How important are aftermarket finishes on tactical bolt rifles?

[maximus83]

I've been wondering recently just how much of a priority should it be, when you're setting up a bolt rifle for precision shooting--whether comps or tactical or just range--to have an aftermarket coating applied? I'm talking about the various corrosion protection packages like Roguard, Cerakote, Duracoat, Teflon, etc.

Obviously they're NICE to have if money is no object. But money almost always IS an object, and I'm curious how much of a priority this item should be.

Recently I was talking to the guy who did some custom work on my rifle, and asked him if I should put on a coating. He had kind of a different perspective than you hear from some rifle customizers, who will basically sell you anything to add a few more bucks to the order.

He said: "Sure, I can Cerakote it for you and I'll make a little more money, but no I don't think it's necessary. Just take care of your rifle, apply a good rust-proofing solution regularly and keep it in a treated bag, dry safe, or both."

He went on to point out that all the guys who settled this country and carried rifles--guys like Lewis and Clark, the pioneers, guys who went into Alaska, etc.--were carrying old blued rifles in the worst of conditions and didn't have any of the modern rust-proofing products we do, yet they still managed to keep their rifles clean and functional. So bottom line: his perspective is, modern coatings are nice, but totally unnecessary if you take care of your rifle.

I'd like to hear anybody else's thoughts on the importance of finishes.

[markm]

If I were setting up a precision rig there's no way I'd opt for one of those city slicker coatings. I'd just camo paint it. That way a finish touch up is only a spray away.

[maximus83]

I hear you, Demi. But I've also noticed that respected builders, like GA Precision, are offering Cerakote on all their higher end models that cost over $3K (though it costs extra to have it added to their base model which runs about $2k). So, even though part of me doesn't want to do it, I have to think there may be SOME good reason for the finishes if solid companies like GAP are offering them.

Even though I still agree with the guy that worked on my rifle, that you CAN get by without custom finishes, they may add some real value if you live in a very rust-prone environment (which I do). I'm researching the idea of getting a Robar finish, for about $325 (plus shipping), but trying to decided if it'll add enough value to justify the cost. Hoping to find a few guys who have had Robar or Cerakote or similar finishes put on a rifle, and see if they think it was worth it.

[Dave L.]

When GAP built my rifle I had them put Tan CeraKote on it. It works as a nice base coat for spray paint BUT... A little oil mixed with a little dust/sand will take the finish right off.
If your gun is a safe queen then it will last. If you actually use it, and drag it on your way to the target...just stick with Krylon.

[zac4551]

I might look at getting a different finish if I was going to be out in rough environments for days or weeks at a time but I can usually clean my rifle the same day.

[maximus83]

I haven't worked with painting my own rifles before, using Krylon or anything similar.

I googled and found a few basic guides suggesting how other guys put Krylon or something similar on their rifles.

Are any of these guides any good, or can someone suggest a better process?

http://www.optactical.com/weaponpainting.html

http://m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=10905

http://www.alpharubicon.com/leo/arrspray.htm

[friedcheese]

I had my Rem 700 Milspec Cerakoted....


Love it.... would do it again and again, but I won't have to cuz it's cerakote.

The green and black was Krylon.... the SS was the orginal




the tan is cerakote earth, the stock I texured with Marine Tex, then Krylon'd the hell out of it, just got gray krylon to put the 3rd color to it....






I think total cost for the creakote... just under $200. He resprayed 3 times to make it perfect. Stuff is great!

Possible I'll do duracoat on the stock once it wears more.



Need the Scope , Rings, Bipod done in the same color.

[DocGKR]

How many military sniper rifles have an aftermarket finish? How many get spray painted? There's your answer...

[andre3k]

How many military sniper rifles have an aftermarket finish? How many get spray painted? There's your answer...

+ 1

All the .mil sniper rifles I've seen look like they have ratty krylon jobs to me.

[yrac]

If it's a pride of ownership thing, and you've got the money to spend, then have at it. If your budget requires some tradeoffs, you're better served spending the money on a quality base, rings and good glass. Then get good training. Then add the finish later if you have the funds and still want it.