Smyth Busters: Can I Really Afford a Custom Gun?

"I'm just a workin' stiff," you're thinking, "I can't afford a custom gun." A lot of folks think a custom gun is too expensive for the average shooter. But is that really true? Brownells Gun Techs™ Steve Ostrem and Caleb Savant are joined by master pistolsmith Bobby Tyler of Tyler Gun Works in Friona, Texas, to answer that question. Using a Ruger® Blackhawk® in .45 Long Colt as a "base gun," Bobby walks us through the process of ordering custom work from his shop. Caleb and Steve pick options, and at the end we'll find out HOW MUCH it costs.

They start with the "Accuracy Package": barrel crown, forcing cone, cylinder-to-barrel alignment, endshake elimination, and a tighter barrel-cylinder gap (which maintains bullet velocity by not letting gas escape). Then an "Action Job": 100% spot-on timing and a crisp-breaking 2.5 lb. trigger pull. .45 Colt is a great caliber, so let's not change that, but let's shorten the barrel to 4-5/8" and install a Freedom Arms front sight. The factory rear sight on the Blackhawk tends to shift a bit under recoil, so a Bowen rear sight will fix that. A Belt Mountain base pin is slightly oversized and will keep the cylinder moving smoothly. Replace that factory aluminum ejector rod housing with a tougher steel one.

The grip frame is a big area for customization on single action revolvers. Steve and Caleb prefer a Bisley grip frame. And the grips? Steve likes wood. But mammoth ivory and stag are popular, too. The guys go for Turkish walnut.... which'll look darned good with a color-cased frame. Or should the whole gun be blued? They settle on a color-cased frame, loading gate, and trigger, with a special custom touch on the hammer. What says "custom gun" more than custom engraving? Bobby has an engraving package that says, "I'm a beautiful working gun but I'm not a safe queen." The guys go for it.

NOW, the moment of truth. How much does all of this custom work cost? You will be surprised! Caleb and Steve agree: the myth that a custom gun is out of the reach of an ordinary working person is 100% BUSTED.