The Perks

What Do You Mean By Gun Customization?

Gun customization is a new trend that has taken the attention of gun owners. It entails upgrading and modifying parts of your gun for several reasons. Most of the people aim to increase reliability/performance, enhance the uniqueness of the firearm, and make it cooler, while others need to improve gun utility.

Have you been into a gun competition or hunting and seen altered guns? That’s a customized gun, and each shooter does alter his/her weapon according to his/her needs.  It’s all about making the firearm better and appealing to the shooter. Most of the firearms available in the market are customizable within certain limits. Also, you can customize your gun while you build it yourself or after you purchase a standard one from a gun store.

Is It Legal To Modify My Gun?

Gun customization is subject to law; hence there are legal regulations concerning this process. Gun owners apply different modifications since guns differ. Despite custom guns being legal, there are a few things that should have your attention, such as dos and don’ts, as highlighted by the law. However, the state laws and local regulations widely differ, unlike federal law.

The Gun Control Act of 1968 is responsible for regulating the firearm industry from manufacturing, selling, ownership, and even customization. From the above-stated document, it depicts that certain modifications on your firearm will automatically affect its legality. Illegal modifications have great consequences, including jail terms, additional fees, and losing your firearm to the authorities.

What Are The Common But Legal Modifications A Gun Owner Should Consider While Doing Gun Customization?

1. Cosmetic customs- it involves customizing the physical appearance of your gun by changing parts such as grips and adding wraps or engravings. Also, you may add other accessories, such as sights. It’s the most common from this list.
2. Caliber conversion- it’s done by re-chambering and re-barreling your gun to a different caliber.
3. Conversion of the Operation Mechanism- it’s an intricate process that needs professionals. For instance, converting a typical pistol into a rifle.
4. Sporterizing- basically brings about modifying a military-grade weapon to suit personal use
5. Enhancing accuracy

Rifles

It’s usually fired with two hands and braced against the shoulder. The law requires the barrel of a rifle to be over 16 inches and has a rifling that helps spin and stabilizes the bullet. It fires only one projectile with each pull of the trigger.

Rifles are divided into two other categories, i.e., bolt action and semi-automatic guns.  For instance, AR-15s and AK-47s.

Shotguns

Just like rifles, they are fired with two hands while braced against the shoulder while firing once per pull of the trigger. The barrel is smooth, and the law requires the barrel to be over 18 inches.

Shotguns are further divided into 2, i.e., pump-action and semi-automatic. For instance, Remington Model 870 and Benelli M2.

Revolvers

Revolvers are handguns that contains a revolving cylinder in which rounds are loaded and short barrel. They allow the user to shoot multiple times without reloading.

The ATF defines the revolver as “a projectile weapon of the pistol type that has a breechloading chambered cylinder so arranged that the cocking of the hammer or movement of the trigger rotates it and brings the next cartridge in line with the barrel for firing.”

For instance, the Colt 1851 Army and Ruger Blackhawk.

Pistols

ATF defines a pistol as “a weapon originally designed, made and intended to fire a projectile from one or more barrel when held in one hand.” Also, it has a chamber as an integral part of or permanently aligned with the bores. The stock is short and should be gripped by one hand at an angle and extending below the line of the bore.

For instance, the Glock 17 and the SIG Saur P320.

Glock 43

Its parts and accessories are readily available in the markets. Also, it can accommodate parts of other pistols, and it’s a reliable pistol. Among the common customs include grips, triggers, and sights.

AR-15

The AR-15 is a versatile firearm that can accommodate modification almost in every part from the stock, rail system, triggers, muzzle devices, sights, charging handle, grips, etc. Also, you can add other accessories such as the back-up sights, extended bolt release, optics, etc.

Remington 870

Remington 870 can accommodate the modificationof parts and accessories. Among the possible customization include the flashlight, magazine follower & extension, sidesaddle, barrel, dot sights, and Non-MIM extractor, among others.

Colt 1911

It’s another standard gun in the market, and their parts are readily available in the market. Among the common customs include engraving, night sights, grips, etc. It’s among the most customizable gun available in the markets.

AK-47

The AK-47 is also a fully customizable gun available in the market. There are a lot of changes one can do on the AK-47 to enhance its uniqueness and functionality.

Customs trigger on an AK-47 increase accuracy of this rifle.

Grips are also very critical areas you should focus on to enhance the comfort and handling on your hands. Other modifications to include on an AK-47 include safety selector levers, optics, muzzle devices, and a custom rail system.

Shotguns

Shotguns are also a customizable platform whereby you can implement some of your ideas and creativity. How do you customize your shotgun?

Shotguns have very high recoil, but you can counter the effect by installing aftermarket recoil absorbing stocks. You can also do spring action work to make such a gun more friendly while shooting.

Just like other guns, you should never leave out triggers to enhance the efficiency of your shotgun. You will enjoy a smoother experience while firing.

An extended mag tube is essential in increasing the capacity of your shells. It is of significance in a defensive situation.

Shotguns take a breaching barrel that is vital in stabilization when firing breaching rounds.Also, customs sights a shotgun work better than the stock ones. You can always improve on how you acquire targets while you hunt.

Custom finishes on shotguns are prevalent. Some professionals can do finishes very well at a fee. You may also opt for wraps since they work well. Finishes and wraps protect and preserve your gun appearance.

Handgun

Handguns are also highly customizable despite the stock ones coming as reliable and well-designed firearms. You can work on a few things to improve the efficiency and uniqueness. How do you customize your handgun?

When you think of modifying your pistol, grips should be one of the focus areas. The market offers custom grips that are suitable for each user and are also comfortable. Also, they help achieve accuracy while shooting.

Custom engraving is common on handguns and takes its attractiveness to the next level. Also, you may get a professional to do wrapping on your handgun. Adding a hard-coating is also a good thing to counter abuse, especially for concealed carry handguns.

You can always enhance how you acquire targets by changing the sights of your handgun.

Just like rifles, triggers are critical parts to enhance in a handgun. You can install aftermarket triggers that are lighter and smoother while shooting.

You can always mount a light to help you navigate through at night and dark environments.

Rifles

Rifles are very common, and a large number of civilians own them.  Good examples are the popular AR-15s and AK-47s.  Their aftermarket parts and accessories are readily available in the market; hence there is no hassle when you want to customize your gun. How do you customize your rifle? Below are common ideas for customization.

Aftermarket stocks work well on a rifle and according to your need. Stocks have different designs that will suit each user’s rifle. The right stocks are essential for achieving accuracy.

You can also upgrade the handguard to counter heat generated from the barrel while firing. It also allows adding a rail system whereby you can add other accessories such as foregrips, lights, lasers, etc.

An upgrade on triggers will enhance your accuracy on a rifle. Aftermarkets triggers are affordable and work very well. You also need comfortable grips to help you pull the trigger smoothly. Custom grips are made of different textures and designs; hence, everyone has a piece that suits them.

Among other accessories to add on a rifle include muzzle devices, optics, slings, etc.