A specific aftermarket part designed for the Ruger 10/22 rifle is a particular component that, when installed (often illegally), can potentially convert the firearm into a fully automatic weapon. This modification involves altering the rifle’s firing mechanism to allow continuous firing with a single pull of the trigger, rather than requiring a separate trigger pull for each shot.
The existence and attempted use of these parts are significant due to legal and safety concerns. Federal law strictly regulates fully automatic weapons, and the unauthorized manufacture or possession of a device that converts a semi-automatic rifle to fully automatic can result in severe penalties. Historically, interest in such modifications has stemmed from individuals seeking to enhance the firearm’s rate of fire, often without considering the legal ramifications.