View Full Version : You can paint your weapons...maybe
soldiersystems
04-05-10, 19:35
The Army is one step closer to allowing Soldiers to paint their weapons.
http://soldiersystems.net/2010/04/05/army-to-allow-soldiers-to-paint-weapons/
So how much longer until Big Army starts buying new rifles in FDE so that troops won't need to paint their rifles (at CO discretion of course)? This is one small step in the right direction.
soldiersystems
04-05-10, 19:56
The answer to that dear reader will be revealed soonest.
I wait with bated breath. If Big Army picks up MultiCam combat uniforms and FDE M4s in the same year I will begin to suspect that there is something strange going on at the Pentagon. :D
soldiersystems
04-05-10, 20:24
Well I certainly wouldn't hold my breath
LOL. Oh well, hope springs eternal.
It's okay, we're still a few years behind on allowing this, probably more. Dumber jarheads will no doubt decide it's much prettier to paint the RCO without masking the glass parts.
rifleman2000
04-06-10, 10:56
I am out now for 2 years plus, but in my experience it was unit dependent even back in 2003. I knew plenty of guys that bowflaged their M4s with no issue. I did not, but that was a choice that nobody in my CoC would have had any heartburn about.
soldiersystems
04-06-10, 15:47
Agreed, a lot of switched on units have been doing it for some time. I think the real issue will come to a head when someone wants a pass in review with shouldered weapons. That rifle that kept a guy alive unfortunately also has to be a toy soldier musket when those in charge want to play Army.
Sierrahotel83
04-06-10, 22:41
My only question is will they require the soldiers to clean the paint off the rifle at some point... I am afraid that it may make some soldiers less likely to paint them because, at least for me on a personal rifle, it is a royal pain in the ass to clean them off.:D
soldiersystems
04-06-10, 23:51
Yes, go read the extract of the message. At some point the weapons will need to be cleaned.
ChoppinFatTony
04-28-10, 06:38
My expierence so far in 3BCT, 101ST is that only the Scout/Sniper section in HHC can get away with painting there wpn's the rest of us in the Line Companies just add FDE parts to ours. And yes, at some point the paint will always have to come off for either CoC's or some dickhead CSM.
This is just a bad joke until they start issuing rifles in FDE. That's the only thing that will end the conformity arguments. Too many CSMs and COs playing Barbie with their men.
soldiersystems
04-29-10, 09:24
We had someone follow the instructions and they don't work. You can't get the weapon clean again using AMC's method.
Also, apparently, AMC released this message on their own without any input from Benning.
Not sure if they didn't recieve input. Benning has been pushing this and expected it to be released this spring, and spring it is(even if we got alot of snow on Tuesday).
FromMyColdDeadHand
04-29-10, 11:17
Where can we read the complete copy of the Maintenance Information Message that was released on 1 April 2010?
Subject: Maintenance Information (MI) Message, TACOM Life Cycle Management Command, (TACOM LCMC) Control No. MI 10-040
Interested to know the details on painting and stripping techniques and what paints they are suggesting.
bubabootie
05-03-10, 16:32
The Army is one step closer to allowing Soldiers to paint their weapons.
http://soldiersystems.net/2010/04/05/army-to-allow-soldiers-to-paint-weapons/
we've had some mixed emotions with this. On the one hand, i understand that soldiers are going to do what soldiers are going to do, and the idea is that we might as well as show them how to do it right. Otherwise we'll have kids using Krylon to cement shut their baffles and ejection port covers.
On the other hand, its capitulating to soldiers. It shows them that if they want to do something even if its against the rules, if they persist, they get their way. That to me constitutes a failure in leadership at all levels.
Personal opinion as a company grade officer: If the mission makes sense to have camouflaged rifles, then do it. The army should have a system for company level leaders to request their weapons be professionally camouflaged predeployment.
FromMyColdDeadHand
05-04-10, 17:30
While you can't get rid of all the problems with application, you also can't stop someone from cleaning their rifle incorrectly either. Anything that requires technique will inherently have a wide spectrum of outcomes. The application and removal issues are because they are using materials not designed for that application. Reading Krylon's and Rustoleum's product descriptions they are designed not to be removed easily.
