Upgrades For My Carry Gun

Congratulations! You now own your very first handgun. This is a big step for many gun owners and where to go from here can seem as daunting as the question of ‘where to start’ had been. The urge to customize a gun is very strong and there are some upgrades and enhancements that are definitely more valuable than others. It is easy to get suckered into spending a lot of money on things like enhanced triggers, flared magwells, and extended grip tabs. Where do we want to put our money first after getting a new gun?

It might surprise you to have a gunsmith say that the last thing you need is more parts. But it is true! I do not even recommend action work on the trigger unless the gun has some notable issues or is malfunctioning. Instead I prefer to recommend that you get the parts you need to be a better student of shooting, rather than trying to pay your way into being a better shooter.

1) Better Sights. Many factory guns come with basic three-dot white sights painted on. They will work adequately for 3-5 yards but the lack of contrast and the obstruction of the target makes them an impediment to good marksmanship. Instead invest in a quality set of Dawson Precision sights. I use these in any gun I carry seriously. Ideally though you should be invested in a gun that is ready to accept a red dot. They are an invaluable training tool for new shooters because they provide instant feedback about your shooting habits. Don’t get scared off by Fuddlore insisting ‘you can’t rely on red dots’. Brands like Trijicon, Holosun, and Aimpoint are all good to go. I prefer the Holosun sights as the best intersection of cost, performance and reliability.

2) Range Gear. You need a serviceable stiff belt, a couple of magazine pouches, spare magazines, and a decent outside-the-waistband (OWB) holster. I have been using Blade-Tech’s products for years. These are mandatory tools for almost any training you will be taking in the near future. If you are extremely cash-strapped you can make a cheap nylon holster work but it won’t last very long. I prioritize a range holster over a carry holster setup because of how important it is for new shooters to get good practice time in. (Pro tip: plinking with your uncle Jerry who served in Panama is fine and fun, but at some point treat yourself to training from a professional instructor).

3) Carry Gear. Especially if you carry a gun for personal defense, you need a quality holster. This holster should do several things: First, it should retain the gun during vigorous movement. Second, it should completely cover the trigger. Third, it should allow you to get a master grip while holstered. Fourth, a good holster allows for fast one-handed drawing and easy holstering. Lastly, it should effectively conceal the firearm. I am a big fan of the Phlster Enigma for covert carry and I have had a lot of good use out of the NeoMag Alias system. I have several Werkz holsters for general use and if you need a unique one-off, HofTac Holsters is the way to go. If you prefer leather, I say go Milt Sparks or go home. They literally set the standard on how a good leather holster is made.

4) Action Work. Once you have the basic tools you need for training effectively, an action job is worth investigating. By now you have a better idea of your needs as a shooter. Most guns come from factory a little over-sprung, with stiffer springs installed. This makes them more durable but also makes it more difficult to shoot them. This is especially true of some revolvers and DA/SA guns. Firearms like the CZ-75 benefit greatly from upgrades that make it easier for shooters with smaller hands to reach the trigger.

5) Extended Parts. I’ll be honest: unless you are a sport gamer, shooting some IPSC games, you do not need extended controls on most guns. I carry a SIG P365 that is still entirely OEM parts inside and it completely fits my needs for concealment and effectiveness. Extended magazine releases, flared magwells, special trigger shoes— these largely exist to separate you from your money. Before you buy a new component, identify an issue you actively have with a gun and purchase the part to fix that issue. I often install larger thumb safeties in my 1911s, or replace the slide lock lever on a Glock. I do this because I know from experience the problems I have with these guns, and I can tell if the issue is the operator or the hardware. If you don’t have a problem, then don’t spend your money on gamer parts for non-gaming guns.