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  #1  
Old 11-24-2017, 12:53 PM
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When I purchase a handgun new or used more then likely if it didn’t come with wood grips I’m going to change them! I like wood on all my handguns and they don’t have to be fancy. I like rosewood and if I can get the medallions of the manufacturer on them I probably will.
I won’t spend a lot of money on them either $50-$60 dollars or less is what I will spend.
Also if a handgun didn’t come through with night sites I may consider installing them depending on what I’m going to do with it.
I’ve never spent money for any other modifications other then those.
Do you?, just curious
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Old 11-24-2017, 01:22 PM
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Got to fit my hand.......................

Grips are an issue with me...... so at least a T-grip on magna's but more often than not Spegel Boot (or Extended) grips on carry guns and/or Executioner Stag grips on .22s and some centerfire w/ T-grip............ so $30-200.

I've got the old "Big-box o- Grips" also if needed!
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Old 11-24-2017, 01:37 PM
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It all depends on the gun.

I don’t buy Tupperware, so I don’t fool around dumping money into them for anything.

In most instances, I’ll have my gunsmith do some trigger work on Smith revolvers. I usually add a tyler t grip.

Historically, I’ve spent significant sums modifying Colt 1911’s. Custom checkering, trigger work, acurizing, adding BoMar sights ( plain black: no dots, fiber optic or night sight stuff) beaver tail grip safeties and disabling the grip safety are all post purchase mods I routinely do. (Note that some of these mods are now incorporated into many current Colt 1911 offerings so wouldn’t be necessary).

Last edited by Rpg; 11-24-2017 at 01:38 PM.
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Old 11-24-2017, 03:10 PM
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Occasionally night sights. I dislike spending money on add-ons. Only thing I found that helps me shoot better is more ammo. If the gun doesn't have what I need then I don't need the gun.

Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk

Last edited by Arik; 11-24-2017 at 03:13 PM.
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Old 11-24-2017, 03:31 PM
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Depends...

As new $400


After a couple add-ons $1,200
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Old 11-24-2017, 03:46 PM
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I will usually "invest" to put a gun back to original configuration, but otherwise they shoot better than I can and the cost of any modifications can go toward another gun instead .
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Old 11-24-2017, 03:47 PM
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Spent $900 to modify a Pre 27 from .357 Magnum to .44 Special.
It’s just money. Heck of a lot more fun shootin’ my six gun than staring at the serial numbers on 20’s.
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Old 11-24-2017, 03:52 PM
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I have had a Model 27 and a Model 28 converted to .44 Special.The M27 was later cut from 6 1/2" to 5" and reblued. It now wears Kurac walnut grips.

Also had two Old Model Ruger .357s converted to .44 Special. One was done using a 4 5/8" Super Blackhawk barrel. The other was done using a 5 1/2" Colt New Frontier barrel.

I took a new M25-5 and a new M24-3 and converted both to round butt. This work I did myself.

Since I try not to sell any guns, the cost to make them fit ME is just part and parcel of the investment.
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Old 11-24-2017, 04:21 PM
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Seldom very much. Often hi-vis sights and often grips. About $100. Sometimes zero. I am currently carrying a Springfield EMP with no modifications whatsoever. I often carry a Kimber Ultra Aegis converted from 9mm to .38 super. That did cost a couple of nickels. I have small-average hands and slightly short fingers so grip size and trigger reach can be important to me.
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Old 11-24-2017, 04:46 PM
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What rpg says is familiar to me, but I never have been bothered by grip safeties so never pinned one.

As to a sum, a couple times I have spent way more than the original gun was worth. Each case was different. Once in a while I undertake a “rescue” project that turns into a real money hole. I’m thinking of one, in particular. As Hamilton Bowen likes to say, “You made a $2000 $600-gun!” Over the years I’ve seen guys waste a lot more money or much more foolish things.
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Old 11-24-2017, 04:51 PM
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Depends on the weapon. For handguns I typically put night sights for carry weapons and occasionally different grips. For long guns it can vary a lot but the 10/22 we purchased has a scope rail added, a red dot sight, a bipod, and a trigger job. Of course my MkII Ruger target has 0 mods and is still a tack driver. Really varies.
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Old 11-24-2017, 05:06 PM
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Usually not much. Grips probably.

The most I did was to this Lightweight Commander. I couldn't stand the long trigger, flat mainspring housing, mag funnel, or Pachmayr grips.



I swapped those out, added a Clip Draw, and I was all set. I carried it today.

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Old 11-24-2017, 05:09 PM
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Most of my handguns are factory stock. My .38 S&W Victory has been fitted with Wollf ribbed mainspring and a 13Ib trigger return spring plus a set of oversized grips I had on a shelf. My 686 AFS also has the Wollf springs fitted.

My Tanfoglio P19( a pre Witness model) has had a single action trigger fitted which did not cost me anything (swapped for a .458 Wichester Magnum rifle I was given) but it has always shot low so this year I shelled out $300 NZ for a custom made rear sight.

