Truly Custom Pistol?

[Skribs]

I'm not talking about 1911s that cost more than my car, but I want to know if there are gunsmiths that make actual custom pistols, something that isn't on the market anywhere. For example, cloning a current production model in an obscure caliber, or creating something new that is "just right" for the buyer because the buyer is picky about what he wants and there isn't anything on the market that fits his criteria.

Now, I can't really afford such a thing at the present, I'm more asking a "what if" to see if its a possibility down the road. Ironically, I'm not thinking of a super-engraved steel (or precious metal plated) weapon, but rather a plastic pistol that has the controls I want and extra features (that aren't on most) that I want, as opposed to what manufacturers think I should have.

So...to my question...
1) Are there gunsmiths that would do something like this?
2) How much would something like this cost?
3) Instead of making something new, would it be possible for a gunsmith to modify an existing pistol, changing certain aspects (such as making mag release ambi instead of reversible, take off or add a manual safety, etc).
4) Am I extremely picky/nuts for wanting this, or is it a valid desire to have something that fits my criteria 100%?

 

[TimboKhan]

There are potential mechanical limitations that have to accounted for, and some things just aren't possible. It's going to cost you a fortune, too. But if you can clear those hurdles I would think that any of the well known plastic pistol guys could help you: robar, lone wolf, etc.

What are the features you want and on what gun do you want them?

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2

 

[Skribs]

Well, full ambi without manual safety, definitely don't want the trigger guard paddle mag release like HK/Walther. This particular setup isn't offered anywhere I've seen except 1911s with a weird rig. Mag release to be a wide button as opposed to the tiny little one on my XDm, slide release to look more like a lever than a switch (so, like walther/HK in that respect). If I did have a manual safety, then a lever instead of a switch, something I can really feel.

Pocket pistol with similar, except obviously the smaller button mag release and the smaller slide stop would be more appropriate. There are 0 manufacturers I see on the market with a sub-compact single-stack (I'm even thinking of the 1" thick models like XDs or Shield) that has ambi slide stop.

Other features that could be done aftermarket, such as rounded edges, milled slide for RDS (on the bigger model only), forward slide serrations, etc. Slide serrations preferably like those on the M&P series, I really like those curves. I guess it would essentially be a hybrid of the FNS and M&P that I would want, with a smaller version for the pocket.

I know it would be a fortune, and like I said - it's not on the horizon for me. But I was wondering if it was something I could look forward to in the future, or if I'd just have to wait for someone to come out with something closer to what I want (or settle on what IS on the market).

 

[Jim Watson]

Something like what?
It is hard to scope out a job that is not well defined.

In general, I would say your options on a "plastic pistol" might be less than on a steel gun. Steel can be welded, soldered, machined almost without limit. Plastic modifications are limited to light cutting and building up in low stress areas with fresh resins.

 

[Skribs]

I guess I could go steel. What I would mainly be after is the control scheme that fits me best, especially in the smaller size.

Like I said, I'm not trying to define it here, because I do not plan on getting it made in the near future. Just get an idea on if it's possible and what I can expect to pay for something like this. If I were to get something that was on par with a current $500-600 production model, but set up specifically the way I wanted it, how much would that run?

 

[Edarnold]

Well, full ambi without manual safety, definitely don't want the trigger guard paddle mag release like HK/Walther. This particular setup isn't offered anywhere I've seen except 1911s with a weird rig. Mag release to be a wide button as opposed to the tiny little one on my XDm, slide release to look more like a lever than a switch (so, like walther/HK in that respect). If I did have a manual safety, then a lever instead of a switch, something I can really feel.

Pocket pistol with similar, except obviously the smaller button mag release and the smaller slide stop would be more appropriate. There are 0 manufacturers I see on the market with a sub-compact single-stack (I'm even thinking of the 1" thick models like XDs or Shield) that has ambi slide stop.

Other features that could be done aftermarket, such as rounded edges, milled slide for RDS (on the bigger model only), forward slide serrations, etc. Slide serrations preferably like those on the M&P series, I really like those curves. I guess it would essentially be a hybrid of the FNS and M&P that I would want, with a smaller version for the pocket.

