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.

[@andygrew4832]

Love to see a follow-up with the gun built!

[@tomahawk5827]

The triple coffee sip in unison! Fantastic! A new high bar for the show.

[@S1L3NTG4M3R]

THANKS Bobby of Tyler Gun Works in Friona, Texas.... wow

[@pistolgrips]

I have a few 1911’s I may be talking to Tyler Gun Works about. Supporting a Texas based business is icing on the cake.

[@BloodEagle.]

$2,000? That's not anywhere near what I thought he was going to say. I was figuring about double if not triple. Great video guys.

[@sgtstedanko7186]

There's a guy in my town who "builds" "custom" ARs.... for a cool price of only $8,000.. In reality he orders the parts, assembles them in his shop, slaps his logo on it, and calls it "custom built" Sad thing is he actually gets people to buy that crap.

[@reddituser420]

@@sgtstedanko7186 8000 for a ar 15 !!

[@nk-dw2hm]

@@sgtstedanko7186 just like most 'luxury' items they're paying for the name not the quality (look at apple)

[@terryeaster9059]

You guys rocked my world with that price,I could do that to my 30 year old super Blackhawk

[@exothermal.sprocket]

I'd be buying a Manurhin MR73 and a Korth before throwing down for that AR.

[@risom301]

Lets just get Bobby on the Brownells payroll. Love this guy.

[@roykiefer7713]

A great - and absolutely astonishing - video. First, gentlemen, I thank you. Second, this is within my price range, which I frankly would never have expected. Superb quality, combined with a work of art, at a not astronomical price . . . that is terrific.

[@jasoncyr5139]

$2000 is still expensive but cheaper than I thought. Honestly some guns dont need some of that stuff.

[@jonflanagin6682]

In 1980 i had a super-black hawk hammer installed on my 4-5/8" .357.

[@roadking99jokerst60]

I'm looking at Keith, Croft, and Sedgley sitting at the bench having some Black Rifle Coffee. Much later , there were Bill Grover, John Taffin, and Skeeter doing the coffee talk again,, with Ham Bowen under a spot light in the corner doing a Rod Serling impersonation.

[@DavidLeslie65]

2k is a lot cheaper than I expected and although it's a lot of money anyone that has a rifle, shotgun, and handgun should have at least one custom firearm to pass down.

[@johnburrows1179]

I learned a long time ago to buy what you really want, not what you almost want. I’m a working stiff, I’ll save $20,30, whatever I can a week. I’ve saved for two years to get guns I really want. It’s worth the wait. I talk to guys all the time, they’ll show me their new gun. I’ll say hey that’s nice bro, then they’ll say yaaa, but the one I really wanted was another $4-500 bucks etc. Don’t settle. You work hard. Get what you want, not what you almost wanted

[@hoosierplowboy5299]

IMHO, one of your best videos yet, fellas. I had no idea what went into making a custom gun. Kudos to you and Mr. Tyler for an excellent presentation...

[@randybounds2244]

I`m saving to customize my Ruger Vaquero. May not take as long as I thought.

[@johnqpublic2718]

When the kids eventually all move out and it’s just the ol lady and me again, I’ll get a “custom” pistol.

[@therealandrewcano]

It took me months to complete my 1st polymer 80. Only because I bought the parts as I could, one or 2 on payday, maybe skip buying parts every other paycheck ( I get paid bi-weekly). I mean I bought the frame in January and didn't even have it ready for the range untill 2 or 3 weeks ago. And I'm not comparing polymer 80 builds to custom revolvers. I'm just trying to give a little encouragement. I don't even know you but I want you to build your custom dream gun. Why? Because 🇺🇸 Also btw, *#FUCKJOEBIDEN*

[@kinjunranger140]

Very reasonable price. Especially if the quality and appearance are top notch. Your grand kids will be shooting this someday, thanking you.

[@the38super911]

Unfortunately, we've lost so many talented indy gunsmiths because they've aged out, plus improvements in manufacturing tolerances have taken away their bread and butter. Most of my 1911's are custom and are head and shoulders beyond any factory or mass produced 'custom' (i.e. Wilson). Everyone should have one in their safe.

