and further information is always welcome. The original request for pictures still stands. Those that have posted have shown off some truly gorgeous pieces and it never hurts to look for more inspiration.

PS - I forgot to mention the final ideal criteria for a revolver, high capacity. I love that S&W has come out with some 8 shot .357 revolvers but they offer none, that I've seen, with a full underlug. If the S&W Model 327 TRR8 was a full underlug it'd be at the top of my list. Is there anything out there that matches that criteria?
 
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PS - I forgot to mention the final ideal criteria for a revolver, high capacity. I love that S&W has come out with some 8 shot .357 revolvers but they offer none, that I've seen, with a full underlug. If the S&W Model 327 TRR8 was a full underlug it'd be at the top of my list. Is there anything out there that matches that criteria?
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The closest thing I can think of is a 686+. Seven shot with a full underlug. If one was to have only one handgun, a 686+ would be a good choice. I have several 686s and 686+s in various barrel lengths. They are some of my favorite range guns because of their accuracy and how pleasant they shoot.
 
If you wish to stay with the one gun and only one gun philosophy then I suggest you start your search on some gently used, quality guns. As you begin to see what you like/don't like, you can sell your gun for near what you paid for it and buy the next one with different/better features. You still have only one gun but now you are dialing in what you like. After buying, trying, selling and buying again you will gradually settle on a platform and options that work for you all the while only owning one gun. Once you have several thousand rounds down range and "know" what you want then you can sell the latest gun and buy that custom gun you truly want. One gun isn't an issue if you don't agree to it being the same gun. That is also negotiating while keeping the original premise and promise intact.
 
Let's get this back on track, folks.

This is The Firing Line. We do discussions about guns.

We don't do discussions about relationships and girlfriends.
 
"If you wish to stay with the one gun and only one gun philosophy then I suggest you start your search on some gently used, quality guns. As you begin to see what you like/don't like, you can sell your gun for near what you paid for it and buy the next one with different/better features." - larryh1108

A good suggestion, one that I'll definitely keep in mind.

"The closest thing I can think of is a 686+. Seven shot with a full underlug." - buck460XVR

That is a beautiful gun, thank you for pointing it out. I prefer the look of revolvers and the only reason I even consider semi autos is due to ammunition capacity.

I stated previously that I've been looking into, among other things, compact 1911s. Living in NY I believe the magazine cap is 10+1, if I remember correctly. A lot of compact 9mm 1911s have that exact capacity, is there any reason to go full size besides sheer ammunition capacity or larger caliber? I'm 5' 6" with small hands, another reason I was looking into compact models.
I've read up on the bluing process, something that I might look into if I can't find a factory blued revolver that meets my criteria. Is the matte black finish on some of the newer S&W models a different process?
 
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I love that S&W has come out with some 8 shot .357 revolvers but they offer none, that I've seen, with a full underlug.
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Well, you were interested in a custom gun, no? Contact Randy Lee @ Apex Tactical. He may very likely be able to build you a custom 627 rebarreled with a full lug. You'd get a custom gun, and it'd be the sweetest shooter any of us would likely shoot.

I suggest you start your search on some gently used, quality guns
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Agreed. Since you like revolvers, look at some vintage & collectable S&Ws. At the more affordable end, the model 19s & 28s are classic. Climbing the price totem, further, you see that Model 27s, and pre-27s are very desirable. Sitting atop the totem would be a Registered Magnum. The higher you go on the totem, though, the more important it is to do your homework.

If you get a nice classic blued revolver, consider customizing it with a nice set of grips. Keith Brown, for instance, makes grips that look particularly great on the old classics. An added advantage is that the original grips can be kept safe from additional wear & tear.
 
I'll +1 the 7 shot 686+ (Plus) and I'll add in the ever popular 4" for maximum versatility--combination of shootability and carryability (not really CC)/wieldability. Moving up to 8 rounds means the larger, heavier N frame, and especially given your stated size, less of an all'rounder IMO. You'd be very very hard pressed to beat the 686+ as a "one and only" should it unfortunately come to that :) . .
 
From my own experience, my tastes evolved quite a bit until I found what I really liked. I was all over the map. I'm glad I didn't dump a ton of money into something at first because what I like now and what I thought I would like then are two radically different things.
 
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"Why not just go with the S&W Performance Center? These are hand-built semi-custom guns at a far lower pricetag than a full custom." - black mamba

I was looking at the Model 627, I kind of like the tapered underlug. It gives it a somewhat unique look. Too bad it doesn't come in matte black but it's as close to perfect as I've found so far. I'll have to get some face time with that and a S&W 686+ to decide which one would suit me more. I don't like two tone revolvers, the V-Comp just looks like an ugly jigsaw puzzle.
 
