in order to make sure that the sw revolver pictured above would fit my hand, id require at least $120 + sh to get a replacement grip for it off the net. and in order to get the perfect grip, id have to purchase at least 3 or 4 different grips to find the perfect one. and not all companies would be nice to let me return for a refund.
Yeah, some of us do end up with a few different grips, thought $120 seems mighty high. The standard does seem to be to try out grip styles you might like (a gun show is a great place for this, or some nicer shops) and then buy something like that. Then go shoot it a few thousand times before you decide if that one's "right" for you. Yes, the gun has to "fit" you ... to some degree ... but no gun is likely to feel like it grew there in your hand until you have put some serious range time in with it -- no matter how much you spent on the grips.
then id have to find a replacement thumbpiece for the cylinder latch so that it would be usable by a mangled thumb i have, instead of having to use the other hand to release the cylinder.
Woah. The best you're likely to find is a simple oversized competition latch button. There are a few different ones but they aren't amazingly different. Maybe something like this?
The selection of these is MUCH better for S&Ws than for the lower tier guns though. Like, they exist for S&Ws and DON'T for the lower end. Remember, many fewer shooters "accessorize" their bargain rack guns, or use them in competition -- which is what drives the custom parts market.
then id most likely have to pay a gunsmith to install it for me so as not to violate the sw warranty policy.
Uh, seriously? It's one small screw. They aren't going to beat you up over that. When I lost one hiking one day they sent me a new one (free) with the expectation that I could figure out how to put it on myself. You're kind of inventing problems here.
then id have to deal with the constant agravation the sw weapon being used for a reference would never balance the way i need. that kind of aggravation doesnt help with accuracy or happiness at all.
I'm not sure what this even means, exactly (balance? It's a handgun...what balance are you looking for?) but if you do manage to find something you like -- buy it. I'd be surprised if the lower end of the market offeres you something that feels BETTER in the hand than the upper end of the market, but anything is possible. For someone looking at the bargain rack, you seem to have picky tastes!
so what is the best option, please tell me. buy something i dont like at $462.00 plus tax, rough total $500.00 out the door. Plus at least $120.00 for a single pair of grips, when i may have to spend 3hundred to get one pair that works for me. then unknown amount for a thumb latch, so figure at least $620.00 right off the bat?
Wow. You seem to have worried youself into a corner. What should you do? Stop stressing over it and go buy something you can afford. Make it the best thing you can afford (I'd go for a used Ruger GP100, Speed Six, Security Six, or maybe a Taurus) -- along with a few thousand rounds to start getting your feet wet and developing a bit of familiarity/proficiency with the gun. No gun is going to be "PERFECT" for you (or me), certainly for anything close to this price range, but you can still learn to shoot what you have with confidence.
Get 5,000 or 10,000 rounds down range with what you can afford now and then you'll be a much more educated consumer when the time comes (and finances allow) for you move to something that works even better for you.
