I haven't really played fallout new vegas in over a year, maybe two. What are some mods, replacers, tweaks, or changes that you all would recommend or are aware off.(As a side note I just bought the GOG version of FNV and F3) Also I'm curious of what news there is in the modding world? Lastly does anyone know of a more modern replacer or mesh upgrade for the M1 garand aka this machine. At this point this machine is really showing its age and I was hoping someone has done a more recent upgrade of the venerable battle rifle.

Edit: Can anyone recommend a western/cowboy themed armor/weapon mod? I watched godless on netflix and it blew me away.

Well, New Californa is finally at a place where it's likely as finished as it ever will be. That's a decent start.

New California and TTW are probably the biggest "large project" news these days.

Hey there Gunslinger welcome back!
FalloutMG just released an awesome BB gun retexture on the Nexus. 
Also that ' Remington Model 8 ' by tactaGhoul is really cool.
Hmm and in case you are looking for an Enb I can recommend the 
' Western Enb - Faux Cinema ' by enrikiller or the very nice ' Desert Enb ' by Frantar
You may like check these sweet f4 ports:
https://www.gunetwork.org/t14672-fnv-fallout-4-gore-port?highlight=gore+port 
https://www.gunetwork.org/t18273-fnv-lil-bits-retextures-from-the-commonwealth
Surely ran across some western themed armors but can't refind any atm.
Recently I'm playing through ' Salt Lake Stories ' which is a great 
expansion full of stuff, new lands and fun. Very well thought out.
Hope you can use any of these mods for you game. Have funs  (:

Oh, yes, Salt Lake Stories is pretty good. It's DLC length and has a fun travel mechanic that apes the classic on-map travel. I enjoyed a few of the new creature models especially, since I don't use many custom creatures normally.