Back to News March 16, 2026
Make Your Gun Your Own but Stay on the ‘Right Side of Legal’
Firearm ownership is a deeply personal decision. Those of us in, and representing, the firearm industry know this. Deep thought, significant financial investment and consideration of the legal and personal responsibilities that are associated with firearm ownership all factor into that decision.
It’s a personal choice. And it’s a right protected by our Constitution. And it’s exciting. The anticipation, planning and purchasing of a new shotgun, rifle or handgun, whether it’s a first-time purchase or expanding a collection, is worth getting excited over.
Many gun owners will look to make their firearm uniquely their own. There’s a reason for that. Accessorizing a Modern Sporting Rifle (MSR), for example, or adding holographic optics, or custom triggers for target or competition shooting are all common upgrades many gun owners choose in order to customize their firearm and make it fit their specific needs. There’s a right way to do it, all while staying on the “Right Side of Legal™.”
There are, however, certain modifications that NSSF warns gun owners they should never make to their firearms. In fact, it’s part of NSSF’s 10 Firearm Safety Rules. Most gun owners, and many non-gun owners, know about the four basic safety rules. They are:
- Always keep firearms pointed in a safe direction.
- Treat all guns as though they are loaded.
- Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot.
- Always be sure of your target and what’s beyond it.
NSSF included six more firearm safety rules. They are simple and most gun owners know and already follow them. They’re worth reviewing. Knowing, and following them, keeps everyone safe.
There’s one, in particular, that also keeps gun owners on the “Right Side of Legal”. Rule Number 9 reads:
Don’t Alter or Modify Your Gun, and Have Guns Serviced Regularly
Firearms are complicated mechanisms that are designed by experts to function properly in their original condition. Any alteration or change made to a firearm after manufacture can make the gun dangerous and will usually void any factory warranties. Do not jeopardize your safety or the safety of others by altering the trigger, safety or other mechanism of any firearm or allowing unqualified persons to repair or modify a gun. You’ll usually ruin an expensive gun. Don’t do it!
Your gun is a mechanical device that will not last forever and is subject to wear. As such, it requires periodic inspection, adjustment and service. Check with the manufacturer of your firearm for recommended servicing.
That’s especially true when an alteration changes the firearm’s function. Modifying a firearm by adding an illegal device that overrides the original, intended function or design to render a semiautomatic firearm into an automatic firearm is a felony. That includes importing, possessing, making or selling a machinegun conversion device (MCD). It’s a violation of the National Firearms Act (NFA) and carries a prison sentence of up to 10 years and up to $250,000 in fines.
Owning and possessing an automatic firearm is legal, provided that the owner has legally purchased or transferred it according to the laws and rules governing them under the NFA and the Gun Control Act (GCA). That includes obtaining a tax stamp and submitting the required Form 4, fingerprints, photos and passing the required background checks. The cost for owning automatic firearms, since none can be imported or sold that were manufactured after 1986, is prohibitive for most, as the cost can run into the tens of thousands of dollars.
Law enforcement notes that there has been increasing numbers of illegal MCDs recovered at crime scenes. NSSF, and the firearm manufacturers, retailers, and ranges we represent, all want firearms of all sorts to remain beyond the reach of those who should never possess them. That includes criminals who illegally modify firearms as well as those that use firearms for illicit means.
Personalizing a firearm to fit a lawful user’s needs can be done. Gun owners, we know, are overwhelmingly safety-conscious and law-abiding. There’s nothing wrong with making your new gun “your own.” Modifying a firearm by attaching illegal devices, however, should never be an option. Keep it on the “Right Side of Legal.”
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