Any one "weather" look their AR?

[1911ZENSHOOTER]

Seen a few examples of "battle worn" /weathered rifles on ARF Retro Forum, but wondering if there are any among Calgun ranks who have done this.

Considering doing this to retro build built on NDS XM grey receivers. The finish appears to be ultra durable. I'm hearing everything from steel wool/clp, sand paper, to throwing it down the drive way (not).

Any pics, methods etc would be appreciated. I'm not thinking that what guys are doing with their AK's metal applies as much to anodized aluminum. Also, the OBVIOUS "take it out and shoot the crap out of it" is not what I'm looking for either, I have other rifles I am trying to kill using that method. Mostly want to tinker with my toys...

Pics pics pics
Thanks!

[adamsreeftank]

I think wearing through the hard anodized coating on an AR is a bad idea. If you really want a worn look, how about using silver paint and a "dry brush" technique.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lcIYkCz-Dco

[Richard Erichsen]

With AKs, we call it "seasoning." The process involves burying in your yard for a few months with the barrel plugged, digging it up and cleaning off the rust. When the surface is brushed and burnished, what finish remains is quite "seasoned" and looks like a well worn war relic left over from any of hundreds of ongoing civil wars and border skirmishes. You don't have to include your bolt carrier even your barrel, but it may look a bit odd with some parts well worn and others not so much.

R

[ElvenSoul]

I got this finish by taking it out of the safe. You know hunting, shooting, and just letting it smack around inside the truck a little.

[RLTW]

Best thing to do is just shoot it and don't baby it. Lay it on the ground, crawl with it and have fun that will create natural wear marks, rather than trying to create fake.

Most wear is contributed to over cleaning as well. Along with going to the field in the rain rusting areas that were worn from use and cleaning.

Have fun with it !!

[Full Clip]

I think wearing through the hard anodized coating on an AR is a bad idea. If you really want a worn look, how about using silver paint and a "dry brush" technique.]

How about just taking a couple good training classes? Presto.

[BrokerB]

lord almighty... just go use the rifle..dont hold it with gloves. I understand if you only have access to a public range its a bit tougher. WHen I drive around property I have rifle slung over back - it bangs around bumping off stuff

[zfields]

How about just taking a couple good training classes? Presto.

But that means I might actually have to shoot my rifle, not just dress it up like a Barbie doll.

[The War Wagon]

How about just taking a couple good training classes? Presto.

But that means I might actually have to shoot my rifle, not just dress it up like a Barbie doll.

MY first thoughts, when I saw the thread title!

[zfields]

MY first thoughts, when I saw the thread title!

I used to be really active on a website called Talkbass, a forum for bass guitar/ double bass. It was always full of threads about cases, protecting gear etc etc.
Then someone said something that clicked to me.

Once you get your first scratch, you can just stop worrying.

Since then, in all my hobbies, I have my "players", which get beat around and what not, and then my collector pieces.

AR's/Ak's fit into the "player" category. A pristine, matching numbers, original parts Garand......that's different.

[1911ZENSHOOTER]

Zfield, War Wagon,

I doubt you read my original post.
If you think you're talking to some wannabe, green shooter who has a safe full of queens you're sadly mistaken. I've shot ARs to pieces and quite frankly, for serious shooting this gun ain't it. It's a retro clone, not something I plan on running like that.

Yeh, let me guess, ex force recon guys who now shoot thousands of rounds a week right? You are real shooters huh? I'd take the Pepsi challenge on the range anyway.

To the rest of the guys who chimed in with useful information, thanks.

[zfields]

Zfield, War Wagon,

I doubt you read my original post.
If you think you're talking to some wannabe, green shooter who has a safe full of queens you're sadly mistaken. I've shot ARs to pieces and quite frankly, for serious shooting this gun ain't it. It's a retro clone, not something I plan on running like that.

Yeh, let me guess, ex force recon guys who now shoot thousands of rounds a week right? You are real shooters huh? I'd take the Pepsi challenge on the range anyway.

To the rest of the guys who chimed in with useful information, thanks.

Was more responding to the post below yours, talking about painting the rifle,

So kindly pull the stick outa ur bum.


FWIW, I have an extremely long tutorial on "weather" wood and metal parts for guitars if you would like it. I dont think any of the parts translate well over to aluminum, but it may help out.


Sent from my super elite, force recon, navy seal GPS unit/communication device/microwave.

[1911ZENSHOOTER]

Zfield, no offense taken. I just reread your post, thanks for the info. No barbie dolls here. Oh and I see no stick in my bum, the sign says exit only.

Just sick of all the unnecessary arrogance on these boards surrounding guns, shooting and acquiring them. I found that a lot of the guys who brag about what they got, and what they do, and wind up being pretenders.

Just taken back by the very posts that I asked not be included here in my thread.

So to those who may be confused, I like to tinker. Last few weeks I reworked my 1911, refinished a set of 870 wood, 2 sets of AK wood and built an AR. This is next.

[adamsreeftank]

Was more responding to the post below yours, talking about painting the rifle,

So kindly pull the stick outa ur bum.

So does that mean I should be the one taking offense?

[1911ZENSHOOTER]

I don't know. Have you?