Using off the shelf camo paint and expecting it to work for military applications is like buying plate steel and expecting it to act like armor plating or a Jeep to work like a Humvee.
If the coatings are strippable, then the camo can be tailored to the specific environment. If done pre-deployment, you might as well just get all the rifles done in something like FDE from the factory.
here is an "official" how to paint your weapon 101 pdf file from the Army
http://kitup.military.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/Weapons-Painting-101_FINAL.pdf
Notes for Soldiers – Weapons Painting 101
On 1 April, TACOM Life Cycle Management Command issued the Maintenance Information Message MI 10-040 “Camouflaging Specific Small Arms” stating that, given command approval, Soldiers are permitted to camouflage the M4/M16 weapon systems with paint. In essence, MI 10-040 is the Army’s “Weapons Painting 101” textbook. Presented here are PM Soldier Weapons’ crib notes for those Soldiers who have the green light to dress out their weapons with paint to reduce their visual signature on the battlefield.
Before painting your weapon, it’s important that you keep several things in mind. First and foremost is to ensure that you have proper authorization from your superior to paint the weapon. Second, remember that the weapon needs to be stripped of all paint and properly cleaned before it is returned.
Lastly, have a plan for how you want your camouflage to look. Painting a weapon is not about personalization, but increasing its tactical capabilities without impairing its ability to function.
Step One: Gather the materials
Chemical gloves
Paper towels and clean rags
Masking tape
Foam ear plugs
Clean spray bottle
Chemical apron
Protective eyewear
Newspaper
Dry cleaning solvent
Spray Paint – Available through GSA (www.gsaadvantage.gov)
o Black (1916830)
o Khaki (1917830)
o Earth Brown (1918830)
o Deep Forest Green (1919830)
o Army Green (1920830)
Step Two: Clean it up
For your camo job to really stick, you have to ensure that all the dirt, grime, and oil are removed from the weapon. Begin by removing the bolt and bolt carrier assembly, charging handle, and any other attached items from the weapon and set aside. These components will not be put back in until the paint job is complete.
2
The trick to effectively cleaning your weapon is dry cleaning fluid. TACOM instructs you don your protective gear and clean the down weapon twice with dry cleaning fluid. This ensures any oils that may not have been visible are completely removed from the weapon. Be sure to capture any dry cleaning fluid in a bucket or solvent tank in your work area. It’s important to follow hazmat rules accordingly, as dry cleaning fluid is flammable and toxic.
Step Three: Tape it Up
As with any task, so much of success depends on good preparation. If you do not properly protect the weapon from paint, you can negatively impact its performance. As a general approach, TACOM recommends that you start masking at the rear of the weapon and move forward from top to bottom. For M16 fixed-stock rifles, be sure to mask the buffer tube drain hole and buttstock screw.
Tape by Numbers:
1. With the upper and lower receivers engaged by just the front take-down pin, stuff the inside of the upper receiver with paper towels. Do not stuff paper towels into the barrel extension or chamber of the upper receiver.
2. With the weapon still broken down shotgun style, take a paper towel and place it over the top of the lower receiver covering the whole opening of the top of the lower receiver.
3. Sandwich the paper towel by closing the receiver and secure with rear take down pin.
4. Remove excess paper towel sticking out the sides and rear of the receiver. Make sure the remaining paper towel is stuck tight so that no paint will be able to get in between the upper
3
and lower receiver. If it’s not tight, layer more paper towels across until it’s snug.
5. Mask off all the markings, including: IUID label, serial number, cage code, model designator, and selector switch position markings.
6. Mask all moving parts: safety selector, magazine
release button, magazine catch, and forward assist.
7. Wrap trigger and trigger-well opening so no paint can get inside weapon.
8. Tape the iron sight.
9. Tape front sight post, post recess, and the two rear edges of the front sight.
10. Insert magazine(s) and paint only the exposed portions.
11. To paint the barrels, remove the bottom rail (if weapon has handguards, remove both) and mask off the complete barrel, front sight assembly, and slip ring.
12. Cover slot numbers on the rails.
13. Insert a foam ear plug into the barrel to
protect barrel and bore interior.
4
A laundry list of taping? Yes. But, every step is necessary to ensure the function or identification of the weapon is not compromised. If your weapon has a component, sight, or accessory that was not covered in this procedure, use common sense to properly mask it.