My 1911’s on the other hand.........

My Kimber 9mm has been fitted with new grips and a mag well, just over $300 NZ. It will probably get a trigger job in the next 12 months.

My Springfield .45 cost me $600 NZ second hand. New adjustable sights $500 NZ,grips, magwell plus hammer and sear. I swapped extended slide release and mag release from another 1911 I have. Latest purchase is a DPM recoil spring kit, another $230. And it too is due a trigger job.But as this has been my main competition pistol for the last 2 years I consider it money well spent.

And then there are holsters, belts, magazines/speedloaders etc.
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Old 11-24-2017, 05:53 PM
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I seldom do anything to my firearms. Handguns, maybe a grip swap. Otherwise, unless something breaks or stops working; they remain as they came from the factory-except shot a lot more! :-)
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Old 11-24-2017, 06:37 PM
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I think the most I ever spent was a KKM barrel for my Glock model 40 10mm. That was just because I like to cast and shoot my own bullets. That wasn't too bad though, it was under $200 shipped, worth it in my opinion.

Now my contenders are a different story. I have 2 frames and 3 barrels wearing leupold scopes and mounts. That starts adding up fast.

As for all the revolvers they usually just get Hogue grips to shoot with and that's it
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Old 11-24-2017, 06:39 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by sigp220.45 View Post
...The most I did was to this Lightweight Commander. I couldn't stand the long trigger, flat mainspring housing, mag funnel, or Pachmayr grips.
A Commander needs a flat MS housing and a long trigger, “...like a hound dog needs two tails!”
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Old 11-24-2017, 09:31 PM
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I once re-barreled a model 29-2 to 22 hornet!
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Old 11-25-2017, 06:17 AM
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Very little. After a tear down & thorough cleaning, light lubrication and de-burring (f needed) I will shoot the gun. If it needs a Tyler T grip I will install one. If the trigger or action does not feel acceptable to me I will work on it, and if the grips don't feel right I will change them.

At this point in my life I've already got many grips, a large supply of parts, proper tools and the experience to pretty much do anything I have to without really spending much if anything at all.

Occasionally if I buy a model or brand that is "new to me" I will have to go and buy a spring or part I need but those are not costly.

Since I normally won't buy any "Junkers" or "Bargains" I don't have to re-finish or do any major overhauls.

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Old 11-25-2017, 07:03 AM
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Not including buying tools (a screwdriver set, punch set, and Dremel) to work on my firearms, I spend little to modify them. I've averaged $6 per gun, because they were all bought new and in the desired configuration straight from the box.
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Old 11-25-2017, 07:22 AM
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I've yet to buy a handgun that came perfect from the factory, without me wanting to change something. Normally it's grips and sights, and I could easily go through a dozen variations before I find what works for me. I only do this with guns I am serious about. I own a 686+ that has cost me at least a few hundred dollars to get it how I want it. This is a revolver I plan to pass down to my children someday and keep within the family when I'm gone. Hopefully 100 yrs from now they'll remember who it first belonged to and appreciate it's unique character and value.
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Old 11-25-2017, 02:19 PM
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This one came with a flared magwell I didn't like so that was removed. Installed a Wilson Combat flat-wire spring kit for $50 and that was about it. Oh... also tossed the Kimber mags for Wilson Combat mags $30ea.

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Old 11-25-2017, 03:02 PM
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Bobbed hammer and a Tyler on a mdl 37 count? Ivories on a Colt Officer’s ACP. I can’t think of a thing I would do to my CZ....
My deer rifles are all “home made”.
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Old 11-25-2017, 03:08 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by murphydog View Post
I will usually "invest" to put a gun back to original configuration, but otherwise they shoot better than I can and the cost of any modifications can go toward another gun instead .
I too like to have all original(ish). There is a market for vintage 'aftermarket'. So even if you keep them after replacimg them on the gun they can be recorded as 'investments'.

On those few guns where I prefer something other than original (or where the stocks are fragile, or have been refurbished), the originals are kept with the gun and clearly labeled so they can be reuinted one day. The phosphorecent paint can be eaisly removed with a bit of thinner.
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Old 11-25-2017, 03:16 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bakebfr480 View Post
I once re-barreled a model 29-2 to 22 hornet!
How did that work, I have seen a 53 or two for sale. Neat, but I bought 15 acres for the same money instead.
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Old 11-25-2017, 06:56 PM
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I don't do many mods. On a carry J-frame, I may add Pachs or Uncle Mikes for a good grip if it didn't come with them in the first place. My other K /N frame items came pretty much as from factory and that's generally how I keep them.
Now, on 1911's, I am a sucker for maybe adding new stocks to my carry pieces - Depending on the piece and purpose, maybe some burl or ivory. But the ivory path is a tough way to travel these days, so the newer additions may see stag or bone if wood doesn't do the trick.
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Old 11-29-2017, 01:14 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ChattanoogaPhil View Post
Depends...

