Modifications are simpler on ‘erector-set’ weapons

ALBANY ‒ If it were possible, I feel confident that the origins of gun customization could unequivocally be traced back to the second person to own a firearm. Part of this is due to the fact that early firearms were extremely expensive and only nobility could afford them. As a result, early firearms were both ornate and functional.

Early European firearms had ornately carved stocks with intricate inlays and engravings. These traditions were brought to North America, and some of the earliest American-made firearms exhibit craftsmanship reflecting this European influence. Collections of early American firearms contain rifles and pistols with intricate inlays, carvings, and engravings. Firearms from the frontier era of exploration and fur trapping show decorative details with Native American influences, as do the weapons of the Indian Wars. Civil War-era weapons issued from both Federal and Confederate arsenals show modifications to personalize them as well.

Following WWI and WWII, many military weapons were enhanced for the civilian market, where they were further customized for function as well as aesthetics to further suit their owner’s taste. This trend has carried over to today’s shooting enthusiast and is much easier to achieve. Before the 1980s, most modifications to firearms required a high level of skill in the fields of woodworking and metallurgy. Most modifications, other than those that were minimally decorative in nature, also required a serious investment in lathes, drill presses, and milling machines.

That is not the case today. There are firearms that lend themselves to high levels of both mechanical and aesthetic alterations. I look at the following firearms as the “erector set” platform for unlimited modifications, limited only by the owner’s imagination and financial threshold. Even with a limited budget, most desired modifications can be made by breaking the overall dream into a series of planned stages. These three firearms offer a great platform for modifications. (Interestingly the majority of these guns have been in production for more than a half-century with one being in production for more than a century.”

— The Ruger 10/22 was introduced to the public in 1964 and has developed a reputation as one of the most dependable .22lr semiautomatics ever produced. The carbine has a number of unique features, including a 10-shot rotary magazine. The gun has a modular design, making modifications and changes without the need for specialized tools. A wide array of plug-and-play parts are available, including stocks, trigger assemblies, barrels and accessories. The 10/22 is also currently available in a takedown version, making it even more versatile.

— The king of erector set firearms is the AR-15, the most popular selling firearm design in the country today. The AR design is unique in that it does not require a high level of gunsmithing skill or experience to change out the upper assembly. This not only makes barrel length changes easy, it is relatively easy to create separate uppers in a variety of different calibers that can easily be switched out on a single lower receiver assembly. Another feature of even the most basic AR is a rail system that allows for the easy attachment of accessories including scopes, lasers, lights, rangefinders, and other goodies. Caliber choices can range from .22lr to 30 blackout and everything in between, including 9mm carbine options.

— The Colt 1911 has been in commercial production for 113 years. This .45-caliber semiautomatic pistol still sets the standards other manufactures attempt to achieve with heir modern designs. Although the 1911 will require the purchase of a few special tools they are inexpensive. Changes on this pistol can be limited to grips and sights or include all of the operational components and barrel. The pistol can be configured for personal defense, target shooting or many forms of competitive shooting.

Hundreds of parts and accessories are available for these three guns alone. They can be found online, in specialty catalogs and at local gun stores. Handbooks, assembly guides, and online tutorials can lead anyone willing to pay attention to detail through any level of customization. Once a shooter has customized one of his or her guns to meet their personal preferences, they will need a great deal of restraint not to customize them all to some degree.

Another benefit to today’s bolt-on modifications is that you can keep anything you remove and turn the firearm back to its original condition if you desire to do so at some time in the future.

Special Photo: Tom Seegmueller