Firearm modification
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Firearm modification is commonly done in order to enhance various aspects of the performance of a firearm. Reasons for these modifications can range from cosmetic to functional, and can be simple operations that the owner can perform, or complex operations requiring the services of a gunsmith.
Common modifications include:
- Cosmetic and ergonomic modifications
- Replacement or alteration of grips or stocks[1]
- Changing of sights, such as the adjustable iron sights or a telescopic sight[1]
- Adding or removing weight to ease carrying, alter balance, or help moderate recoil[1]
- Metal engraving or custom woodwork[1]
- Checkering or stippling wood or metal[1]
- Altering the metal finish, using techniques such as bluing, electroplating, or parkerizing[1]
- Use of a shorter barrel to reduce size and weight, or a longer barrel to increase velocity
- Caliber conversions
- Rechambering or rebarreling for a new caliber, such as conversions made to chamber a wildcat cartridge
- Use of a caliber conversion sleeve or other readily removable insert to fire a smaller, less expensive cartridge
- Operating mechanism conversions
- Muzzleloading or paper cartridge to metallic cartridge conversions, such as the Allin conversion or Lund conversion
- Conversion from fully automatic or select fire to semiautomatic only or manual operation, or vice versa
- Short recoil to blowback conversions, used in various .22 Long Rifle conversions, such as the Colt Ace and J. A. Ceiner conversion kits.[2]
- Conversion from handgun to carbine or rifle[3]
- Addition of a rifled barrel to a shotgun to allow it to better fire shotgun slugs
- Accurizing
- Sporterizing
Some commonly customized firearms include the Ruger 10/22 carbine, the M1911 pistol, and the AR-15 rifle, all of which have large numbers of aftermarket parts suppliers. Shooting disciplines such as bullseye pistol and benchrest shooting also rely extensively on custom-built and modified firearms to achieve top accuracy.[4]