What qualifies as "Custom"?

[thedonger]

So, we have all seen all the "Custom" items in the market place.

What qualifies as Custom Work or a Custom Build?

[Vacaville]

Custom to me means that something has been altered in some way to make it unique. Doesn't imply any level of quality, so you can have a custom gun that sucks big time.

Is this custom? Sure. Is it ugly? Hell yes!

[Henry47]

technically, any part that has been changed from factory specs is "custom". it doesn't mean it's a good thing though.

"custom" cars generally are cheaper than cars with all OEM parts. (ie pimp my ride)

[stix213]

Custom means you can't find this identical setup on any shelves or internet orders. Assembling your own AR-15 creates a "custom" AR

[The Virus]

Custom=I did some crap myself.

[Ubermcoupe]

Custom = not stock, whether done poorly and in terrible taste by me
or done with class by the GS I pay.

[thedonger]

So far its just as I expected, But not how I think it should be.

In my mind "Custom" means unique and or better quality. But it is clear all do not agree.

[ETD1010]

My definition of custom is something that is ALTERED from from factory spec, usually something better, but I've seen some pretty hacked custom jobs.

[Stormfeather]

Custom falls along the same lines as Tactical. Both are over-rated.

[ubet]

If I can go to the store, buy the same crap and put it on, it aint custom

[thedonger]

BTT

[glock_this]

To me custom means I buy each part 1 by 1 and put it together the way I want it or spec it or take a stock item and modify it in some ways - swap parts make my own parts - that if you were to see it you would know it could not be purchased stock that way.

For example, I cannot mill or build actual AR parts. But I can buy each exact part I want and build it up.. that to me is 100% custom when it is done. Just like car builders or bike builders do not really make any of the parts that go into it, they just buy the 1 by 1 parts they want and make a "custom" vehicle.

[ETD1010]

If I can go to the store, buy the same crap and put it on, it aint custom

But if the part is unique to one company, wouldn't it still be a custom accessory?

[toby]

The first three mean look what I did! that's it. Bolting on a bunch of production parts is a conglomeration of just that.

[sholling]

I'll pass on voting because "all of the above" is the correct answer. DIY with properly selected parts may not have the snob appeal of paying a big name gunsmith to do the exact same thing but it's still customized to exactly what the owner wants.