Step Four: Paint it
Some important points before you start to paint your weapon:
Start with a plan.
Ensure you have proper ventilation.
Do not apply paint to the barrel and front sight assembly of the weapon. The heat of the barrel during firing will burn off the paint.
Remember, “pretty” is not the objective of good camouflage. The goal is to break up the visual signature of the weapon system by blending your weapon in with your environment and uniform. If your operating environment has just light sand, then just paint your weapon tan with limited black breakup. If you are operating in a woodland environment, brown and olive drab with limited black breakup may be appropriate.
If you have an adjustable buttstock, extend it before spraying. Spray thin coats with a light touch. Let the coats dry between applications. Test the cans on paper first to get a feel for how much pressure to apply for a particular flow rate.
Looking for a template? Look to your local environment. One option is to layer local foliage or grasses on the weapon and paint around them to leave a natural-looking pattern.
5
To blend colors effectively, first coat the weapon with the lightest color you will be using. Next take a darker shade that blends with your environment and paint stripes about four inches apart at a 45 degree angle. You can do this with one or two colors. Next, you need to blend it in. Take a dark color like green or brown and from about six to eight inches away from the weapon lightly dust the gun. After that, take a lighter color (khaki, or tan) and lightly dust the gun. This will blend everything together and dull the finish. Your color palette will depend on the operational environment.
When weapon is completely dry, remove all products used during masking and lubricate weapon in accordance with TM 9-1005-319-10 OCT 1998. If you lube painted surfaces the paint will deteriorate. Wear spots or scratches can be touched up without completely stripping the weapon.
Step 5: Restoring the Weapon
The Maintenance Instruction clearly states “Weapons that are being turned in or transferred must have all paint stripped.” You may also want to remove the paint if you decide to change the camouflage scheme. Two complete coatings are authorized before stripping is required. For this exercise, throw back on the protective gear and grab bottles of dry cleaning solvent and CLP: “Cleaner, Lubricant, and Preservative.”
Disassemble the weapon and remove the bolt carrier assembly. Remove handrails. If the weapon has rails you can remove the paint with the rails attached to the upper receiver. Thoroughly spray exterior surfaces of upper/lower receivers and handguards with CLP. For best results, wait 60 minutes to allow CLP to react with painted surfaces. Use the general purpose brush to clean all exterior painted surfaces. If paint still remains on surface of weapon, apply another coat of CLP and wait. CLP may be left on painted surface for longer than 60 minutes if needed. Once paint is fully removed, clean weapon with dry cleaning fluid, reassemble and lubricate.
For more information on weapons painting, refer to TACOM CLMC MI 10-040 on the Army Electronic Product Support (AEPS) website. You can also contact your local TACOM LCMC Logistics Assistance Representative (LAR) or your State Surface Maintenance Manager for assistance.
There is no doubt that weapons painting is about to be elevated to a fine art. Anyone who has spent time in theater knows that some units haven’t waited for a formal policy to allow troopers to camouflage their weapons with paint. Some of the results have been impressive, while some results have been mixed. The bottom line, however, is that it’s more important that a weapon be functional, than “invisible.” Before you break out the spray paint, be sure to protect your weapon so that your weapon continues to protect you.
FromMyColdDeadHand
05-25-10, 21:17
Thanks! That is an interesting read, and some good tips on how to mask-up a rifle for painting.
soldiersystems
05-26-10, 22:36
Not sure if they didn't recieve input. Benning has been pushing this and expected it to be released this spring, and spring it is(even if we got alot of snow on Tuesday).
From what I understand, Benning did not know it was being released until it actually went out. Supposedly, some folks were a bit miffed. And as I have said, you can't clean the weapons following their instructions. And then there is the issue of the paint specified being lacquer.
From what I understand, Benning did not know it was being released until it actually went out. Supposedly, some folks were a bit miffed. And as I have said, you can't clean the weapons following their instructions. And then there is the issue of the paint specified being lacquer.
I'm totaly not surprised they didn't know it was released. That said when we did a breif to Soldier Requirements Division in March this was a topic of discussion. SRD was involved in making the Requirement. The miff may be more that the PM released the message, but screwed up the details, but the school had been fully involved in the development and expected the release soon.