Ale GOlem said:
"I was looking at the Model 627, I kind of like the tapered underlug. It gives it a somewhat unique look. Too bad it doesn't come in matte black but it's as close to perfect as I've found so far."

Keep in mind, relative to your mention of your size, the 627's an N Frame. That eighth round comes at a cost in size/weight. Just get a 686+ and send it off to Robar or Hard Hat (etc) for a duty/armor kote kind of hard matte finish.
 
From my own experience, my tastes evolved quite a bit until I found what I really liked. I was all over the map. I'm glad I didn't dump a ton of money into something at first because what I like now and what I thought I would like then are two radically different things.
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This is important, make sure you really know what you like before you sink a ton of money into a gun. It would be tragic to drop $2,500-3,500 on a 1911 only to discover after your first 500 rounds that they don't fit your hand, for instance.
 
I stated previously that I've been looking into, among other things, compact 1911s. Living in NY I believe the magazine cap is 10+1, if I remember correctly. A lot of compact 9mm 1911s have that exact capacity, is there any reason to go full size besides sheer ammunition capacity or larger caliber? I'm 5' 6" with small hands, another reason I was looking into compact models.
I've read up on the bluing process, something that I might look into if I can't find a factory blued revolver that meets my criteria. Is the matte black finish on some of the newer S&W models a different process?
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If you live in NY you are more than likely never going to carry this gun so why go with a compact? They will be less accurate and in a new shooters hands, which you clearly are, there will be more recoil.

Larger guns are typically heavier, which helps absorb recoil, than their compact counterparts. They will have a longer sight radius and in general be more accurate than compact, short barreled guns.

Capacity is part of the picture in a large framed gun but not the only one. There is IMHO no such thing as a high capacity revolver.

If you have smaller hands larger 7 ot 8 shot revolvers may not fit you well. The same will go for larger autos. You really need to go to a ranage or a local shop where you can handle some guns. Looking at pictures or posting on the interweb will not help you determine what guns will and will not work for you. You need to get to a range. If you have to drive to do it then get in the car and drive.

IMHO you are still putting the cart before the horse. You are not even close to developing a meaningful set of criteria on which you can make an educated choice.

Looks IMHO come well after function. You cannot purchase a gun on looks alone and reasonably believe that it is going to work for you especially if you have smaller hands. FUNCTION MUST COME BEFORE FORM. If you have smaller hands there will be a lot of guns which simply will not work for you. The length of pull will make them by default the wrong choice. Determining that from a website picture or message board is not possible.

Take Glocks for example which I beleive are but ugly but they get the job done and if they fit your hand and you train with it they will almost never be the weak link in the chain. I cannot stand the way they look but I can shoot them well enough that if I had to defend my life with my 19 I would not hesitate.

Again function has to come first and you can not determine how well a gun will function in your hands by posting on the interweb or looking at pictures. You have to go handle and shoot these guns. There is not way you are going to pick the right "ONE" if you do not invest in some hands on shooting.

Even experienced shooters all have guns which they thought were going to serve them well only to determine down the line after a few 1000 rounds it simply was not best for them. Most of us have the luxury of being able to sell that one and move on to some better but with your "ONE" gun scenerio this will not be possible. The other point I and others have tried to drive home is that unless you are familar with a platform you will not know "what or how to customize" the gun you choose. I would hate to see anyone blow $3000 on a custom gun only to determine after actually shooting it that it is not the platform for them. Seems like this is exactly what you are setting yourself up for because the skewed criteria you are using to make this choice. I cannot believe that people are not being more stern about pointing out the backward way you are approaching this purchase.

Sorry but this is the truth.....
 
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"I cannot believe that people are not being more stern about pointing out the backward way you are approaching this purchase." - WVsig

I was swayed to your, and others, way of thinking several days ago. I apologize if I did not make that clear in previous postings. At this point I'm simply narrowing down what I think I want in a factory model, key word being think. It may be a few weeks before I'm able to get to a shop, let alone a range, and I'd like to have some specs and models to reference when I speak to a salesperson as opposed to staring blankly while requesting to see the first gun they pick up. Even if what I think I want turns out to be totally wrong it still gives me a starting point to move away from.
 
Solid... I am glad to hear that you are looking more at stock guns. Take your time and get it right.

Some you will find will be eliminated quickly. Others will require some minimal shooting to sort out. I would try to narrow it down to 2 or 3 and then I really cannot stress extended range time 200+ rounds before you make your final choice.

Good luck!
 
I cannot believe that people are not being more stern about pointing out the backward way you are approaching this purchase
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Sheez - lighten up. You made your point abundantly clear.

I'd be more stern if he were spending my money. But, as far as I can tell, he ain't. :rolleyes: The best gun in the world is the one you enjoy owning & shooting the most, whatever it ends up being. Doesn't mean you have to be an experienced gunnie the buy the best gun in the world, then.
 
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