Before the Bell and Carlson film-finish camouflage.

Film-finish camouflage was a rarity on guns or bows only ten years ago. And although the bowhunting industry found a very accepting hunter in their eventual marketing of factory-camouflaged weapons, Mossberg's offering of their turkey-oriented shotguns in a durable camouflage skin often left the shooting purist disgusted at the audacity the company had in stepping on tradition. I admit now that I have used one of their guns with a factory-camo coating for several years. Although I initially had railed against the change from the "normal" appearance, it didn’t take very long to become convinced that the obscuring effect and the durability of the coating definitely was a plus in many hunting situations.

After the Bell and Carlson film-finish camouflage.

Prior to this near recent history, hunters who wanted their weapon less than dramatically visible in the wildlands had only a couple of choices: bulky cloth blouses of camo fabric, or the "pain in the patoot" method of camo taping were the only commercially offered products. Both of these methods brought along with them a fairly serious complication of extensive corrosion possibilities. Innovative hunters, much as I was myself back in the late 1970s, took to the newly available cans of flat forest tints and modified the outward appearance of the factory coatings. Some of these attempts were hugely primitive, while others turned out at the top of the artistic scale. Yet regardless of the relative skill of application, paint had one inherent flaw when applied to smooth metal or fiberglass or hardwood — it had no durability against even the mildest wear. By the end of even the shortest season, the wear was as apparent as the Copenhagen tin ring in the back pocket of your blue jeans. It was the best we had, but best in a slow race is nothing to shout about. That was then, and now I’m here to tell you that it’s time to raise your voices.

Recently I sent a couple of Remington 870 shotguns off to two different companies that provide both commercial and private individuals with the availability of an effective camouflage coating process. The service was extremely easy to use, and to say I was satisfied with the results of their work is understating it quite dramatically.

Bell and Carlson of Dodge City, Kansas, has been on the ground with this technology for several years now, but is better known in the industry for their excellent after-market synthetic rifle stocks. Their camo process is marketed under the trade name Creative Effects‘ System. At present, Bell and Carlson is licensed to apply eight camouflage patterns: Mossy Oak Breakup, Mossy Oak Shadow Grass, Skyline Excel, Trebark Superflage, Advantage, Natural Gear, Freedom Green, and Freedom Tan.

The pattern chosen for Bell and Carlson to apply to the plain-stocked 870 Express was of MossyOak Breakup. Shipping the weapon was a very simple process: Under United States firearms shipping laws an individual has no need for a federal firearms license (FFL) to send the gun off to the company modifying the finish. I went to the local post office and sent the shotguns off in hard cases — but original shipping containers will work also. Although return time was given as 4 to 6 weeks, actual return may run less, as production schedules tend to flux.

Upon inspection of the firearm, returned via UPS, I was amazed at the change in appearance. The Plain Jane was now a Prom Queen. The seamless pattern was smooth, with a slightly matte over-finish. It was applied with perfection to all surfaces. Feed ramp, slide bars, trigger guard, and bolt — surfaces that would most likely show an elevated level of friction wear in normal use were not coated. Both the durability and value of this shotgun had been stepped up several levels. Cost for this service — be it to rifle or shotgun was $175 — a very modest price for the upgrade to the weapon. Contact Bell and Carlson at (620) 225-6688.

Jim Crumley is a name most hunters know as the inventor of the original Trebark Camouflage (recently purchased by MossyOak). Crumley, in addition to still supporting his original camo patterns as well as his new Bigwoods, has also brought to life another company of his own. It is "Trebark Second Skin Camouflage," a factory-finish production facility located in Roanoke, Virginia. He offers 13 different licensed patterns: Trebark Sniper, MossyOak Forest Floor, Realtree Timber, Advantage Wetlands, Realtree x-Tra Brown, Advantage, Realtree All-purpose, Realtree Hardwoods, MossyOak Breakup, Trebark Bigwoods, MossyOak Shadow Branch, MossyOak Shadow Grass, and Realtree x-Tra Grey. As with the other shotgun, I shipped by US Mail and several weeks later had the weapon returned to my home by FedEx.

The Trebark Bigwoods pattern was applied in like quality to the other shotgun. Once again a dirt-ugly shotgun had received a "makeover" that would induce even Oprah to applaud. The pattern was topped with a satin finish that was slightly more "showy" but would not be a reflective factor for a hunter. During this turkey season, it often became the final piece of my equipment to disappear in the woods. Quite impressive work at a price of $175. Rifles are priced the same, with side-by-sides and over-and-unders $20 more. Contact Trebark Second skin Camouflage at (800) 843-2266.

The process by which each dealer worked this magic is much the same. In very simple terms, all guns, bows, and individual parts (I would imagine they could even coat your car’s carburetor for you if you desired it) are disassembled, the finish is removed and the surface is slightly scuffed for the new pattern finish to "bite" onto. An "ink" pattern is laid upon the surface of water in a tank, and the ink backing melts away, leaving the coating floating on top. The prepared part is dipped onto the floating pattern and the pressure of the water wraps the film totally around the part. The patterned piece is dried and then an automotive-quality, clear topcoat is applied to give the piece weather resistance and durability. Each weapon is then reassembled and shipped back to you.

Neither manufacturer coats bolts, bolt handles, floor plates, feed ramps, trigger guards, pump slide rails, scopes, mounts, or rings as part of the "whole gun" process. However, at the owner’s request any or all of these parts can be "filmed" for a stipulated cost. Bow owners will find these services to be had for around 2/3's of the gun cost for a basic coating.

If you decide to have this type of finish applied — and I’ll tell you, I’m not yet through having some of my other guns film coated — you will find it to be a terribly durable and rainproof finish, without the need for any oiling to keep rust at bay. But a big heads up here, the uncoated interior of barrels and actions will still require proper gun care and lubrication to keep them corrosion free!

Whether you have a economy grade gun, nickel-bright stainless steel smoker, Grandpa’s old well-worn family shooter, or simply want to avail yourself of the benefits of complete camouflage and the ultimate of finish durability, you can be assured either of these fine companies will return your weapon to you with outstanding value in all areas. However, if you make the decision to get a new look, I have one caution to give you — never lean your gun against a tree and walk any distance away from it… The darned things can disappear instantly — the camo is that good!!!

THINK A GOOD THOUGHT!

Frank Medicine Wolf Springer