It is a concern that so many people are modifying guns in the US. It is considered worrying because it is unlawful.

The most obvious difference between a factory weapon and a modified firearm relates to the changing of the original mechanics of the weapon. There are some modifications which do not really alter the weapon and when made to a firearm, it stays basically the same as a manufactured gun. These include adding scopes or replacing the grips on weapons with changeable grips. Changes like these often enhance the user’s ability to use that firearm proficiently. To maximise such potential, the owner should use parts made by the original manufacturer.

‘Modifying’ a firearm is when you go far beyond these things and you file or grind metal pieces such as a spring or a sear or when you remove springs and replace them with custom made springs that are not built to the original specs. Similarly, you are modifying your gun if you add a different type of barrel or if you should replace the trigger assembly with a custom made one. Other modifications include the cutting off of a length of a barrel and the addition of a weight compensator. It is also considered a modification when you rechamber a weapon for a new calibre of bullet or if the finish is changed dramatically, or even if the shooter chooses to use some recycled clips. Mods like these can alter the entire performance of the firearm itself and such things are illegal.

The most seen modifications and illegal weapons include the cutting down of shotguns and rifles to half size, the conjoining of different weapons modules, homemade pistols, shotguns, machine guns and the construction of pen guns. For a long time, forensic pathologists pointed out that the muzzles of improvised firearms offer them the greatest insight into the crudity and illegality of the weapons, citing the muzzle imprint of a sawn-off shotgun as evidence of the dangers homemade modifications present to the user.

Indeed, in many cases, modified guns lose their accuracy and the weapon can no longer be covered in law by any form of manufacturer’s guarantee or insurance. Similarly, the operator would have to inform the police of any changes made to the calibre or configuration of a licensed firearm and the gun may well be taken away by the authorities.

In pathological terms, modified weapons are considered problematic as they will have a totally unique ballistic portrait, making the identification process very difficult indeed. However, if the gun is recovered at the scene of a crime for instance, it will be simple to identify the gun with its own unique portrait. Essentially, the disadvantages of deploying a modified weapon far outweigh the benefits.

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