Customize Your Firearm – A Guide to Customizing Your Firearm for Competition – 4 Big Tips

Introduction

Time to read: 6 minutes

Date: July 29, 2023

Firearm customization is the process of modifying a firearm to better suit an individual shooter’s needs. When it comes to competition shooting, the right customizations can give you a much-needed edge over your competitors. However, before you start making changes to your firearm, it’s important to understand the rules and regulations governing the specific division or event you’ll be competing in. With careful selection of parts, accessories, and ammunition, you can improve accuracy, reduce recoil, and improve ergonomics, among other benefits. 

In this guide, we’ll explore the world of customized firearm competitions, the different types of events available, and share tips for success. Let’s dive in to what you should know when you customize your firearm for competition shooting!

Importance of Knowing Rules and Regulations for Competitions

To increase your chances of success in competition, it’s essential to understand the rules and regulations governing your chosen division. Failure to adhere to these regulations can lead to disqualification, penalty points, or even worse, accidents. Start by understanding the type of competition itself, so that the rules are clear and the challenge fits the shooter! This can also determine how you customize your firearm.

For instance: Production Division matches are designed for budget and inexperienced shooters who require basic gear and have limited round count per stage. Steel Challenge matches cater to beginners and don’t require special equipment or mag pouches, but they do have more specific rules that need to be followed. 

Defensive Carbine competitions, on the other hand, focus mostly on carbine rifles, but they also include pistols and shotguns with targets at various ranges from close range to 300 yards. Accurized rifle matches are a hybrid between precision rifle matches and practical rifle matches, and the targets are set up to 600 yards, geared towards AR-15 rifles. 

It’s important to examine the rules and regulations of your chosen competition carefully. When it comes to customizing your firearm, ensure that the modifications you make are legal and acceptable for the competition. This may include modifications to the trigger, sight, or barrel. 

Benefits of Customizing Your Firearm for Competition

Customizing your firearm for competition can provide several benefits, including increased accuracy, reduced recoil, improved ergonomics, and a greater sense of ownership. By carefully selecting parts, accessories, and ammunition, you can customize your firearm to give you an edge over your competitors. 

For instance, if you prefer Speed Steel Challenge matches, then customizing your firearm for a fast draw can make a significant difference in your times. On the other hand, in Defensive Carbine competitions, you may want to focus on reducing recoil to improve your accuracy and speed. Accurized Rifle Matches are geared towards AR-15 rifles, so ensuring that your rifle is optimized for long-range shooting can mean the difference between hitting your target or not.

Furthermore, customizing your firearm can make it much easier to handle, which will make you more comfortable while shooting. This can lead to better performance and higher levels of accuracy. Many competitors feel a greater sense of pride and ownership over their firearm when it’s customized according to their needs, which can lead to increased confidence during competitions. 

Customizing your firearm for competition can make a substantial difference in your performance. By understanding the rules and regulations of your chosen division, and carefully selecting the right parts and accessories, your customized firearm can give you the platform for a winning edge.

Cost Effective Solutions: Used Equipment and Choosing the Right Parts

Customizing your firearm for competition can be an expensive proposition, but it doesn’t always have to be. One cost-effective approach is to consider buying used equipment to customize your firearm with. Many competitors often upgrade their firearms, accessories, and other gear, leaving used items that are still in excellent condition. This can save you money while still providing you with the gear you need to compete.

However, when buying used equipment, be sure to check that it meets safety requirements, especially if you plan on using it on the range or in competition. Check all parts and ensure they are in good condition and functioning correctly. This includes checking magazines, slides, barrels, and trigger assemblies.

When choosing parts to customize your firearm, it’s important to select parts that will enhance your performance. For example, if you’re looking to reduce recoil, you may want to consider a recoil-reducing buffer or a muzzle brake. On the other hand, if you’re looking to increase accuracy, you may want to focus on the trigger, bolt carrier group, or barrel.

It’s also essential to ensure that your modifications are legal and acceptable for the competition you plan on entering. Be sure to read the competition’s rules and regulations carefully before modifying your firearm.

By choosing the right parts and accessories, and considering cost-effective solutions such as used equipment, you can customize your firearm for competition while still keeping costs under control. Remember, safety always comes first, so ensure that all of your equipment is in good working order and meets safety requirements before using it on the range or in competition.

Success Tip: Choosing the Right Division Based on Skills

Choosing the right division that fits your skills is essential in maximizing your chances of winning. It’s not always the division with the fanciest gear that wins competitions. In Production Division matches, inexperienced and budget-conscious shooters compete; they require the least amount of gear and have limited round count per stage. It’s a great starting point for new competitors to get into the sport–and a chance to try customizing a firearm for the first time.

Steel Challenge matches are an excellent option for beginners because they don’t require special equipment or mag pouches, making it easier to get started. Defensive Carbine competitions focus mostly on carbine rifles, but they also include pistols and shotguns with targets at different ranges from close range to 300 yards. These matches test your shooting speed and accuracy in a fast-paced environment. They are less likely to test your budget as much when you upgrade or customize a gun for these matches.

Accurized rifle matches are geared towards AR-15 rifles, and their targets are set up to 600 yards. They are a hybrid between the precision rifle and practical rifle matches, featuring long-range distance shooting that tests your accuracy and precision.

It’s important to take the time to examine the rules and regulations of a particular division or event you plan on competing in to ensure they fit your skills and abilities. Choosing a division that fits your skills will make a significant difference in your chances of winning. Remember, safety is still the top priority, and it’s important to adhere to the rules and regulations of your chosen division.

Need info on different types of shooting competitions?
–Which is Better? PRS vs F-Class
–USPSA competitions
–How to Set Up Your PRS/F-Class Rifle

Conclusion

Remember that firearm customization is the process of modifying a firearm to better suit the individual shooter’s needs. When it comes to customizing a firearm for competition, it is important to have a clear understanding of the rules and regulations governing the particular event you are competing in. By carefully selecting parts, accessories, and ammunition, you can customize your firearm to give you an edge over your competitors.

The types of competitions for customized firearms range from Production Division to Accurized Rifle Matches, and choosing the most competitive division based on your skills is key. Cost-effective solutions like used equipment and choosing the right parts can help you save money without sacrificing performance. With these tips in mind, you can successfully compete in customized firearm competitions and improve your skills.

Related Articles

Explore More GunAim