As new $400


After a couple add-ons $1,200
Now, let me tell you; I could run a lot of ammo through a gun like that just for the smile I would get!!!
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Old 11-29-2017, 02:32 PM
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Mostly springs and plastic guide rod replacements. I had a couple of my Gen3 S&W semi-autos tuned to "BlueBelly" specifications which cost me $160.
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Old 11-29-2017, 02:38 PM
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I just spent $45. dollars on a set of Hogue Coco Bolo wood grips for my Beretta Cougar. They really make it look great!
I can’t believe I left it go this long with the plastic grips from the factory!
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Old 11-29-2017, 03:27 PM
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Model 25-2...
...shortened barrel to 4-1/2"
...recessed target crown
...King mirrored front sight
...Bowen Rough Country rear sight
...narrowed and smoothed trigger
...engine turned hammer
...relieved right side of trigger guard
...new springs/action tuned
...original Fishpaw Bearhug grips

I never added up the cost and fully realize that I would ever get all of money back out of it but that was never my intent.
This is EXACTLY the gun that I wanted with full custom features important to ME. To my eye, this is a fully shootable work of art!
I appreciate and own NIB, unfired, collectible vintage S&W's.
I also have utilitarian working/shooting guns that I would spend very little on. I do, however, have an affinity for quality custom work, both modern and traditional and fully enjoy the entire spectrum.
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Old 11-30-2017, 06:26 PM
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I like my guns to look just the way they came to me. I very seldom even change the grips. I will buy a BK adapter from time to time but that's about it.

Unless you count a couple cents worth of Flitz and Ren Wax as modifying.
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Old 11-30-2017, 06:46 PM
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Sometimes nothing, sometimes twice the price of the gun. You seldom see a return from custom work. I'm particular about sights, and triggers / trigger pulls, and to some extent aesthetics.

The type of S&W revolvers that I like are getting scarce in excellent condition. When they are they have a price to match. Sometimes you're better off buying a beater and fixing it if you know where to get that done right.
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Old 12-18-2017, 01:43 PM
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Well, there are a few I have done a little more to, but depends on the purpose of the firearm. This 1911 was used in competition and has had extensive work done, most of it by myself, but: Frame slide fit tightened, all internal parts hand fitted, beavertail grip safety, mainspring housing re-designed and stippled, front strap stippled top of slide stippled, Bomar sights fit, patridge Front sight, mag well, frame metaloy finished. grips changed out (a couple times).


Or; custom grips made up for my IZH 35M bullseye gun. Made up to fit my hand, and Burris FastFire 3 installed.
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Old 12-18-2017, 04:30 PM
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Default NUTTIN HONEY.

Seriously it depends if it needs fixing & if the "improvement" will show on my targets with MY skill set, so not much. I spend more on rifles. Buck Rogers called, guess what he wants back?

Last edited by nachogrande; 12-18-2017 at 04:32 PM.
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Old 12-18-2017, 05:21 PM
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I modify 90% of my handguns with things like grips, T-grips, optics, etc. Many have had modest trigger work. Of course competition guns have been totally reworked (accurized) and mucho dinero spent. My model 60, 2" has the hammer spur bobbed, but the 60-10 (3". 357) only has a set of Crimson Trace grips as a mod. I had a model 28-2 I carried on duty for several years and had it hard chromed. I don't regret the plating, but do regret trading it off decades ago.
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Old 12-18-2017, 05:38 PM
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Some mighty nice modifications to some of those guns. I'll typicaly make sure the grips fit nicely and look good, maybe a spring kit and then a nice holster. That's about it for me.
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Old 07-17-2020, 06:39 PM
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muzzle brakes/extension to use contender super 14 barrel as carbine cost of $150 for work
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Old 07-17-2020, 07:48 PM
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Hopefully zero. I bought an aftermarket barrel and custom recoil spring kit for a Glock 10 mm. Cut rifling to better handle cast bullets, and a stouter spring so the cases didn't eject into the next county with maximum loads.
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Old 07-17-2020, 08:15 PM
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The most I ever spent to modify a handgun was just recently I added a titanium cylinder to my 360J. Before that $100 for Ahrends grips to bring my 686 Stocking Dealers Special back to original equipment
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Old 07-17-2020, 08:52 PM
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Everything I tend to grab gets a full detail and or night sights if available... if the opportunity comes about I would like to have a general night shoot idea of where the bullet goes....
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Old 07-17-2020, 09:44 PM
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Not as much as I would if I could find a good gunsmith in my area.
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Old 07-18-2020, 05:07 AM
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Originally Posted by hcaroselli View Post
Not as much as I would if I could find a good gunsmith in my area.
Took the words right out of my mouth!
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Old 07-18-2020, 09:47 AM
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It’s funny to read this thread to see how my interests have changed since my post in 2017.

Now I have several smiths that I have done barrel and cylinder swaps on probably spending $2-300 on each.

These were both 4 inch 38 specials originally

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