How To Paint Your AR15
#1040198
04/21/16 10:13 AM
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Endeavour Morse
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Painting your rifle is very easy... STEP ONE - Determine what you want to accomplishAfter you commit to painting your rifle, you'll need to decide what type of result you're seeking. Personally, I wanted a camo finish that would be easy to apply and remove. STEP TWO - Select your paint type and colorsAfter you select your "pattern", you'll need to acquire the necessary paints. Personally, I wanted something that would be functional in a four season woodland environment. To accomplish this I chose four paints: Krylon Fusion Camo - OD Ultra Flat Krylon Fusion Camo - Tan Ultra Flat Rustoleum - Nutmeg Satin Rustoleum Camo - Earth Brown STEP THREE - Prep your rifleA) Strip all lubricants from the exterior. I used mineral spirits for this. B) Strip all mineral spirits from the rifle. I used Acetone for this. C) Plug the bore with a foam earplug. D) Use painters tape to "tape off" anything you don't want painted. I only taped off my LaRue MBT trigger. I didn't care if the rest of the rifle had paint / overspray on it. When painting optics I take greater care to protect certain parts of the optic. STEP FOUR - Prep your paint boothI created a "paint booth" in my garage out of a cardboard boxes. I recommend you wear a N95 mask while painting. Try to paint while the temperature is between 60-80F and the humidity is relatively low. Shake each paint can vigorously for 2 minutes. Shake throughout process. STEP FIVE - Base coatSelect the color you want to be your "base coat" and cover the entire rifle and accessories with this color being careful to not overapply the paint. Hold the can 10-12" away and "spritz" the paint. Don't over paint. Wait until the paint is dry enough to paint each side. Repeat the process until the rifle is fully painted. STEP SIX - Add camouflageAfter the base coat is applied, start adding your camouflage. This will include other paint colors, but could also include: stencils, mesh, vegetation, etc. I always like to "blur edge" my colors by lighting striping each color, and then hitting the stripe again with a heavier/closer burst of paint. This creates a nice effect. All painting must be completed within a 24 hour period. STEP SEVEN - Dust the rifleAfter your camo is complete lightly dust the rifle with TWO of your favorite colors. This is accomplished by spraying each at the same time. I typically hold the paint 16-18" away in a "V" shape (one can in each hand shoulder width apart spraying toward the same spot on the rifle). This creates a "camo mist" that will soften your pattern. EXPERIMENT before you try this on your gun.STEP EIGHT - Let it cureI recommend seven days for a good cure. You might want to use a heat gun or hair dryer as well. I don't typically use heat, and have good results. Be sure to wait at least 24 hours before you reinstall accessories.
Last edited by Architect; 04/21/16 10:14 AM. Reason: Too many pictures.
JYD #123 The great one formerly known as Architect.
I am now a fictional British television police officer (currently a Detective Sgt) at Thames Valley Station. My governor is Detective Inspector Fred Thursday and it’s 1969.
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Re: How To Paint Your AR15
[Re: Endeavour Morse]
#1040199
04/21/16 10:14 AM
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Endeavour Morse
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STEP NINE - Brag about your awesomenessAfter your rifle is finished start taking pictures, and showing everyone: A) You had the testicular fortitude to spray $4 paint on your $1400 rifle; B) It looks awesome; C) You're more tactical than they are. D) They should be ashamed of their weak paintfoo / lack of testicular fortitude.
JYD #123 The great one formerly known as Architect.
I am now a fictional British television police officer (currently a Detective Sgt) at Thames Valley Station. My governor is Detective Inspector Fred Thursday and it’s 1969.
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Re: How To Paint Your AR15
[Re: Endeavour Morse]
#1040200
04/21/16 10:18 AM
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Endeavour Morse
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NOTE - should you desire to see more detail...
If you "right click" on each picture you'll have the option to "VIEW IMAGE". This will allow you to see a larger picture with more detail. You can also "zoom in" after you "view image".
JYD #123 The great one formerly known as Architect.
I am now a fictional British television police officer (currently a Detective Sgt) at Thames Valley Station. My governor is Detective Inspector Fred Thursday and it’s 1969.
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Re: How To Paint Your AR15
[Re: Endeavour Morse]
#1040204
04/21/16 01:10 PM
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Spider-Pig
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Awesome thread, Gary. Thank you for posting it.
I see you used Krylon and Rustoleum. Do you prefer one over the other? Is there a different brand you prefer over all others?
Last edited by Spider-Pig; 04/21/16 01:13 PM. Reason: Clarification
USMC 1997-2002. 6173 CH-53D Sea Stallion Helicopter Crew Chief and Flightline Mechanic. Semper Fi!
"Be still, Taggart!"
