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
Changing of sights, such as the adjustable iron sights or a telescopic sight
Adding or removing weight to ease carrying, alter balance, or help moderate recoil
Metal engraving or custom woodwork
Checkering or stippling wood or metal
Altering the metal finish, using techniques such as blueing, electroplating, or parkerizing
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 cartrdige
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.
Conversion from handgun to carbine or rifle
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.
Care must be taken when modifying firearms, as some operations may convert a legal firearm into an illegal one. An example of this is the restrictions in the US National Firearms Act, which define restricted classes of firearms. Examples of illegal firearms under this act are:
Rifles with overall lengths under 26 inches, or barrels under 16 inches in length
Shotguns with overall lengths under 26 inches, or barrels under 18 inches in length
Machine guns
A conversion to a fixed cartridge of over .50 caliber
These restrictions vary from location to location; some areas may restrict magazine capacity or require special safety devices such as loaded chamber indicators, integral locking mechanisms, magazine disconnects. Also commonly required are identifying marks such as serial numbers or firearm microstamping components, removal of which may be illegal