FromMyColdDeadHand
05-26-10, 23:50
Looking at CLP and reading the TDS for the Rustoleum, I wouldn't think that it would be a very good stripper. Has anyone tried Acetone to strip the Rustoleum off?
we've had some mixed emotions with this. On the one hand, i understand that soldiers are going to do what soldiers are going to do, and the idea is that we might as well as show them how to do it right. Otherwise we'll have kids using Krylon to cement shut their baffles and ejection port covers.
On the other hand, its capitulating to soldiers. It shows them that if they want to do something even if its against the rules, if they persist, they get their way. That to me constitutes a failure in leadership at all levels.
Personal opinion as a company grade officer: If the mission makes sense to have camouflaged rifles, then do it. The army should have a system for company level leaders to request their weapons be professionally camouflaged predeployment.
The issue is that the M16/M4 should not have been issued in black - just the same as boots. Had the command structure chosen to maintain the original OD and modify that over the years, there would be no perceived "loss of leadership."
At one time certain members of an opposing General Staff considered our uniforms to be the attire of "gangsters." It certainly wasn't the peppered wool with bright anodized buttons that had goose stepped over their neighbors borders. They eventually came around and issued combat uniforms every bit as good, if not better.
Any leader who regrets the loss of pretty parade rifles at their next change of command ceremony needs an attitude check.
the only thing that a painted rifle does is look cool!!!
I am not saying that i am totally against it, but the risk of someone not knowing what they are doing, or they get paint where they don't want it and having a catastrophic failure is not worth it.
"Injury / death by misplaced Krylon"
Velcro
They make it sound like its' rocket science. They could consult with companies that do the work already or get with private individuals who have the knowledge.
No one showed me how to do it. I took the weapon, applied some common sense and made it happen.
I took the weapon, applied some common sense and made it happen.
Therein lies the Army's chief concern. Most guys will get it right, but the same bozos who need their hands held through the process of adjusting sights will need the same handholding through this, and I can see the time required to have an entire unit do a monkey-see monkey do session to paint rifles looking like a secondary priority to mandatory check in the box training in predeployment workups. There are leadership solutions to this, but I don't see those getting implemented either.
Shooter101
06-15-10, 22:52
IS there a MIL message some where that authorizes uses of paint or painting weapons? If so where can I get ahold of it or can you supply the link on line?
If you have an AKO account you can find the TACOM message here:
https://aeps2.ria.army.mil/commodity/mam/tacom_wn/mim10-040.html
It is actually a pretty good procedure for 'Joe' who has some basic skills and needs to paint his weapon. It will give you all of the P/N and procedures you need for success.
PEO Soldier has the open source short story here:
http://peosoldier.armylive.dodlive.mil/2010/05/14/crib-notes-for-soldiers-%E2%80%93-weapons-painting-101/
In general on painted weapons...
Every screwhead that doesn't like the way a piece of gear looks needs to have his head examined. We are at WAR! Fuck how it looks - does it work!?
In test after test black weapons stand out. Under NODs it is particularly bad. Black just soaks up light and looks like a weapon.
SOF have been painting weapons for many years now. My only cautionary note is that steel will rust under the paint. In many cases people don't notice the rust because it looks like brown paint. That is why TACOM does not want anyone painting the bbl. If a person really insists on painting the bbl I would recommend using a zinc based metal primer first (your local auto parts store will have it). The zinc will have a better bond to the manganese phosphate finish and will help retard corrosion. If you want a more professional job, you can use a molybdenum disulphide based paint directly to the phosphate finish. 'Moly' coat products can be found at outfits like Brownells or boating supply stores like West Marine.
PEO Soldier is a good resource for all things on Army gear. If you are not familiar with them check out their main site:
https://peosoldier.army.mil/
CAC holders can (and should) use their forum. PEO Soldier needs good feedback from guys in the field. Help them help you!
In general, PEO Soldier has a culture of genuinely wanting to help the soldier. Not that I agree with all of their ideas and conclusion but they really are trying to make it better. Look, we have come a long way from the brown wool sweater and field jacket!
darkcharisma
08-31-10, 07:33
not a bad idea, since they whole their rifles all the time might as well get some personality right?
