What is "accurizing"

vb. (present participle of accurize English)

Accurizing is the process of improving the accuracy of a firearm or airgun.

For firearms, accuracy is defined as the ability to hit exactly what one is aiming at. Further, accuracy and precision, or the ability to hit the same place over and over again in a repeatable fashion, are the goals of accurizing.

Accurizing generally concentrates on four different areas:

• Usability: Enhancements that give the shooter a more consistent hold on the firearm, and a more consistent trigger pull.
• Tolerances: Parts that fit together better will shift less or shift more consistently under recoil.
• Harmonics: Barrels vibrate under the shock of firing. These vibrations can be minimized or tuned to minimize their effect on accuracy. Generally the harmonic effects are proportional to the square of the barrel length, and so are generally only of concern in rifles but not handguns.
• Projectile propulsion consistency: Unlike firearms, airguns provide the propulsive force themselves, instead of relying on a cartridge. The source of this power is open to accurizing operations along with the bullet itself. Consistent ammunition performance is extremely critical for accuracy with firearms, as well. While some manufacturers produce match-grade ammunition, it is common for high-precision shooters to handload their own ammunition.

The key to an accurate firearm is consistency. Getting everything to happen the same way for every shot is key to producing small groups, and there are a large number of issues to be addressed in achieving an accurate firearm. The keys to firing an accurate shot are a firm but not overtight grip, the ability to get a good sight picture, and a controlled squeeze of the trigger. The ability to manage recoil is also important in heavily recoiling calibers, both to aid in possible additional shots, and to prevent the user from developing a fear of the recoil.