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Re: How To Paint Your AR15
[Re: Endeavour Morse]
#1040205
04/21/16 02:50 PM
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Endeavour Morse
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Adam, Thanks.
I MUCH prefer Krylon Fusion Camo over Rustoleum. I went to the following stores in order to find the two cans of Krylon I scored:
Menard's Lowe's Home Depot Hobby Lobby Michael's WalMart Target ACE Dick's Gander Mountain Academy Advanced Auto
I had used Krylon Camo before and liked it. Krylon goes on "powdery" but is almost dry the moment you spray it. After not finding all of the colors I wanted locally I researched, at length, Rustoleum, and the consensus was it wasn't a good choice. I found that Rustoleum isn't as bad as online reviews stated, but it does "sputter" and doesn't dry as quick. I also found their "Ultra Flat" camo paint is far from ultra flat.
Overall, I'm pleased with the results.
I'm going to paint another rifle, and plan on adding a much brighter green into the mix (five color pattern). My only choice will be to buy Rustoleum camo green at WalMart. At $3.86 you can't complain.
I paid $7.99 for each can of Krylon at Advanced Auto.
JYD #123 The great one formerly known as Architect.
I am now a fictional British television police officer (currently a Detective Sgt) at Thames Valley Station. My governor is Detective Inspector Fred Thursday and it’s 1969.
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Re: How To Paint Your AR15
[Re: Endeavour Morse]
#1040206
04/21/16 02:55 PM
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Endeavour Morse
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Related: There is a lot of support for Aervoe paint, but in my opinion there is no reason to order paint for this project.
For me, a good spray painted rifle does NOT look like an airbrushed or dipped project. I want / like the blurred effect of cheap rattle can paint jobs.
They all wear, and frankly it looks better after it starts to show use.
JYD #123 The great one formerly known as Architect.
I am now a fictional British television police officer (currently a Detective Sgt) at Thames Valley Station. My governor is Detective Inspector Fred Thursday and it’s 1969.
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Re: How To Paint Your AR15
[Re: Endeavour Morse]
#1040219
04/22/16 02:11 AM
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SkunkHunter
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GREAT write up Gary. Thank You and it does look nice.
A Little Paranoia Will Keep You Safe (ALPWKYS) Be a Sheepdog JYD#105
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Re: How To Paint Your AR15
[Re: Endeavour Morse]
#1040228
04/22/16 02:02 PM
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gun dog
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Any day I'm above the grass and I'm not a zombie is a good day! JYD#138
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Re: How To Paint Your AR15
[Re: Endeavour Morse]
#1040247
04/23/16 12:15 PM
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lazi
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Nice! Thanks for posting!
I'm seriously thinking of painting one of my Handi Rifles to match my RealTree gear at some point. This thread is encouraging!
JYD #82
yup...
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Re: How To Paint Your AR15
[Re: Endeavour Morse]
#1040250
04/23/16 03:57 PM
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Endeavour Morse
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I decided to strip and repaint this rifle. I derail stripped the rifle and then used CitiStrip and a toothbrush.... I finished with Acetone and reassembled....
JYD #123 The great one formerly known as Architect.
I am now a fictional British television police officer (currently a Detective Sgt) at Thames Valley Station. My governor is Detective Inspector Fred Thursday and it’s 1969.
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Re: How To Paint Your AR15
[Re: Endeavour Morse]
#1040251
04/23/16 04:00 PM
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Endeavour Morse
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I used Rustoleum camo paints for the repaint last night. I was up until after midnight trying to get that CRAP paint to finish out.
DO NOT BUY RUSTOELUM
This morning I started the strip process again, because RUSTOELUM IS GARBAGE PAINT.
I'm going to refinish with just Krylon fusion camo. I only have two colors, but might try mixing them and sponging a third on.
Stay tuned.
JYD #123 The great one formerly known as Architect.
I am now a fictional British television police officer (currently a Detective Sgt) at Thames Valley Station. My governor is Detective Inspector Fred Thursday and it’s 1969.
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Re: How To Paint Your AR15
[Re: Endeavour Morse]
#1040253
04/23/16 09:21 PM
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Endeavour Morse
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Sponge camo...
JYD #123 The great one formerly known as Architect.
I am now a fictional British television police officer (currently a Detective Sgt) at Thames Valley Station. My governor is Detective Inspector Fred Thursday and it’s 1969.
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Re: How To Paint Your AR15
[Re: Endeavour Morse]
#1040254
04/23/16 09:57 PM
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Endeavour Morse
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JYD #123 The great one formerly known as Architect.
I am now a fictional British television police officer (currently a Detective Sgt) at Thames Valley Station. My governor is Detective Inspector Fred Thursday and it’s 1969.