[@5jjt]

Can you create a better (I know better is subjective) 1911 out of a 80% kit than Wilson, Night Hawk, etc?

[@iTheEncounter]

i think Wilson is already top notch

[@jamescwiklinski2707]

Gets the wheels turning. Great informative video! Lee up the great work men!

[@mick2397]

Thank you for your work and knowledge

[@JWheeler331]

Bobby is the man.

[@kanakanahele5377]

Can’t wait to see it

[@nk-dw2hm]

I've got a Blackhawk, but it's damn nice already

[@ninjaswordtothehead]

I can't afford to shoot what I have, much less buy the Vaquero I want. In the meantime, I'm going to pretend I can customize it myself once I get it. Pipe dreams are fun. You guys need some peasant labor? Will work for primers.

[@ethanbarnes2549]

Real video title: Yes, you are getting a custom gun.

[@docholliday3273]

Great video!!!! I classify custom guns into two categories 1. Reliability and accuracy and, 2. Presentation custom work. The first should be affordable by just about any gun owner/buyer. The second category is cosmetic and really doesn't add anything to reliability or accuracy, but is pleasing to the owner and others. Almost all factory-made guns can benefit from reliability and accuracy work and a lot can be done by the owner, although I would recommend final checks by a competent gunsmith. Any work that improves reliability, accuracy and, ultimately safety is strongly recommended. I would also advise all gun owners that, if you aren't familiar with the work you plan to do, take it to a competent gunsmith.

[@Woolsocks]

If you’ve never been to a brownells store I’d highly recommend it, they have one that’s about a half an hour away from me in Iowa and I honestly think it’s one of the best experiences I’ve ever had the staff know what they’re talking about and give recommendations based off of what YOU are wanting and what the use will be, not based off of what’s in stock so they can make a sale. And that’s on top of the place being the size of a bass pro filled to the brim with awesome stuff

[@jd291]

I bought me a cimarron frontier made by pietta in 357 4.75 in" barrel with custom action work by a fella in Tucson AZ and just added custom grips from buffalo bros and man is it sweet all for the price of about $750.

[@user-qv9bd8qj9h]

please show the final product this thing sounds awesome

[@xxTenaciousExx]

You absolutely can i custom built my ar15 piece by piece by saveing up and catching sales from reputable sights like brownells and buying parts from the manufacturers themselves you be surprised how often companies like BCM and Aero precision have sales

[@silvergrizzly316]

You're exactly right Captain, I myself have built AR's but not being able to wait for good parts to go on sale I've ended up wasting $ on junk sometimes. What you just stated I've been tossing that idea around n my head for some time now, like you I see high-end AR parts on sale here and there. I know(in my mind)😄 I've built some real nice guns!!! 😆 I think my next build will be a GOOD one!! Might take me a year and a half but that'll be ok.. patience = custom built, Lol, have an awesome day my friend!! Jay.

[@xxTenaciousExx]

@@silvergrizzly316 buying direct from manufacturers is a good way to go to i bought a bcm upper complete with bcg and was able to select the muzzle device for them to install

[@mrtlsimon]

I was able to build a M16A4 clone with Gieselle SSA-E trigger for far less than purchasing one built from a manufacturer. Adding quality parts that are considered Gucci to a quality entry level AR15 over time is also a way to go.

[@chriscoogan8090]

Great video! Would love to see similar with a bolt action 22. With a Turkish walnut AAA stock

[@keepyourbilsteins]

Bobby is about to get really busy. In my head I was hoping to get out under $3500 without engraving on a new Ruger. Awesome.

[@ChrisG1392]

I like how the two custom guns are pointed right at the hosts 💀

[@justinpoison8332]

To be able to experience the beautiful and unique American craftsmanship that Tyler Gun Works offers, I'll find the money. Seriously, how much food do my children really need.

[@GatCat]

The best custom gunsmiths don’t need to be great on camera. But Caleb’s hair is outshining dude in the middle alone!