I know it would be a fortune, and like I said - it's not on the horizon for me. But I was wondering if it was something I could look forward to in the future, or if I'd just have to wait for someone to come out with something closer to what I want (or settle on what IS on the market).

For the fun of it, get your hands on a HK P7, or P7M8. Except for the polymer, this design anticipated most of what you are asking for about 40 years ago. Totally smooth contour, safest trigger ever devised, quickest slide release ever devised.

Just don't expect it to work like anything else you have ever handled...

Oh, and you can still buy one for around $700 to $1,100

 

[Skribs]

That squeeze cock method looks very weird...

But I want a double stack compact with 12-15 rounds of 9mm and single stack sub-compact with 6-7 rounds of 9mm, that doesn't seem to fit either bill.

 

[Skribs]

I guess I should have also specified that it should be able to use factory magazines from a reputable manufacturer, doesn't have to be the same manufacturer for both sizes. Some sort of dark coloration (i.e. blueing or a black coating) would also be preferred.

 

[Jim Watson]

Are you lefthanded? I just have trouble getting on board with a project including an ambi slide stop. I recall Jeff Cooper saying the nice thing about the German Korriphila was that it could be ordered with a right handed thumb safety and a left handed slide stop to get it out of the way.

But if you just must, I think a Kahr PM9 would be the easiest for a motivated ($$$) machinist to build one for.

And the Plastic M&P both standard and Compact comes with one.

 

[NG VI]

Yeah you aren't getting what you want on this one.

You'll have to find whatever is closest to what you want from the maker, and can have the most features you want added with the least amount of trouble, and then learn to accept whatever that pistol turns out to be.

It'll be expensive, even before you get to the modifications, because you may have to try on a lot of different pistols, and might have to do some cruising to get to ranges that have rentals of the less common pistols.

 

[Skribs]

Are you lefthanded? I just have trouble getting on board with a project including an ambi slide stop. I recall Jeff Cooper saying the nice thing about the German Korriphila was that it could be ordered with a right handed thumb safety and a left handed slide stop to get it out of the way.

But if you just must, I think a Kahr PM9 would be the easiest for a motivated ($$$) machinist to build one for.

And the Plastic M&P both standard and Compact comes with one.

Yeah, but the M&P has reversible mag release, not ambi, so that would have to be changed (if it can). Shield also has no ambi controls, so it would have to be heavily modified to fit the subcompact bill.

 

[Edarnold]

That squeeze cock method looks very weird...

But I want a double stack compact with 12-15 rounds of 9mm and single stack sub-compact with 6-7 rounds of 9mm, that doesn't seem to fit either bill.

Oh, if you wanted a double-stack, you'd be wanting the P7M13, which will cost you more like $1700. Still a lot less than a cobbled-Tupperware gun.

Since you haven't actually handled a P7, I should point out that the squeeze-cocker is also the slide release: drop the empty mag, slap in the new one and squeeze the grip to release the slide and cock the firing mechanism. Totally ambidextrous, requires no safety catch, nice light trigger pull.

As I said, you really should check out what has already been produced before you start re-inventing the perfect handgun...

IMHO

 

[9mmepiphany]

The closest starting point does sound like the H&K P7 series...I've always thought of the P7 as the most ambidextrous of guns

The larger gun would be a P7M13 and the smaller gun would be the P7 PSP

 

[Skribs]

Now that I look at it more, certainly does look interesting. Like I said before, though, the P7M8 is a bit big for pocket carry. I'd want 1/2" shorter barrel on it and a shorter grip/magazine (which might be more difficult than just chopping off a G19 with a bandsaw to G26 size due to the lever).

2 other things: 1) that thing makes Glocks look pretty. 2) no accessory rail.

 

[Skribs]

ETA: The single-stack is also a bit wide by maybe 3/16".

Er...missed the edit button so I guess this is a double post instead of ETA. Sorry.

 

[GLOOB]

Well, full ambi without manual safety

FN FNS:
Ambi slide stop? Check
Ambi mag release buttons? Check

Manual safety? Oops

You could probably remove/disable/pin the manual safety.

