The creative juices flow in all of us: for some it is expressed in Art or Music, others design buildings or vehicles. For “Gun People” it often surfaces in the way we choose to modify our firearms. This is not a new idea, the advancements in firearms over the centuries often sprang from the inspiration of someone using a firearm and thinking “if only I could do (insert your preference here) a little better”.
That list is growing: Shoot farther, Better accuracy, Better sights, Optics for distance, Better trigger feel, Harder hitting, Reduced recoil, Collapsible stocks, Lighter, Shorter, Smaller, Easier to carry, Accessory mounts, Lasers, Lights, etc…the list goes on and on.
In today’s world there are guns made specifically to accommodate this desire to personalize your firearms. Depending on your age they are adult versions of: Erector Sets, Lincoln Logs, Plastic Bricks or the Legos of our day. Over the next few months we will talk about the most popular styles people are modifying. Semi-Auto Centerfire Rifles such as the AR15, Rimfire rifles using the Ruger 10/22 and handguns such as the 1911 and Glock series.
The Modern Sporting Rifle has to be the most misunderstood firearm in modern history. The exact design qualities that make the gun so versatile are pointed out by the anti-gun crowd as evil features that must be prohibited.
The AR15 and similar style firearms are designed as modular platforms. Major components are easily interchanged with parts that have been “improved”. I say improved because in my opinion not all modifications actually improve the function of the gun and in fact there are times the combination of these can actually deteriorate the usefulness. Just because you CAN do something, does not mean you SHOULD do it!
The number one function of a firearm that must never be compromised is reliability, they must go “bang” every time the trigger is pulled. However, in pursuit of excellence the changing of springs, pins, hammers, triggers’ buffers, gas blocks and other functional items are often swapped out based on advertising claims of improved performance. Sometimes changes are made purely for appearance. In reality the function of the gun is a delicate dance or balance of forces and reactions.
Whether the gun is gas or recoil powered, locked breech or blow back operated, the energy created when the round is fired interacts with the mechanics of the gun to open and extract the empty casing, eject the spent round, buffer the bolt to prevent damage, reverse the direction of the bolt, pick up a fresh round, re-cock the hammer or striker, load the round in the chamber without jamming, close and/or lock the bolt and be ready to fire again.
Changing this balance of forces can result in failures to function or operating with reduced safety. Depending on your intended purpose for your firearm I would not suggest this type of modification on your primary carry gun or main home defense gun. If this project is an extension of your hobby and you are looking to perform an extended science project, welcome aboard!
We will get to Sights and Optics soon, but the heart of your guns accuracy is the trigger. Most people simply accept the trigger their gun came with. Pick up most factory guns and you will experience a compromise in trigger function. A battle between what the engineers would like to have and what the corporate lawyers will allow based on their concept of safety. Clearly it must be smooth, not scratchy, and predictable, while preventing inadvertent activation and a negligent discharge. Once you have experienced a really good trigger you will never go back!
Next month we will review some available Trigger upgrades for your AR style rifle.