Quite a few posts on this forum relate to problems associated with guys modifying the mechanical parts of their rifles...or swapping parts between different brands of firearms. Most of this work seems to have been done based on someones "advice" rather than to cure an existing problem with the functioning of the weapon.

Isn't it logical to assume that the working parts of a rifle action were designed and manufactured to work "together" as a unit?

The majority of design differences in factory firearms have very little to do with a "better mouse trap." They are normally designed in a certain way to avoid infringing on another companies patents.

When someone starts mixing and swapping parts between brands the mechanical relationship between the parts is normally altered...and most times, NOT for the better.

I'm quite sure that there are fine gunsmiths out there that have the mechanical engineering skills and understanding and the machine skills to modify firearms and keep the proper working relationship between the parts...but I am just as sure that they are in the minority among those that work on rifles.

I always hate to hear about people "butchering" their fine rifles in an effort to install the newest fad...and then hearing them complaining that their rifles, that they never had a problem with before, are now malfunctioning.

Rick

Aint that why we have cutting torches and heavy duty grinders?

And dremels!

Of course, if you think this is bad try teaching High School auto mechanics for a couple of years!

This is a very subjective area of discussion. In the hands of a good riflesmith, there's nothing sacred or superior about "factory-original" rifles or their parts. You must keep in mind that most factory rifles are deliberately engineered to sell for a specific price, so compromises are inevitable with their design and construction.

There are indeed aftermarket parts that are better-engineered and better-built than the factory parts that they are designed to replace, and there are indeed highly-skilled riflesmiths who can not only properly modify and enhance a given factory rifle, including the installation and/or fabrication of vastly superior parts, but provide you with a finished product that will absolutely out-perform the unmodified factory-original rifle in every way.

Junky replacement parts, untrained, kitchen-table, do-it-yourself "riflesmiths" and poorly-trained self-styled hack "professional" riflesmiths, however, are capable of destroying just about any halfway decent rifle. In the case of the later, I'd rather stick with an unmodified factory rifle..........

AD

Does this mean that I can't replace the plastic magazine follower that came in my new M70 stainless classic .338?

Perhaps I didn't explain myself properly.

What I am referring to has NOTHING to do with any "sacred factory parts" or replacing cheap mass produced parts with better made aftermarket parts that were "designed" to replace them and function properly in the rifle.

I'm am talking about people making alterations and/or replacing critical parts of the action with little regard to the effect on the other parts of the rifle that work in conjunction with them.


Rick

I'm all confused now. Are you trying to say that I shouldn't modify (with my dremel of course) my Mauser bolt to mimic the superior design of a Remington? Or, that I should replace my Shilen barrels and Canjar Triggers with the higher quality replacments as made by Shaw and Bold?

Rick0311,

Maybe you should cite some examples. Then people would have a clue what you are referring to. There is a reason so many aftermarket parts exist. Remember, many products, if not m,ost, are put togther with an eye on maximizing profits, not necessarily maximizing function and or reliability.

As Allen alluded to, the keys are knowledge and skill. To safely modify a firearm, one should absolutely understand the function and purpose of every part of it, how the parts interact, and which parts are critical to accurate and safe operation. I daresay the "average" gunowner (not an AR member) does not qualify. There are too many folks out there who think removing the magazine from their semi-auto "unloads" it, or who adjust the trigger of their bolt rifle and blow a hole through the living room wall.
As for skill; if you truly understand the way your gun works, you will know if you have the tools, equipment, and training to do the job properly.