You don't plan on using a rifle frame to "convert" into a pistol do you ? Technically according to the BATF it wouldn't be legal ( if your frame was sold as a rifle originally ), you'd need to buy a seperate "pistol" frame. There are lots of posts regarding this if you look. I worked for Sportsmans Warehouse for a bit and what they told us didn't quite agree with this, but personally I wouldn't chance it.
To answer your question about a grip. Many, myself included find the factory grips too long in "reach". The Pachmayr rubber grip is a good grip to get you a little closer to the trigger and not all that expensive. If you're thinking custom wood then most anything within reason is possible, just going to cost you.
