How Much Do You Spend to Modify a Handgun

[loknload]

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

 

[BAM-BAM]

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!

 

[Rpg]

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).

 

[Arik]

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

 

[ChattanoogaPhil]

Depends...

As new $400

After a couple add-ons $1,200

 

[murphydog]

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 .

 

[Capt. F.]

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.

 

[Muley Gil]

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.

 

[robertrwalsh]

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.

 

[M29since14]

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.

 

[PPS1980]

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.

 

[sigp220.45]

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.

 

[Kiwi cop]

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.

 

[MyDads38]

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!

 

[Dieseltech56]

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

 

[M29since14]

...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!”

 

[Bakebfr480]

I once re-barreled a model 29-2 to 22 hornet!

 

[chief38]

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.

 

[bigwheelzip]

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.

 

[357-RevolverGuy]

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.