So the thought occures to me seeing soldiers on just about a daily basis, plus the various sources of imagry of soldiers. We are now several months into this process and I have yet to notice significant numbers (if any) of weapons that have been painted in units.
Anyone else see something differant?
soldiersystems
10-04-10, 10:55
I have no evidence to support this and it is only opinion but I have a feeling that most units are still fixated on the arms room inspection and don't want to fail due to painted weapons.
Mr. Goodtimes
10-04-10, 12:29
Looking at CLP and reading the TDS for the Rustoleum, I wouldn't think that it would be a very good stripper. Has anyone tried Acetone to strip the Rustoleum off?
I use it to strip the paint off things I dont want to douse in paint stripper (like my eotech) I put some on a rag and rub the paint off. I think gel paint stripper works better on the actuall metal parts of the gun.
lacquer thinner.. it's a toxic cocktail of every nasty organic solvent you could ask for.
I have no evidence to support this and it is only opinion but I have a feeling that most units are still fixated on the arms room inspection and don't want to fail due to painted weapons.
Believe it or not, most soldiers are "gun fanatics" and therefore just don't care about painting their rifles.
A vast majority of the soldiers never leave the confines of the major FOBs and therefore have no need to bother with it.
Then, as stated, unless the unit decides to do it as a unit (porbably at the BN leve or higher) it's not going to be allowed.
In general, unless you are in a specialized section (scout/sniper, pathfinders, etc.) you aren't going to care/bother.
The good news is, it's a huge turnaround from the emergency safety-gram issued a few years back stating that weapon painting/modification was prohibited since it would result in immediate failure of said weapon...to include the installation of LASER grips on the M9.
LowSpeed_HighDrag
10-24-10, 11:37
I cant imagine the sleepless friday night full of scrubbing a rifle covered in paint and trying to turn it back in, just to have the armorer point out the little paint speck in that impossible to reach area. Lol, I wouldnt paint my rifle if that were the case.
Hoo Boy. There's a big stink over this issue over on the CATM forums. The AFSOC CATM guys are a-ok with it, then.. uh.. rear unit CATM guys are having a cow. What a shocker.
We have conventional troops walking around with enough mint green silly print armor to be bovine-esq personal pillboxes, ROE incongruous with ground truth, a lethargic disconnected military structure ill-suited to COIN. Whatever color their rifles are is of no import.
I'd vote all the accoutrement of war be coyote or similar brown.
The units that have need for a reduced signature paint their shit, or not... as it doesn't really matter at 3am.
One could always pay the price of the ticket to place onself into a unit with more mission focus
When I was a soldier back in 2005 we just did what we needed to for the mission. Now granted we got away with this because of 'secret squirrel' status, but it really was not that big of a deal. In the end the guys did clean them up I believe. We never had any failure to function because of a little paint job.
Militant83
11-23-10, 13:19
So the thought occures to me seeing soldiers on just about a daily basis, plus the various sources of imagry of soldiers. We are now several months into this process and I have yet to notice significant numbers (if any) of weapons that have been painted in units.
Anyone else see something differant?
I just got back from deployment in may and the Infantry guys we were with out of a whole BN had about 10 or so had painted rifles but they were painted before they were allowed to. Now that it has came down that it is allowed I forsee more joes doing it just for the "coolness" factor. Unless you are a sniper team who relies on their concelement to operate I dont see much use for the everyday joe to have a painted rifle. I mean we are not always going to be fighting in a desert enviroment so what are you going to do strip and repaint a rifle for every enviroment we operate in...That will create alot of wear and tear on the rifles over the years. These days you can get all the furniture for the rifles in various colors to suit whatever enviroment you are in.
we've had some mixed emotions with this. On the one hand, i understand that soldiers are going to do what soldiers are going to do, and the idea is that we might as well as show them how to do it right. Otherwise we'll have kids using Krylon to cement shut their baffles and ejection port covers.
On the other hand, its capitulating to soldiers. It shows them that if they want to do something even if its against the rules, if they persist, they get their way. That to me constitutes a failure in leadership at all levels.
Personal opinion as a company grade officer: If the mission makes sense to have camouflaged rifles, then do it. The army should have a system for company level leaders to request their weapons be professionally camouflaged predeployment.
