Ronin Posted July 29, 2007 Report Share Posted July 29, 2007 Having attempted to paint my own rifle stocks in the past, (without much success other than single colours) I decided to take the step of having a professional do the job. Jager Sporting Arms Coatings is a relatively new player in the UK gun trade who offer a spray coating service to the sportsman no matter what the discipline. The founder of the company, James Clark is the only certified Duracoat finisher in the UK. Duracoat is a two part finish which originates from the United States. James has undergone a week long intensive course to qualify as a certified finisher and is serious about his business. I took the opportunity to visit James at his workshop to have my Mcmillan Sako Varmint stock refinished. The stock is fitted to my Tikka 595 custom in 22-250AI. The stock was originally a plain grey colour as delivered by Mcmillan. I asked James if he would change the colour and make it a bit more interesting. James was going to exhibit his wares at the CLA Gamefair, but due to cancellation of the event, he offered to do the stock, “while I waited” I was interested to see how the process was applied, so I took him up on the offer. On arrival at the premises, I was shown to a newly built workshop, which had a blasting cabinet, filtered spraying booth and drying oven large enough to accommodate about 80 stocks at any one time. James is certainly knowledgeable about his product and examples of his work were on display in a range of colours from a basic OD Green to lime green and cherry red. He offers a variable service which is dependant on customer requirements. You might want your stock coated, your action and stock or even a total refinish of a complete rifle including moderator and scope He explained that the Duracoat paint was hard enough to stick to virtually any surface and remained chip resistant and was able to withstand intense heat even if applied to a muzzle brake, which I thought to be very impressive. The Duracoat finish is available in single, twin or triple colour combinations and in just about any pattern imaginable from tiger stripe, random camouflage to complex digital patterns. I chose a Tiger Stripe in green and black, yes you guessed it, there were numerous black shades to choose from and just as many greens – decisions, decisions! Once my choice was made, James degreased the stock and then gave it a gentle blasting of kiln dry sand to provide a key for the Duracoat to be applied to. Once satisfied, James then applied a Durafill where the stock needed minor chips smoothing over despite protestations from me that it was ok he is a perfectionist! James then carefully measured out the correct mix of black base coat, activator and thinner and sprayed the first coat on black all over the stock in the spray booth. The stock was then baked in the warm oven for an hour until it was cured. He then meticulously masked the black with a random Tiger Stripe pattern and applied the green second coat, back to the drying oven for another hour and then James finished the stock with a clear coat to seal and protect the new finish. After a final hour in the oven, I was presented with a completed stock – the finish was very impressive indeed. The colours were sharp and yet I think will blend in to the area I use the rifle. Well, all I now l need is some burlap for stainless barrel! The Duracoat finish is tough, hardwearing, tactile and unique as no one coating will ever be replicated. I definitely recommend anyone who is considering changing their rifle / shotgun finish gives James a call as this product delivers. The Original rifle: Duracoat Tiger Stripe two colour Green / Black Jager Sporting Arms Coatings Certified DuraCoat Finisher James Clark 0808-155-8918 or 0796-802-5033 Email: Jager.sportingarms@virgin.net Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shootingbags Posted July 29, 2007 Report Share Posted July 29, 2007 A very informative write up Andy and looks like James does an excellent job Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
6mmBR Posted July 29, 2007 Report Share Posted July 29, 2007 Looking good Dave Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jager SA Posted July 29, 2007 Report Share Posted July 29, 2007 Thanks chaps. Contact me if youre interested, special rates for active board members. Without selling the product, it is a damn fine coating, the best on the market I think. Thanks again. Kal Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wsm Posted July 29, 2007 Report Share Posted July 29, 2007 Excellent review as always Andy It looks like an excellent product you`ve got there Kal Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jager SA Posted July 29, 2007 Report Share Posted July 29, 2007 Hmm, Andy we need to do something with that scope, barrel and action now methinks. Go on you know you want it! Kal Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ronin Posted July 29, 2007 Author Report Share Posted July 29, 2007 Well I would have no hesitation either recommending this coating or having another stock / complete rifle done. The amount of effort James takes to prep and coat is definately not reflected by the price. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