 

[9mmepiphany]

2 other things: 1) that thing makes Glocks look pretty. 2) no accessory rail.

Surely you jest.

1. You think a Glock looks better than this?

2. Why would you even want an accessory rail on such a compact gun?

On the other hand, I can see a rail applied to a 5" compensated M13...the standard barrel is 4"...but what useful purpose would it serve?

 

[Skribs]

You could probably remove/disable/pin the manual safety.

I'd rather get one that comes without a safety than mess with the one that's already on it.

Also, doesn't solve my problem of wanting a lefty-friendly pocket pistol.

9mm, yes, Glock looks better than that, IMHO anyway. Also, the rail is important on the double stack, not on the pocket version.

ETA: Also, if we're not going polymer, then the pocket pistol has to be a lighter alloy. Double stack I'm not too picky about.

 

[GLOOB]

I was going on the premise that it would be easier to remove/disable a manual safety than to add a custom ambi slide stop and/or mag release to a gun.

 

[Skribs]

Yeah, I see your point. But like I said, there isn't a FNS-pocket model.

 

[WC145]

You're just going to have to learn to compromise. The FNS-9 is as close as you're going to get right now (ambi everything, ignore the safety) and you could probably find someone to make a longer slide release or lengthen the existing one, might also be able to disable or remove the manual safety as well or you could just ignore it like I said. I have one that has had the slide milled and is fitted with a Trijicon RMR02 mini red dot sight. As far as I know it's the only one around with that mod, I mention it just to let you know that it can be done.

And, if you care to hear my opinion on back up/pocket guns, I suggest a small revolver rather than an auto. They're much less likely to fail and will function under circumstances that would render an auto useless or turn it into a single shot at best. My BUG is a custom 9mm scandium S&W Jframe. It's light and easy to carry and functions as well at contact distance as beyond with no mags to fail, it can't come out of battery, no feeding or ejection issues, multiple strike capable, and fast and easy to reload, even one handed, because it uses moon clips. Also, it functions equally well left or right handed.

Rather than trying to reinvent the wheel try working with what's available and between compromise and modifications you should be able to come up with something that works for you.

 

[Skribs]

Ignoring the safety is like inviting Murphy over for supper. I know slide can be milled, it was in my section of what could be custom work that I might as well get "standard" on my unique pistol.

I will always take an auto over a revolver. Revolvers are more lefty-unfriendly than semi-autos.

I'm not trying to reinvent the wheel. I want something with the features that I want, which nobody has. For now, I have to work with compromise. I was mainly trying to see if it would be possible, assuming I get the funding down the road, to have someone make exactly what I want.

 

[WC145]

I own a number of custom guns and several of which were commissioned by me to be modified to my specs. That experience is what I based my suggestions on. Maybe you should just start calling custom shops and ask them what they can do and what gun they suggest as a starting point.

As for revolvers being "lefty-unfriendly" you should look a little closer. I carry my BUG on my left when on duty specifically because it is easier to use and has less potential for problems than a small auto. Lots of other cops carry similar guns the same way for the same reasons.

 

[Skribs]

Well, barring older top-break designs, how does a lefty reload without swapping hands back and forth? The left-handed reloads I've heard of involve phrases like "swap back to left-handed grip" and require much more finger movement to even open up the cylinder. Conversely, an autloader, even with full right-hand controls, requires a simple push of the magazine release with the trigger finger (I'd argue easier to hit than the cylinder release on a revolver) and then a slide rack after slapping the magazine in - much closer to the MOA many right-handed shooters use.

Also, despite what some shooters are capable of, reloading a revolver is, on average, much slower than reloading a semi-auto. Not to mention that while having roughly the same size if stood on barrel and the bottom of the grip, revolvers bulge while pocket pistols remain thin. (And a 9mm pistol of that size will hold 6+1, as opposed to 5 in a small-frame revolver).

I'm not here to debate revolver vs. autoloader. I chose autoloader, and I want specific features.

 

[WC145]

It's clear that you really don't want to hear any suggestions or opinions that don't mirror or support your ideas. Good luck finding your dream gun in the tiny little box you're looking in.