And this is why you have NCOs. They don't need big sweeping policies put out if you're NCOs are doing their jobs. As for why you don't see a great deal of painted weapons, I'll bet money most officers are declining the use of painted weapons.
I'll bet money most officers are declining the use of painted weapons.
I would second this based on my experiences. Especially where comet inspections are concerned.
Militant83
11-29-10, 15:49
I think if troops were set on painting their weapons that instead of leaving it to the individual person to follow a set of guidelines and rattle can their rifle. The Gov. should get a contract with a firearms coating company and do something like cerekote or similar products. then whatever company got the contract could do a train the trainer type deal with armorers and the small arms repair shops in the BN levels and have them responsible for taking care of their units weapons.
I think if troops were set on painting their weapons that instead of leaving it to the individual person to follow a set of guidelines and rattle can their rifle. The Gov. should get a contract with a firearms coating company and do something like cerekote or similar products. then whatever company got the contract could do a train the trainer type deal with armorers and the small arms repair shops in the BN levels and have them responsible for taking care of their units weapons.
For you and bubabootie,
If I was a weapon painting company this is a great ideal. Other then that Some spray point, sections of a used camo net and about 20 minutes is all that's required. A issue rifle is a tool not a fashion statement and if you look at the weapons seeing heavy use on patrol, a pro paint job would have to be re done alot so why waste the money. I actualy don't think there is a shop in the country that CURRENTLY could turn around a Infantry BN's worth of weapons in short enough time to not interrupt training.
Realy a can is all you need. Stated after I painted two rifles worth over likely $6K complete in the same fashion, like my Noveske below
http://i846.photobucket.com/albums/ab25/greygroupcommunity/Spartan%20Tactical%20Precision%20Rifle%20Nov%202010/DSC_0372.jpg
Militant83
11-30-10, 21:48
For you and bubabootie,
If I was a weapon painting company this is a great ideal. Other then that Some spray point, sections of a used camo net and about 20 minutes is all that's required. A issue rifle is a tool not a fashion statement and if you look at the weapons seeing heavy use on patrol, a pro paint job would have to be re done alot so why waste the money. I actualy don't think there is a shop in the country that CURRENTLY could turn around a Infantry BN's worth of weapons in short enough time to not interrupt training.
Realy a can is all you need. Stated after I painted two rifles worth over likely $6K complete in the same fashion, like my Noveske below
http://i846.photobucket.com/albums/ab25/greygroupcommunity/Spartan%20Tactical%20Precision%20Rifle%20Nov%202010/DSC_0372.jpg
I know how easy it would be to just rattle can a weapon. But my main argument is no matter how simple something can be some people can always manage to screw it up. And if the military was going to make a set of guidelines of how it needs to be done, then it would be better if the company had the capability to meet the demand to let them do it instead of the individual person. And the benifits of something like cerekote over krylon are greater.
Either way in the end just making conversation not trying to get in a pissing match on whats best... just like making gun talk hahaha
Either way in the end just making conversation not trying to get in a pissing match on whats best... just like making gun talk hahaha
Yeah, roger me either. As a retired NCO, it bothers me when things get TO complcated. Complicated usualy ends up meaning, "No we can't do that, it's to much paperwork AND to much money."
dookie1481
12-05-10, 19:54
I was in a USMC Scout/Sniper team in Iraq circa March 2003...I almost shit a brick when command authorized us to paint our M16s. Very un-USMC like, even more so considering how much contempt officer/SNCOs seemed to have for our platoon.
Jay
Militant83
12-06-10, 23:35
I was in a USMC Scout/Sniper team in Iraq circa March 2003...I almost shit a brick when command authorized us to paint our M16s. Very un-USMC like, even more so considering how much contempt officer/SNCOs seemed to have for our platoon.
Jay
They marines have deffinitely been doing it long before the army...I first saw it being done by some of the Recon guys when I was in Iraq back in 04.
For those worried about Pvt. Snuffy screwing up and painting his ACOGs lenses or something like that, simply get those soldiers with experience or just good ole common sense and have them do everyone's weapons. That would actually be the best route, set up an assembly line style set up with a handful of troops each with a set job, that should prove to be both efficient and fast with minimal room for Murphy to rear his head.
