11 replies to this topic

[foggysurf]

My only gear that isn't camo'd is my gun, and while i bought some camo paint, i just can't get myself to do it. I practiced on my thermos, and covered some buckles and other shiny things, but i know once i start spraying my gun its going to look like poop. i guess this whole thing is a learning experience but maybe someone could rec a SF Bay area local that will do it right.Thanks, FoggyPS - do you guys carry binoculars? I think it would help my identification and pass the time with some of the higher flying birds or is it a distraction with another thing in your pocket?

[Jeff]

You don't have to have a camo gun.If carrying binoculars is something you want to do to help you identify birds, go for it. Identification is a very important thing.

[KClark]

Camo isn't a must, but it doesn't hurt. The good thing about paint is it will come off if you're not happy with it. Krylon is easy, cheap and comes in all kinds of flat colors. I have a couple I painted but I do it more for entertainment than stealth. Laquer thinner or acetone will take it right off.As I understand it, most animals, the turkey excepted, don't have much resolving power. Their vision is very keen at detecting movement but when it comes to recognizing stationary objects they are way behind us. Shiney objects flash, they detect that very well. If you sit in the shade and remain perfectly motionless it's amazing what will walk by without giving you a second glance. When they get a wiff of you panic mode kicks in.I always wear binos, they are a huge benefit. Our vision is the biggest advantage we have over animals in the wild. Reminds me of an Idaho deer hunt a couple years back. I used my binos every minute, the two guys I was with did not. One didn't bring binos and the other said they were to heavy to carry around. I saw 50-100 deer a day, they never saw over 10 deer in one day. I killed two nice bucks, they didn't see a single horn.

[Frank]

I used to be afraid of painting my equipment also. But no more, as it really is not that hard to do and can make a nice improvement in certain cases. Hey, if I can spray paint my $600 Zeiss scope, it should not be too hard on other cheaper items. Should it? LOLYou could also visit Ca Desert Dogs (Red's) website. Can't recall his letters, but you can find it under one of his posts. He has some good info on spraying stuff. As far as binocs go, I personally do not use them for anything but big game hunting. Which is a NECESSITY for that IMHO. However, lots of folks do use them for other species, and if it helps the individual, then why not? BUT, be careful if using them for predator hunting, as the movement could get you busted much easier. Be slow and cautious in other words.Good LuckFrank

[KClark]

be careful if using them for predator hunting, as the movement could get you busted much easier. Be slow and cautious in other words.Good LuckFrank

Excellent point.

[DirtyDave]

Here are 2 guns I did

[pete]

This could help.Camo Jobs

[Frank]

WOW... Outstanding job, Dave, on the two guns you camo'd. Beautiful piece of work for sure. Frank

[foggysurf]

Thanks for quick and informative replies. My brain is camo'd out searching the internet. the most impressive tool i saw was the whole dipping/hydrographing but those were impressive pics above. My barrell is a bit old (sat for 20 years) and starting to rust, which means i have been super diligent after each use to clean it. if i wait a day to clean my gun, its a friggin mess. Seems like a camo job will prevent access??no guns under the tree this year but man am i going shopping in 2011!

[Thumper Dunker]

Real nice. Great job on them

[clampdaddy]

Just go for it. If you mess up on the first try, just throw on another coat. The main thing to remember is that you need to get all of the oil out of the pores of the steel before you spray, and don't get paint on parts that slide againced other parts. I use brake cleaner on the steel and automotive electronic cleaner on plastics. This one is a simple two color pattern that works well in the duck blind. I used Krylon tan for the base coat and Krylon brown for the top coat.

[CaseyU]

When i bought my benelli. My buddy has had one for a couple years, his was the synthetic, anyways he did some research and found the guy who dips the guns for benelli, if i remember right it was only about a hundred and fifty bucks a gun. which for the dip is awesome. it's pretty much put another twenty years to a lifetime on the gun (protection wise) depending on how much you use it. But i will tell you if you want to do it yourself. rock yours socks off, i bet the ducks won't care too much! best of luck, and happy holidays