Pros/Cons of painting a M&P 15-22?

[That-jmack-kid]

Ok guys, here I am. I need to know the pros/cons of painting my new 15-22. I shot one this weekend and decided since it was so fun and accurate, why not buy one? From what i understand the lower and upper reciver are not metal, but thats all i know. Im really new to all this so any help is much appreciated!! Thanks guys

 

[300xc]

I'm probably going to hydro dip and clear coat mine. It just looks a lot cleaner to me.
If you don't have it done professionally, then it will almost definitely destroy your resale value. I'm not planning on selling mine, so that isn't an issue for me, but might be for the next guy.

If you aren't planning on hydro dipping, then I would look at getting it Cerakoted. Read up on it if you are unfamiliar. It is expensive, but really good stuff.

 

[That-jmack-kid]

im not looking for a pretty, perfect kind of paint job as much as im looking for practicality or performance, just putting that out there also. And im sorry but i have no idea of what a hydro dip is...

 

[BillyJack2012]

Pro's: Looks cool if you do it right and you can make it your own. Also looks good when it starts to chip and get beat up.

Con's: You'll likely look back and say man, I wish it was still a simple, clean black.

That's my 15-22 in the foreground. It's a ton of fun to shoot. I painted my ladder covers, stock and grip. Didn't like it so I swapped the grip out with a black one. Still not sure if I like it. I miss it all black.

 

[cxwrench]

im not looking for a pretty, perfect kind of paint job as much as im looking for practicality or performance, just putting that out there also. And im sorry but i have no idea of what a hydro dip is...

The Googles are amazing. And browse through this thread, tons of good looking rifles. http://smith-wessonforum.com/smith-wesson-m-p-15-22/102415-m-p-15-22-picture-thread.html

 

[That-jmack-kid]

im wanting to paint the whole thing lower, upper, rail guards, scope stock, mag, barrel, rails everything. In my opinion anything else looks unfinished...

 

[RedNeck Jim]

Sometimes I wonder if this is a gun forum or a Barbie Doll dress up forum?

If you are serious about wanting practicality & performance... leave it black.

 

[HRArms]

Sometimes I wonder if this is a gun forum or a Barbie Doll dress up forum?

If you are serious about wanting practicality & performance... leave it black.

Completely agree. If its not for function, modding a gun is pointless.

 

[Vinney47]

I can't think of a single "pro" for painting it, but that's just me.

Cons... it can turn out bad. regardless of if it's done right or not it will affect re-sale. You'll wish for back in black at some point.

A bit off topic, but sometimes I wish for the simpler days when any sort of "paint" type activity on guns meant staining/refinishing your stock, and finding bricks of .22 on store shelves was as common as finding boogers in your nose.

 

[trebor127]

why not just buy one of these

Product: Model M&P15-22 - .22 Long Rifle, Realtree® APG HD® Camo

keith

 

[gdnagle]

im not looking for a pretty, perfect kind of paint job as much as im looking for practicality or performance, just putting that out there also. And im sorry but i have no idea of what a hydro dip is...

looking for practicality or performance leave it the way it is then, functions fine and doesn't look bad.

Google hydro dip, has info on how to do it and shows results. There are also other ways to do the camo, digital etc. and kits that have everything you need to do it. It's like the old tie-dye us older folk remember from the 60's except with a firearm.

im wanting to paint the whole thing lower, upper, rail guards, scope stock, mag, barrel, rails everything. In my opinion anything else looks unfinished...

Another +1 for leaving it the color it is. But to each their own. If you paint it you limit the market if you decide to sell it. Only con I can come up with. Check out the search the treads for coating options. Remember once it's painted there is no going back to original without replacing parts. You can strip or paint over but it ain't original. Good thought coating all of it I, personally don't like the few parts here and there a different color but that's just me.

You buy it it's yours do what you want 'with it. No one else has to live with it.

 

[Beuford T. Rimfire]

I think you should do whatever you want to your gun. After all it's YOUR gun. You won't be the first person on this forum to turn your rifle into a manly craft project.

Look through the picture thread, there are tons of painted rifles and ideas to help you decide what to do.

 

[CrazyFingers]

im not looking for a pretty, perfect kind of paint job as much as im looking for practicality or performance

How is the practicality or performance of the .22LR 15-22 enhanced by painting it?
That's not to say that you shouldn't paint your rifle, if you want to, to enhance its aesthetics to meet your personal preferences. It's your rifle, make it look however you want.

But I can't imagine a genuinely practical reason to paint it that will enhance its performance.

 

[yugowego]

.mil does it so that adds +1,000 to the cool factor. I say krylon that baby up!

 

[That-jmack-kid]

To everyone that helped a new kid out thanks! To all those who criticized, i ment the performance and function of the camo, not internals such as a trigger job new barrel ect.

 

[rickyblaze]

I have been contemplating on doing my 1522 like my saiga12. Makes the weapon disappear into the surroindings

Sent from my DROID RAZR HD using Tapatalk

 

[030201_S&W]

Some of my safety points are now red. I like it.