posted by lawyersofmelbourne.com.au admin on Dec 18
It is a problem that so many people are modifying firearms in the US. It is so problematic because it is highly illegal.
The most important difference between a unmodified weapon and a modified firearm relates to the changing of the original mechanics of the weapon. There are some modifications which, when made to a weapon, it remains basically the same as a manufactured gun. These include mounting heads-up sights or changing the grips on weapons with that option. Changes like these usually 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 gun is when you go far beyond these additions 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 and when you mount a different type of barrel or when you replace the trigger assembly with a custom made one. Other modifications include the cutting off of a length of a barrel and the adding of weight compensation components. It is also considered a modification when you rechamber a gun for a new calibre of bullet or if the finish is changed dramatically, or even if the user opts for some recycled clips. Things like these can affect 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 pistol size, the conjoining of different weapons modules, homemade pistols, shotguns, machine guns and pen guns. For a long time, forensic pathologists pointed out that the muzzles of exotic 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 most cases, modified firearms lose their accuracy and the weapon can no longer be covered in Law by any form of manufacturer’s guarantee or insurance. Similarly, the user must inform the police of any changes made to the calibre or configuration of a licensed firearm and the gun may well be confiscated.
In terms of pathology, modified weapons are considered troublesome as they will have a truly unique ballistic fingerprint, making the identification process very difficult indeed. However, if the gun is recovered at the scene of a crime for instance, it will be less problematic to identify the gun with its own unique fingerprint. Essentially, the disadvantages of deploying a modified weapon far outweigh the benefits.