[@jakeoutdoors9600]

I figured $2300 for the work. So you guys are pretty good. I am impressed. Maybe Ill buy a 454 Ruger and have Tyler make it custom. I do not have a 454.

[@azazelakira12]

Stupid question... I have a beretta 92 compact that I love, do you also work on this guns?

[@kentuckyboy541]

I'm too dang cheap for a custom! Lol

[@64samsky]

I'd like a 357 or 327 Magnum, something like the one on the left side of the screen. Simly beautiful!

[@rottiesrule5285]

WOW.....i thought would be quite a bit more than that for the work he talked about....2000 complete would IMHO be a good deal......would love to see the gun after he finishes and maybe a bit of range time with it....oh and by the way the perfectly timed coffee drink at the end was a great ending....

[@erikjensen6503]

That is way affordable! I had no idea!

[@whiskeyriver4322]

That piece in front of Steve is sweet. I could dig that done to my Colt SAA. Love everything except I'd want a blued grip frame. A lot easier to do that on a Ruger though.....

[@waynehager4228]

I have a couple of Tyler's custom Rugers. That really is about what the work cost me. Highly recommend him.

[@jonathansmith7306]

Me: "yeah I can't afford a custom gun" Also me: spend $3800 on AK12

[@tompedersen6564]

Really surprised at how affordable it is

[@tangero3462]

Buy once, cry once. I carry a Glock and keep a Mossberg 500 for the home, but the good stuff is worth it when you want something that'll last for a good long while and give you some excellent performance

[@MarkAndrewEdwards]

I don't begrudge anyone any gun that makes them happy. But my Glock and Mossberg 500 is going to outlive me and probably any grandkids I'd have.

[@mallanac]

Do an episode with the original Freedom Arms revolver with traditional SAA fixed sights, please

[@guernseygoodness]

Does Tyler‘s “clean “the warning off the Ruger barrels?

[@exley8100]

Hardest thing is waiting. Does the customer send the gun when it's close to being time to work on it or does it sit in the shop till my number comes up. Guess what I'm asking is, is turn around time. I feel like I'd have a bit of a hard time patiently waiting.

[@leerethamel3204]

now i want a custom ruger revolver can i get it in 41 magnum?

[@ronaldkelly191]

Looks like I'm getting one

[@jammbbs1688]

Don't know the name of the parts I need but that screw/spring/nut pieces that locks the assembly pin in is needed for my old model single six

[@CalebSavant]

Go to the Brownells webpage and type in Base Pin Kit. I would link it for you but KZbin will get angry with me.

[@rgillis1]

When will we see the final product?

[@dennishein2812]

Never seen a custom job I’ve ever been able to afford.

[@calebdoner]

Wow. With all that work done? I would have expected somewhere in the $4k range. Don't get any ideas, Bobby. Keep your prices where they are and I just might order one.

[@jayclark2077]

Can Tyler gun works put a long barrel on my Vaquero new model with 3 1/2” barrel? And can they change the Birds-head grip to a traditional or even a Bisley grip? Ruger says no, but your videos suggest something different. Thanks so much! JWC

[@renaissanceman4054]

I swear if this is a 20 minute ad

[@renaissanceman4054]

it is

[@AndyCigars]

Will Steve and Caleb have joint custody of this custom gun?

[@John5.56]

Caleb gets full custody if you catch my drift 😂

[@Ben_not_10]

Did anyone else move forward in their chair when he said $2000?

[@sgtstedanko7186]

Better to have one perfect gun for $2,000 than to have 10 junk guns for $2,000

[@Ben_not_10]

@@sgtstedanko7186 I meant that the expectation of the price being much higher than that caught everyone by surprise when he said $2000

[@sgtstedanko7186]

@@Ben_not_10 It definitely can be higher. All depends on what you're looking for. I know a local guy who assembles AR platforms, calls them "custom" and charges $8,000. People actually buy it. Now that's ridiculous. Truth be told, you can take just about any gun, tune it up yourself, and make it like an expensive custom.

[@drevil2783]

I'm not a revolver fan at all but that Ruger is pretty handsome

[@DailyDrivenBikes_1]

What about color case hardening?