col48 Posted July 29, 2007 Report Share Posted July 29, 2007 hi kal are you doing stainless steel coatings as well (action and barrel) ATB Colin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jager SA Posted July 29, 2007 Report Share Posted July 29, 2007 Colin I can do any metal finish as required, the only thing I dont think I can do with SS is parkerizing, it can be done im just not up to speed with the process...Yet! Duracoat likes SS and after completing all my rifles I recommend it. Eventually all the work on barrels and actions will be parkerized prior to coating, this gives double the protection on the metal against rust. Chromoly is well suited to the process as you would expect as it does tend to be prone to the elements. For the nice blued finishes a clear coat can be applied leaving the appearance of bluing untouched. Kal Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bambi-basher Posted July 29, 2007 Report Share Posted July 29, 2007 I can vouch for how tough Du-coat is, even if you drop your stock on a concrete floor it does not chip off. Don’t ask. B-b Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jager SA Posted July 29, 2007 Report Share Posted July 29, 2007 I can vouch for how tough Du-coat is, even if you drop your stock on a concrete floor it does not chip off. Don’t ask. B-b Ah, yes about your action, you see guv.... All sweet and smooth as a babies bum, without the baby of course! Kal Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest 308Panther Posted July 30, 2007 Report Share Posted July 30, 2007 How does the heat affect the synthetics that make up the stock? Can this be applied to any type of synthetic stock?? What about some of the older nylon,used in some of the rimfire rifles in the late 60's...early 70's... 308Panther Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jager SA Posted July 30, 2007 Report Share Posted July 30, 2007 How does the heat affect the synthetics that make up the stock?Can this be applied to any type of synthetic stock?? What about some of the older nylon,used in some of the rimfire rifles in the late 60's...early 70's... 308Panther Providing you dont go OTT with heat during curing they will be fine, other than that thye can be air cured. There is 1 degree difference between success and failure with some stocks as the structure will open up, weakening the compounds resulting in stock integrity failure. Any stock can be coated with gentle preparation. Kal Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest northernchris Posted July 30, 2007 Report Share Posted July 30, 2007 James What sort of money are you charging for doing a stock????? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jager SA Posted July 30, 2007 Report Share Posted July 30, 2007 James What sort of money are you charging for doing a stock????? Chris It depends what people want, but these are guide prices: Single colour stock only £75.00 inc vat + P+P Two colour stock only £125.00 inc vat + P+P Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest northernchris Posted July 30, 2007 Report Share Posted July 30, 2007 Not bad at all,do you do digi flech type? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bambi-basher Posted July 30, 2007 Report Share Posted July 30, 2007 Have to say Andy that Tikka looks dam sexy in tiger stripe than in the standard colour. Kal how much to do the wife in tiger stripe? B-b Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jager SA Posted July 30, 2007 Report Share Posted July 30, 2007 Not bad at all,do you do digi flech type? Chris Yes I do the Digital patterns but they are not cheap, the special offer on this is £250, there is a lot of work in the pattern. Thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest 308Panther Posted July 31, 2007 Report Share Posted July 31, 2007 Have to say Andy that Tikka looks dam sexy in tiger stripe than in the standard colour. Kal how much to do the wife in tiger stripe? B-b Kal... Ya better use the water soluble stuff on this one.... Cause I am thinking he wants the kinda paint that licks off... and ya better use the Strawberry flavoring too 308Panther Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jager SA Posted July 31, 2007 Report Share Posted July 31, 2007 Kal...Ya better use the water soluble stuff on this one.... Cause I am thinking he wants the kinda paint that licks off... and ya better use the Strawberry flavoring too 308Panther Hmm, ive got pink and cherry if thats any good! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alycidon Posted July 31, 2007 Report Share Posted July 31, 2007 Found the Duracoat website ok www.lauerweaponry.com/refinishers.cfm But there is no indication of what sort of patterns etc that are available or is it anything you want at a price of course. What do your rifles look like Kal?. A Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jager SA Posted July 31, 2007 Report Share Posted July 31, 2007 Found the Duracoat website ok www.lauerweaponry.com/refinishers.cfm But there is no indication of what sort of patterns etc that are available or is it anything you want at a price of course. What do your rifles look like Kal?. A Anything goes, whatever you want I can manage within reason of course. My Rifles are just in plane colours to match the stocks, they do look good, and they wont be rusting the coming season! Its as hard as nails and very forgiving. My 284. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest northernchris Posted July 31, 2007 Report Share Posted July 31, 2007 Pics dont work Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jager SA Posted July 31, 2007 Report Share Posted July 31, 2007 Pics dont work Sorted it now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest A-max Posted August 1, 2007 Report Share Posted August 1, 2007 Found the Duracoat website ok www.lauerweaponry.com/refinishers.cfm But there is no indication of what sort of patterns etc that are available or is it anything you want at a price of course. What do your rifles look like Kal?. A Look on Larson Tactical(link below) for patterns ect, they have loads of examples!!! http://www.larsontactical.com/index.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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