There are countless examples out there of modifications you can make to a semi-automatic pistol. In today’s world, the revolver tends to be more of an after-thought when it comes to customization. With that in mind, here are 10 DIY modifications you can make to your revolver without having to go to a gunsmith.
Crimson Trace LaserGrips
LaserGrips from Crimson Trace are easy to install and add a laser sight to your wheelgun without adding bulk or requiring a different holster. Crimson Trace
Adding a laser is a common modification, and products like LaserGrips from Crimson Trace make it an incredibly easy modification.
Since the laser is built into the grips, you simply remove the screw holding on your current grips, take those off, replace it with the LaserGrips, and reinstall the screw. It couldn’t be easier and you get the benefits of the laser sight without adding bulk to the revolver.
Surefire XC1 Gun Light
If your revolver has an under-barrel accessory rail, the Surefire XC1 gun light is a great add-on option. Surefire
If your revolver has an accessory rail under the barrel, mounting a gun light is super easy.
Take your pick from any of the myriad rail-mounted lights on the market, such as the Surefire XC1, and attach it like you would to any other rail accessory. Just be sure you position it so you can activate the light without shifting your grip.
Streamlight TLR-4 Laser/Light Combo
The Streamlight TLR-4 is designed for compact pistols, but is a great, low-profile laser/light combo choice for revolvers with a rail. Streamlight
Again, if your revolver has a section of rail on it, your options are wide open when it comes to picking a laser/light combo, such as the Streamlight TLR-4, which is designed for use on sub-compact pistols and can even be used on revolvers.
The module is small and lightweight with a 115 lumen LED light and an integrated green laser sight that is highly visible, even in bright conditions.
Pachmayr Rubber Grips
These rubber grips from Pachmayr can also help absorb some of the recoil if you’re shooting a large caliber revolver. Pachmayr
Want better purchase on your gun? Try switching out your wooden grips for a rubber set.
As an added bonus, rubberized grips can also help absorb some of the recoil if you’re shooting a large caliber gun. Companies like Pachmayr make very comfortable rubber grips that increase purchase on the gun and make shooting more comfortable. They won’t win any beauty contests when compared to a handsome set of hardwood grips, but who cares?
Hogue Target/Competition Grips
These “big butt” grips from Hogue are a rubber and wood hybrid. Hogue
If you’re looking to improve your accuracy, changing your grips can be a simple modification that can help a lot.
These “big butt” grips from Hogue are actually a rubber and wood hybrid. The rubber portion conforms to your hand and the exaggerated wooden butt changes how the gun balances in your hand.
This obviously isn’t something you would add to a carry gun, but for a range gun or a target revolver, the big butt is a great choice.
Lyman Guardian Grips for Concealed Carry
The Guardian Grip from Lyman automatically deploys a pinky extension when the revolver is gripped naturally. Lyman
Most concealed carry revolvers have one thing in common: small grips. This, of course, helps them stay concealed in the holster, but they often leave your pinky finger with nowhere to go.
The Guardian Grip from Lyman solves that problem. A button located on the inside edge of the grip where it meets the trigger guard releases a pinky extension from the bottom of the grip. It is positioned in such a way that it will deploy effortlessly when you naturally grip the gun for your draw, but is unlikely to be accidentally deployed while being carried.
Viper Vortex Red Dot Sight
If your revolver has a top rail, it’s begging for a red dot sight, like this Viper Vortex model. Viper
Red dot sights are everywhere.
If you have a revolver with a top rail, then mounting a red dot sight of your choice is simple and something you should really try.
Even if your revolver doesn’t have a rail section, you can still mount a red dot products like the “Weig-a-tinny” rail from Weigland. Simply remove your existing rear sight and screw on the rail section in its place. Then, you’re free to mount a red dot of your choice, like the Vortex Viper.
Accu-Shot Atlas B10 Bipod
A handgun bipod, like this Accu-Shot Atlas B10 model, are almost essential for hunting revolvers. Atlas
Going hunting with your revolver? You might find yourself in the field in a position with nothing on which to brace your gun. For these situations, your hunting gun could really benefit from a bipod.
Make no mistake: they can be just as valuable on a revolver as they are on a rifle and are almost essential for long-barreled, large caliber guns, like the Smith & Wesson Model 500. Options like the Accu-Shot Atlas B10 bipod simply attach to a section of accessory rail and offers an adjustable height from 4.75 to 9 inches.
The IWEAPONS Sling Adaptor
Slings aren’t just for rifles. Some of those big 10′ barrel revolvers can get heavy to carry in the field and are better served by a sling than a holster. This IWEAPONS sling adaptor lets you mount a sling to pretty much any large revolver. iWeapons
Revolvers designed for big game hunting are often chambered in large calibers and can have barrel lengths of 10” or more. This all adds up to a heavy gun.
If you don’t want to carry it in a chest rig, then a sling is a great option. Most revolvers this large come with sling swivels or a rail section that can be used for a sling mount, so your options are pretty wide here.
However, if your gun doesn’t readily accept sling mounts, you have options. The IWEAPONS sling adaptor is designed for use on a rifle, but it can easily be adjusted to fit on a revolver grip.
Extended Cylinder Release
If speedy reloads are your goal, an extended cylinder release lever, like this one from Hogue, could really change the way you shoot. Hogue
Depending on the size of your revolver and the size of your hands, reaching and engaging the cylinder release can be a bit of a challenge.
An extended cylinder release can remedy this issue. Even if you have no issue with the physical mechanics of this action, you might still benefit from this modification. It will allow you to engage the release faster, enabling faster reloads.