[quote]So, at some point I do intend on owning a firearm, but being the type who likes to heavily personalize stuff if given the option...[/quote] You should look into Glocks. They're budget friendly, easily customizable, incredibly ubiquitous and user friendly (both on use and most customization). California's requirements for self-made/assembled firearms makes their construction inconvenient. You'd be jumping through hoops unnecessarily and (probably) wind up having a firearm of lesser quality as a reward for your time & trouble.