Aftermarket Trigger

[helopitts]

Ok, Ive got a quick question. I was watching a bit of the loud music trial today, and when a firearms expert was interviewed and was asked in depth about the handgun that was used. To include DA vs. SA, trigger weights, grips, any modifications, spent case ejection. I personally carry a G19 and I have an aftermarket trigger, and night sights. I can explain the benefits of these mods. But would it be wise to even have to explain these mods to a jury should the need arise? Is anyone aware of a self defense case involving a modified handgun?

[Wulf202]

https://www.ar-15.co/threads/121331-Do-you-modify-your-carry-weapon

heres a whole thread dedicated to carry gun mods

[BPTactical]

You need to be very careful about mods to a carry piece. A prosecutor will have a field day with you.

[Zundfolge]

You need to be very careful about mods to a carry piece. A prosecutor will have a field day with you.

I hate to beat this dead horse, but aside from discussions on gun forums I've NEVER heard of someone being prosecuted for what would otherwise be a "good shoot" because they used a modified gun ... the only examples that are ever given are Gary Fadden (former HK employee that used full auto Ruger on psycho biker that was going to kill him) and some other case where a prosecutor went after a guy simply for using hollow points (can't find link to the case anywhere). Otherwise I think this is FUD from people that are obsessing over theoretical threats.

I would honestly be surprised if your firearm was examined carefully enough for them to discover an aftermarket trigger (unless a weapon malfunction was part of the case).

[Wulf202]

I saw a good shoot get crucified by the da for topping off after chambering.

And multiple for using reloads during defensive shoots

[Great-Kazoo]

I would honestly be surprised if your firearm was examined carefully enough for them to discover an aftermarket trigger (unless a weapon malfunction was part of the case).


I know of 1, where the firearm used was examined.

[cofi]

I know of 1, where the firearm used was examined.

Examine for what? What was the outcome?

I don't understand how it's even brought up your fingers not supposed to be on the trigger till you're shooting the bg right?

[BPTactical]

I hate to beat this dead horse, but aside from discussions on gun forums I've NEVER heard of someone being prosecuted for what would otherwise be a "good shoot" because they used a modified gun ... the only examples that are ever given are Gary Fadden (former HK employee that used full auto Ruger on psycho biker that was going to kill him) and some other case where a prosecutor went after a guy simply for using hollow points (can't find link to the case anywhere). Otherwise I think this is FUD from people that are obsessing over theoretical threats.

I would honestly be surprised if your firearm was examined carefully enough for them to discover an aftermarket trigger (unless a weapon malfunction was part of the case).


There was a case in Arizona where a guy used a Delta in a SD case that was questionable to start with that had had a trigger job and the prosecutor tried to make the case that the 10mm was excessively powerful and the modifications made it more deadly or some other asinine argument.
There was also a case in California where the firearm had aftermarket items, unknown if any mechanical mods but it sported Punisher grips and an engraving of "Kill'em all, led God sort it out" somewhere on it.
The prosecutor tried to claim the defendant had an obsession with death and a propensity to kill because of the "enhancements".

I think some prudence is good here, if your in a shoot your going to be the bad guy at least for a while.
The less ammo you give the opposition the less fire you receive.
It also make sense for your daily carry piece to be an inexpensive but reliable item. Heaven help you have to use it you are going to lose it for a while as well.

[helopitts]

Thanks for the info, and confirming what I expected.

[J]

Harold Fish was the case Bert speaks of in Arizona. He actually got convicted based on these arguments in what many believe was a good shoot.

[Zundfolge]

Harold Fish was the case Bert speaks of in Arizona. He actually got convicted based on these arguments in what many believe was a good shoot.

Did some googling and it looks Harold Fish was eventually vindicated (http://www.haroldfishdefense.org/") ... still he had to go through a lot of crap.

To the OP's question, I say that I seriously doubt that an aftermarket trigger and night sites are likely to cause you to be prosecuted when you otherwise would not.

It would seem to me that prudent modifications like night sites and an improved trigger that contribute to your success in the shooting would be more important than the very slim risk of malicious prosecution (chances are a DA that's going to go after you for those mods would likely go after you for something foolish like owning a gun in the first place). The DA won't charge you if you don't survive the shooting.

That said, I can see where things like Punisher grips and "kill-em-all" engraving on your CCW piece might make you look like less of a "good guy" in the eyes of the investigators and prosecutes ... but for that matter so would tattoos, a Harley or Molon Labe stickers on your pickup.

At any rate the only way to 100% avoid a malicious prosecution for an honest self defense shooting is to not own a gun and never defend yourself.