Some guns will run out of the box, but others show their best side after a few upgrades. Maybe the factory parts wear down quicker than they should. Maybe the design works, but not quite as well as it could. When you swap in better springs, sights, or small internals, you take an average setup and make it something that’ll last longer and run smoother. If you’re willing to put in the extra work, these guns can go from “good enough” to rock-solid.
Glock 43
The Glock 43 is a reliable little pistol, but many owners swap the factory sights right away for more durable steel options. Night sights or fiber optics make a noticeable difference.
Aftermarket trigger kits are also popular for improving the break and reset. While the gun works fine stock, these upgrades help it hold up better through thousands of rounds without losing performance.
Remington 870 Express
The 870 Express is a workhorse, but the newer production models have MIM extractors that wear out faster than the old machined ones. Upgrading to a forged steel extractor keeps the gun feeding reliably.
Many shooters also swap the factory magazine spring for a stronger one to avoid sluggish feeding under load. These small changes help the shotgun handle heavy use much better over time.
Ruger 10/22
The 10/22 runs well out of the box, but its factory trigger and extractor aren’t the most durable. Aftermarket extractors improve feeding, especially with bulk ammo.
A better trigger group not only improves feel but also holds up better after years of shooting. For a rifle that’ll last decades, those two changes are worth the money.
Smith & Wesson M&P Shield
The M&P Shield is a solid carry gun, but many owners upgrade the recoil spring assembly for better longevity. It keeps the slide cycling smoothly after heavy use.
Factory sights are also swapped out often, with tritium or steel replacements lasting far longer than the polymer ones. These tweaks keep the Shield dependable over the long haul.
Mossberg 500
The Mossberg 500 is dependable, but upgrading the safety button to an aluminum one solves the problem of the plastic factory part cracking over time.
A heavier magazine spring also helps ensure consistent feeding in rough conditions. While the base gun is solid, these small aftermarket touches help it stand up better to abuse.
AR-15 Carbines
Many budget AR-15 carbines come with mil-spec triggers that wear unevenly over time. Dropping in a quality trigger improves feel and lifespan.
Bolt carrier groups with upgraded gas keys and better staking hold up better than some factory setups. If you plan to shoot a lot, these changes make a big difference in reliability.
CZ P-10 C
The CZ P-10 C is a well-built pistol, but the factory trigger shoe and springs tend to smooth out faster than some want. Upgraded kits keep the trigger feel consistent longer.
Metal sights are also a good move, replacing the stock polymer ones that can get dinged or worn. These small upgrades help the P-10 C keep its edge over the years.
Winchester SXP
The Winchester SXP cycles fast, but its plastic trigger housing can flex under heavy use. Switching to an aftermarket aluminum housing fixes that problem.
The factory extractor is another part that benefits from a higher-grade replacement. Both upgrades help this pump shotgun handle more abuse without developing issues.
Kel-Tec Sub2000
The Sub2000 is lightweight and handy, but a metal feed ramp swap is almost standard. The stock polymer ramp wears quickly and can cause feeding problems.
Owners also upgrade the charging handle to a heavier version, which not only holds up better but also tames the recoil impulse a bit. These two parts make the Sub2000 a longer-lasting platform.
FN SCAR 17S
The SCAR 17S is a high-end rifle, but its factory reciprocating charging handle can be rough on the knuckles and wears faster than some aftermarket designs.
Many owners also replace the stock trigger with a Geissele unit for better consistency and durability. Even with its solid build, these changes make it even more capable over time.
*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.
