Legionnaire
Contributing Member
Reading the threads on "sporterizing" versus "bubba-izing" got me thinking. What makes a gun a "custom" gun?
Clearly there are some shops that do extreme custom work. I'm thinking of the likes of Gemini Customs or Bowen Classic Arms for handguns, or Jarrett's custom shop for rifles. No doubt when you spend as much or more as the original purchase to customize a gun you end up with a "custom" firearm.
But how many actually shoot box-stock firearms? I've changed the springs out of my SP101 and installed a Clipdraw: does that make it a custom gun? Or how about installing bases and rings on a rifle that comes with no iron sights? The rifle was meant to have a scope added ... but does making this basic change make it a "custom" rifle? Is "tuning" "customizing?"
As I reflect on my current crop of guns, I realize that many have had significant alternations from factory condition. At the simple end are polished actions on handguns, or tuning the triggers on rifles. At the extreme end might be heavily customizing a Ruger 10/22: new barrel, stock, hammer, springs, magazine release ... plus base, rings, scope, etc.
So what are your thoughts? When have you crossed the line from "tuning" to "customizing?" And are your guns "stock," or "customized?"
Clearly there are some shops that do extreme custom work. I'm thinking of the likes of Gemini Customs or Bowen Classic Arms for handguns, or Jarrett's custom shop for rifles. No doubt when you spend as much or more as the original purchase to customize a gun you end up with a "custom" firearm.
But how many actually shoot box-stock firearms? I've changed the springs out of my SP101 and installed a Clipdraw: does that make it a custom gun? Or how about installing bases and rings on a rifle that comes with no iron sights? The rifle was meant to have a scope added ... but does making this basic change make it a "custom" rifle? Is "tuning" "customizing?"
As I reflect on my current crop of guns, I realize that many have had significant alternations from factory condition. At the simple end are polished actions on handguns, or tuning the triggers on rifles. At the extreme end might be heavily customizing a Ruger 10/22: new barrel, stock, hammer, springs, magazine release ... plus base, rings, scope, etc.
So what are your thoughts? When have you crossed the line from "tuning" to "customizing?" And are your guns "stock," or "customized?"
