Tian, a former corpsman with 1st Battalion 9th Marines in Camp Lejeune and a friend of TFB writer Miles, wrote …

Myself and a friend went a little out of our way with some basic spray paint. The rifle is a Daniel Defense M4 in .223, older model Eotech 512, Crane stock, Viking Tactical two point sling, Magpul iron sights and rail protectors. Not pictured but on the other side is an Inforce light. I used tan paint as a base, then working with sponges and laundry bag netting made the patterns with green and brown spray paint.

My friend had his Benelli Supernova in 12 gauge and Smith & Wesson Shield in 9mm. He took off the pump and Mesa Tactical shell carrier, then covered up the receiver and pistol grip with tape for the basic tan. Sling is an issue Marine Corps Three Point attached to a conventional sling swivel. Tube extension is an aftermarket part added on to the shotgun.

Nothing special about the Shield, just the same process. The most important thing to remember about spray painting is to be super careful about covering internals and parts you don’t want painted. Even to the point of stuffing cotton balls or q tips into small holes and crevices.

If you look at the shotgun there’s a little smudge just above the pistol grip that could have been avoided had tape been better applied. But the great thing about spray paint is that it is easily taken off with nail polish or acetone. Another thing is to take as many of the internals out of the rifle before painting, this gives it definition but also helps not get any paint inside the gun as it might start gumming things up.

They came out looking great in my opinion.