Me personally, I'm all for it, at least for the 11, 12, 18, 19 series and the 13Fs and medics and the like who are attached to the above. After witnessing what all went on in my unit's arms room getting ready for the COMET inspection we just had, I am against them when it comes to the white glove inspection of the weapons.
U.S.Cavalryman
12-07-10, 20:24
That is how we are going to do ours after the Christmas leave. That way we dont show any Individuality. Wouldn't want to ruin a good thing by getting the Uniform Nazi's involved in it.
U.S.Cavalryman,
If you need me to bring in some rifles as samples let me know. I have like four differant samples and a couple of lessions learned.
U.S.Cavalryman
12-07-10, 23:04
That sounds like an Awesome Idea. I will hit you up a couple weeks out and we will set up a time.
here is an "official" how to paint your weapon 101 pdf file from the Army
http://kitup.military.com/wp-content...-101_FINAL.pdf
I was a lot more impressed with the Pat Rogers method of painting, I recall he wrote on this list that "if it takes longer than 20 minutes to do, your wasting your time".
soldiersystems
03-14-11, 22:21
Here is the direct link to the Army's guide.
https://peosoldier.army.mil/docs/blog/weaponspainting101.pdf
If you read SSD you would have found it.
Something you have to understand about the Army's instructions is they intend to return the weapon to factory fresh black at some point. This is a drastically different approach than someone who doesn't have to turn his weapon into the depot for maintenance at some point.
memphisjim
03-14-11, 22:22
Wow very diverse
here is an "official" how to paint your weapon 101 pdf file from the Army
http://kitup.military.com/wp-content...-101_FINAL.pdf
I was a lot more impressed with the Pat Rogers method of painting, I recall he wrote on this list that "if it takes longer than 20 minutes to do, your wasting your time".
:no:Pat Rogers knows a heck of alot more than me about shooting, but if I am going to paint my rifle, I will take however long I feel like taking to do it.
I thought this thread on TOS (http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=2&f=381&t=200708) was interesting; Marine snipers painting the M110 SASS black so that it blended more with standard issue M16A4s and didn't highlight the snipers...
I suppose the grass isn't always greener...but on the other hand it seems to me that they're painting the wrong rifles...
scoutfsu99
03-19-11, 21:13
:no:Pat Rogers knows a heck of alot more than me about shooting, but if I am going to paint my rifle, I will take however long I feel like taking to do it.
You can take however long you want, but if you do it a couple times, you'll find that a quick 20min job usually ends up better than those guys laboring over their rifles. A couple quick, light coats and you're good to go.
We painted our rifles my 1st tour. It was too easy and set me up for success in the future (regarding painting them). If you are worried about your soldier painting an optic lens or a BCG......they probably shouldn't even have a rifle in the first place.
Sometimes it is amazing what the Army can accomplish in spite of it's self.
1776 Patriot
06-11-11, 23:29
First thing our unit did in Iraq was to paint ALL of our weapons. Although we did get some flak for it.......:D
I just gave a Company wide class on painting weapons. If they're worried about soldiers doing stupid shit, ie painting what they shouldn't, getting paint in the bore, etc., then that's what Team Leaders are for. Brake cleaner easily gets rid of Krylon and one-legged squats easily fix stupid Joe's.
It doesn't have to be art. As long as you a) break up the outline of the weapon and b) paint it with earth tones relative to your AO, it's an effective pattern.
10 minutes with a rattle can is more than enough to work. It won't get you props on the interwebs, but it'll do what it needs to do where it counts.
At my old unit, we had a locker full of Krylon the armorer would use on our weapons.
Paraclete comes
07-07-11, 00:47
We run our students through a class on camoflauge and a portion of that is camoflauge of sniper equipment. Its enough for them and then we show them examples of our own gear. They really like it, a couple hours for them to relax a bit and almost art in our own wierd way. I love using veg alot on my kit but like a few others have mentioned, anything other than black is pretty much good. Any naturally occuring color is a money maker.
deadlyfire
07-10-11, 14:15
For some reason I see the stipulations laden down upon painting your own weapon were steps taken to discourage it.
Any of our recce elements & sniper teams krylon'd their stuff with no problem all the way down to their FLCs. (this was in 09-10)
I got away with camouflaging a lot, although it was always a risk on my behalf =P
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