[@tomallen6073]

I prefer mine closer to stock, leave the grip frame and hammer alone, replace the sights, case color with some minor engraving. Trigger job. About it.

[@paulsullivan9697]

Elmer Keith & Bob Munden used what guns ?

[@richardkramer1094]

As an engraver it is always best to start with the budget. But $2000.00 j including engraving…seems there is some undercutting here.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

Undercutting, only on the corners.

[@disturbedmaynard3873]

Good to know. Not saying I would pay 2k to customize a Blackhawk to have something unique though.

[@bigtrucklittlerv7969]

$600 Ruger Blackhawk is over what Davidson dealers will get you for.

[@03redrubi]

Chamber one in 9mm, with moon clips. 45LC is kinda hard to find right now!

[@andrewgates9333]

Chamber saa in 9mm luger. Make sure barrel is .355

[@davidyancey1176]

Would have to remove cylinder to reload

[@andrewgates9333]

@@davidyancey1176 was he talking saa or da/sa?

[@timeskra4139]

Can you change the Finnish of a gun.. stainless steel to a deep blue?

[@plusorminusandtime]

Well at least now I know I cannot afford one. Man at that price, I can arm 3 neighbors with budge ar-15 and give them 500 round each. I can only wish.

[@Gottaculat]

18 minutes later and the answer to the question, at least for me, is a resounding "NO." Of course, I have a custom gun, an Astra A-100, which I customized myself. Base price of the gun was $250 used and rusty. Cleaning and restoring cost me about $30 of supplies. Then I polished the rails and feed ramps to a mirror finish, stuff for that I already had on hand such as green jeweler's buffing compound. Next, I replaced the stock plastic grip scales with custom hand made red oak scales I personally fit to the frame and my hand shape. The red oak, sand papers (ranging from 500 grit to 16,000 grit), Minwax Antique Oil Finish, 0000 steel wool, Cabernet Red all weather oil-based deck varnish, and micro fiber towels cost about $50 total. Finally, I carefully polished some additional internals to remove the gritty feel of that military trigger, and now it feels super smooth with a crisp trigger break, making the double action feel a lot better (12.5 pound DA, 2.5 pound SA). I left the original finish, because I like the look of wear a gun gets from going in and out of a holster and being handled (gives it character). Whole thing, including the gun, cost me less than $400, and I effectively have a really heavy (36oz unloaded) custom Sig P226 for under $400. So can I afford a custom gun? Yes, if I do it myself, no, if I have to hire someone to do it. I'd love to have a threaded barrel on this, but that'd be a really expensive custom job as they'd have to make a new barrel for a obscure gun that hasn't been produced since the 90s, and such a task is beyond my current skill and tooling. Picture, if anyone's interested (stock version is on Wikipedia, which I uploaded as the Astra A-100 had no photo until I uploaded one): cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/249798643605962752/876365688330133514/20191020_101757.jpg I may end up taking it to a gunsmith to inquire about options for sights. Could use better sights.

[@cayminlast]

Interesting, in today's money that's about one months rent, without utilities. But, for those who can afford it, more power to you.

[@mickgarner3207]

$2000 is doable If you save up for a few years for almost everyone for a gun your grandchildren will love

[@rowdyparker7330]

Very reasonably priced

[@plusorminusandtime]

Does that shop work on hi-points??? LOL

[@johnnyutah9874]

I spent over $500 customizing my 4th gen Glock model 22. I love to piss of the haters with that Gucci Glock 🤣🤣🤣

[@johnouellet4099]

Not a bad price for that much work just a lot of money to spend on a Ruger but I'd be lying if I said that if I could afford the two grand I wouldn't do it

[@drevil2783]

Npw do that exercise for an AR

[@manderson7173]

Simple answer: No 😂 I could feel my heart racing going through the list of options without ever once discussing price

[@seanuh60]

But how about rebarreling a Ruger Old Army?

[@EricDaMAJ]

tldr version: Got a gun with an action job for almost retail online. I bought Ruger Vaquero online. It cost about what it should though slightly inflated due to 2020. But it was amazingly slick. I contacted the seller and he said it belonged to a buddy who was a gunsmith. The guy apparently wanted to do cowboy action shooting, did the work on the revolver, but changed his mind.

