New to the gun thing !

I would avoid most aftermarket parts. Sometimes mags, sights, grips are ok, but internals worry me. Gun makers have design engineers, test engineers and manufacturing engineers. Aftermarket parts are often the idea of one person of limited knowledge and experience, but with a web page and an EBay store. A few are better than that, but most are not.
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This may well be true in some areas but let's be careful not to assume that every gun leaves the factory as good as it can be, or that every mass-market design is as good as it can be. Cost control is a big part of it, and the happenstance of innovation is another. Also, "good" can be more or less subjective depending on what kind of upgrade/change we are talking about and what effect the individual shooter is looking for.

For instance, I brought up the aftermarket recoil systems that replace standard guide rods. The idea has been used in the relatively expensive Hk USP. Many people love it, especially in the snappier .40 S&W. However, not everyone likes the way it distributes the recoil impulse and I've heard that some competitive shooters prefer a more traditional system.

So why not make similar technology available in other guns for those who want it? The idea that it lowers stress on components, if true, should be objectively good. The way it changes the recoil impulse could be good for those who like the feel. The real concern would be any reliability issues versus the standard systems they are replacing, and how they subjectively weigh against benefits if there are any. That's why we read reviews and shoot the breeze in places like this. :)
 
have already started on the after market stuff for them, like the stainless steel guide rod for the SR9. Any opinions on the after market parts ?
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In general, I have found that modifications and aftermarket parts recommended on Internet gun forums, aren't usually worth doing.

run your gun, factory stock, for a thousand rounds. Only then, think about doing anything to it.
 
I finally got to shoot my SR9 with the stainless steel guide rod, had four jams in 34 shots. Guess that answers my question. Factory guide rod is back in, never had a problem with it. Lesson learned !!
 
Somewhere, today, I read a post from a writer who referred to a lot of things like night sights, lasers and etc., as being unnecessary. That what is necessary is for one to shot enough to know where the shot is going. I agree with most everything he said. I grew up (part of the way, at least) in KY, more than 70 years ago. I was taught by family members, two of whom were recognized as experts. I've found I tend to be an "instinct" shooter, shooting best with one hand and firing when I think it's right. Works for me. Last week my local range decided the weekly pin shoot would be done with sights taped over. I practiced with a friend early in the day. Using his gun my "windage" alignment was perfect, my elevation was about four inches high. He's not an instinctive, so he had to practice.
 
The term "instinctive" when it comes to shooting might just translate to "I finally figured out how to shoot this thing."
Sights are definitely useful, but more as a reference than a means to an end.
A way to check if yer doing it right.
Hard to convice most folks of it, though.
It didn't dawn on me until I got into traditional archery.
Become the arrow - or bullet.
It saves a lot of money, too.
No need to buy a lot of gee-gaws.
 
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I have always felt the big thing ones buys for any new to them gun is ammunition and range time if you are not blessed with a free place to shoot. After that maybe a holster if you arge going to carry it. Extra mags if it is a pistol not a revolver.
 
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