Tech Note

May 3, 2001

TECHNICAL NOTE 44: CAMOUFLAGE RIFLE FINISH

BACKGROUND:  
ArmaLite has introduced several camouflage finishes as options to ArmaLite rifles. Camouflage is available in a number of options ranging from furniture only (stock, grip, and handguard) to whole-rifle camouflage

FACTS:
ArmaLite’s camouflage finish is applied in a complex paint process that is a blend of technology and art.  A base coat of paint is applied to the rifle, and a camouflage pattern is laid onto the base coat.  Almost every square inch of the rifle is covered, with remaining sheltered areas colored by hand.  Coverage is excellent, with only small corners showing spots of underlying color.  The finish is then protected by two coats of non-glare polyeurethane finish.

The camouflage finish is durable, but will naturally scratch or wear off with extended use.  Scratches or wear of the camouflage are not covered under warranty. By the nature of camouflage, it can be extremely worn and continue to serve perfectly.  Minor damage to the finish can be repaired by the owner with Testors® or another brand of high quality paint of suitable colors.

The camouflage finish can be stripped and reapplied when needed.   The process is performed in large lots, so ArmaLite must schedule the service in advance.  We cannot continually stockpile customer firearms while awaiting the next lot.  Rifles must be submitted for finishing on a schedule provided by the ArmaLite sales staff. 

Camouflage can also be applied to customer rifles that have not previously been camouflaged.  Refinishing an existing rifle or applying camouflage to a customer’s rifle is more expensive than finishing a rifle during manufacture because of the need for cleaning and disassembly.  Please contact ArmaLite for instructions and pricing covering camouflaging customer rifles. 

Some parts of the rifle will be somewhat tighter after application of the finish.  Takedown and Pivot Pins, Charging Handles, and the Magazine Well are prone to such tightening but movement will ease as the rifle is used.

© 2001 ArmaLite, Inc.