[@RonJohn63]

Of course the "average" person can afford customizations on top of a $750 gun. (And really, is that your *only* gun? Of course not!) Just add it on to your ever-growing credit card bill.

[@telltruthdemacrook]

I'd love to have my python engraved it's nickel plated how can I contact you.

[@bosse641]

Sure is too expensive for me. ...but, I live in a country were it is not lawful for me to own a gun, so it's not an issue for me then.

[@GunsNBBQ]

🤠🤝

[@Super_K_Plus]

If we r gonna do it we r gonna do it right lol…… why would u have the other option then

[@silvergrizzly316]

If I bring you my Barrett 50. Can you custom unbuild it into a pistol and can I get that non-family discount also???🤫 😆jk!!! This was an awesome video guys!!! And $2000 that's unheard-of!!! Bobby needs a job at Brownells...

[@adamw4469]

Bobby and crew are an American treasure. He has done something that has been missing for a long time: he takes the mystery out of custom gun work. Cryptic pricing, never answering the phone/returning calls and having your gun for 2 years have all been historically commonplace in gunsmithing. That ain't Bobby Tyler. Bravo to Bobby for all of that. For those gasping at $2k, let's look more closely. I added some comments to each maybe "negotiable" build item. One thing, you save a pretty fair amount having your base gun be closer to the desired end product. This example gets you a truly custom gun with a lot of features and good looks. *Accuracy Package: barrel crown, forcing cone, cylinder-to-barrel alignment, endshake elimination, and a tighter barrel-cylinder gap *Action Job: 100% spot-on timing and a crisp-breaking 2.5 lb. trigger pull. * Shorten the barrel to 4-5/8" (not required if base gun is proper barrel length) * Freedom Arms front sight. (if gun is stainless, you can buy replacement blades for factory site from Fermin Garza) * Bowen rear sight (can be upgrade by owner DIY at a later time) *Belt Mountain base pin (can be fitted by owner DIY at a later time) * Replace that factory aluminum ejector rod housing with a tougher steel one. (not "really" required for most shooters) * Bisley grip frame. (not required if base gun is factory bisley) *Turkish walnut grips *Color-cased frame, loading gate, and trigger, with a special custom touch on the hammer. (not 100% required for a custom gun but beautiful and difficult to do well) *Engraving package (not 100% required for a custom gun but Tyler engravers are a bargain IMO)

[@YELLTELL]

That ruger blackhawk is already beautiful. It doesnt need to be turned into something beautiful. Maybe you guys can turn those ears u have into something beautiful....Good Luck With THAT!!!

[@INuniform]

JuSt aS gOoD

[@killersp1974]

Doe's a Supermodel wear Make-up and Designer Outfits? Guns are Jewelry for Men ya know...

[@ericoverdorff8880]

Personally! Having a painted on color case would make me disappointed everytime i looked at it. I'd know its not real a color case but a fake.

[@Portuguese-linguica]

2k ?? You just made coffee fly out of my nose . Specially when you said ooo ok that's not that much .

[@PhuzzPhactor]

Bump

[@vedq5TVvideo]

Just wanna ask can you make the single action revolver to a double action?

[@GuitarsTheory]

Is that a rocket launcher in the safe behind them? God bless America

[@trentnichols5075]

Wait a minute, they can NOT build that gun even if they get the gun for only 10% of what they cost retail! No way! Not with all the bells & whistles! Ya can’t fool me.

[@bryanmartin2271]

Must have been scripted you guys agreed with each other every time spending my damm money 💰

[@Pennshitz]

Just buy a Freedom Arms revolver.

[@tonymachuca9471]

Get rid of Verizon and cable and in a year you can buy a custom gun

[@backwoodsman4854]

To bad you can’t order any work from him

[@olhemi1]

🙂☕☕☕👍

[@mikebabb2155]

For many people this video 100% confirms the "myth".

[@FierceMouse]

I have my Glock and a rattle can. Boom, Custom pistol!