A couple of months ago I shared a photo of a very cool SIG 239 that good buddy TJ had finished in Urban Camo (it’s the one you see in the photo above). I was intrigued by the finish, and as TJ walked me through the steps, I started to get an appreciation for how much work is involved. Here’s the process as TJ explained it to me:
Step 1: Disassemble, clean and inspect the firearm.
Step 2: Sand blast or other surface preparation.
Step 3: Apply base coat (black Duracoat for the gun you see above).
Step 4: Add camo stickers to create pattern.
Step 5: Spray light grey Duracoat.
Step 6: Add more camo stickers to create pattern.
Step 7: Spray dark grey Duracoat to create pattern.
Step 8: Add more camo stickers to create pattern.
Step 9: Spray base coat again (black Duracoat for the gun you see above).
Step 10: Remove all camouflage stickers and inspect gun.
Step 11: Overspray muting stripes (netted flat black).
Step 12: Spray clear coat.
Step 13: Clean excess Duracoat from holes, rails, etc.
Step 14: Reassemble and oil firearm.
Here’s what it looks like as the gun proceeds through the urban camo application process:
The above makes for a good-looking gun and a durable finish. After it’s fully cured, it’s relatively impervious to solvents or gun oils.
TJ can do other finishes as well, including a soft camouflage done without the tape described above (freehand spots or stripes).
TJ can also do speckling (like you see below), which is a good finish for hiding pitting and other surface imperfections.
If you would like to get a feel for a few of the other finishes TJ offers, you might take a look at his website at www.TJsCustomGunworks.com.
I’ve had six handguns and a rifle customized by TJ, and every one of them is a stellar example of his craftsmanship. These include my Model 59, a bright stainless Colt 1911, my MacManus Colt 1911, the Rock Island Compact, a Model 60 Smith and Wesson snubbie, a Ruger Mini 14, and my new Colt Python. TJ’s emphasis is on reliability and perfection and he’s met both of those objectives in every case. It’s been money well spent. When it comes to custom firearms, TJ is in a class by himself.