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Re: How To Paint Your AR15
[Re: Endeavour Morse]
#1040255
04/23/16 09:58 PM
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Endeavour Morse
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I know how to perfect this scheme, and will apply it to the next rifle I paint.
JYD #123 The great one formerly known as Architect.
I am now a fictional British television police officer (currently a Detective Sgt) at Thames Valley Station. My governor is Detective Inspector Fred Thursday and it’s 1969.
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Re: How To Paint Your AR15
[Re: Endeavour Morse]
#1040260
04/23/16 11:22 PM
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Endeavour Morse
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Pretty effective in Fort Living Room
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Re: How To Paint Your AR15
[Re: Endeavour Morse]
#1040263
04/24/16 01:27 AM
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SkunkHunter
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That sponge bath is AWESOME Gary!
A Little Paranoia Will Keep You Safe (ALPWKYS) Be a Sheepdog JYD#105
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Re: How To Paint Your AR15
[Re: Endeavour Morse]
#1040278
04/24/16 02:21 PM
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Endeavour Morse
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JYD #123 The great one formerly known as Architect.
I am now a fictional British television police officer (currently a Detective Sgt) at Thames Valley Station. My governor is Detective Inspector Fred Thursday and it’s 1969.
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Re: How To Paint Your AR15
[Re: Endeavour Morse]
#1040279
04/24/16 03:34 PM
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Spider-Pig
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It definitely looks good. I know you said you could perfect the scheme, but are you generally satisfied with the results?
USMC 1997-2002. 6173 CH-53D Sea Stallion Helicopter Crew Chief and Flightline Mechanic. Semper Fi!
"Be still, Taggart!"
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Re: How To Paint Your AR15
[Re: Endeavour Morse]
#1040280
04/24/16 03:46 PM
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Endeavour Morse
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I'm very satisfied - I know how to improve it, but this rifle is staying as is.
JYD #123 The great one formerly known as Architect.
I am now a fictional British television police officer (currently a Detective Sgt) at Thames Valley Station. My governor is Detective Inspector Fred Thursday and it’s 1969.
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Re: How To Paint Your AR15
[Re: Endeavour Morse]
#1040285
04/24/16 06:16 PM
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greaser
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Awesome, looks great Arch. Is it nice enough to get some outside shots?
JYD#176 "dein Gott schickte mich zu zerstören" "Sic semper evello mortem Tyrannis" "Sometimes the chance of a zombie outbreak is the only reason I need to make many of my life's Decisions." General Delivery
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Re: How To Paint Your AR15
[Re: Endeavour Morse]
#1040288
04/24/16 10:55 PM
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I'll have to wait until my neighbors aren't being nosy.
JYD #123 The great one formerly known as Architect.
I am now a fictional British television police officer (currently a Detective Sgt) at Thames Valley Station. My governor is Detective Inspector Fred Thursday and it’s 1969.
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Re: How To Paint Your AR15
[Re: Endeavour Morse]
#1040289
04/24/16 10:56 PM
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Endeavour Morse
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The last pic is on my porch. It was a sunny day.
JYD #123 The great one formerly known as Architect.
I am now a fictional British television police officer (currently a Detective Sgt) at Thames Valley Station. My governor is Detective Inspector Fred Thursday and it’s 1969.
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Re: How To Paint Your AR15
[Re: Endeavour Morse]
#1040376
04/30/16 06:57 PM
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Endeavour Morse
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I bought a new BCM Upper and have a new BCM Lower on order. When they and my rail arrive I'm going to paint it all. I'll post pictures.
JYD #123 The great one formerly known as Architect.
I am now a fictional British television police officer (currently a Detective Sgt) at Thames Valley Station. My governor is Detective Inspector Fred Thursday and it’s 1969.
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Re: How To Paint Your AR15
[Re: Endeavour Morse]
#1040377
04/30/16 07:42 PM
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SkunkHunter
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Well I guess I'll be late seeing them. we're leaving at 0500 and are just about to hit the rack.
You dogs all mind your P's and Q's and PLEASE try and keep Tom, DT, Gary, Greaser and all the others out of trouble.
A Little Paranoia Will Keep You Safe (ALPWKYS) Be a Sheepdog JYD#105
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Re: How To Paint Your AR15
[Re: Endeavour Morse]
#1040380
04/30/16 10:46 PM
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Endeavour Morse
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Does this mean I get to rule the roost?
JYD #123 The great one formerly known as Architect.
I am now a fictional British television police officer (currently a Detective Sgt) at Thames Valley Station. My governor is Detective Inspector Fred Thursday and it’s 1969.
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Re: How To Paint Your AR15
[Re: Endeavour Morse]
#1040383
05/01/16 05:31 PM
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greaser
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Hey now I only get in trouble with women not knifes, or firearms. LOL have fun Skunk, be safe.
JYD#176 "dein Gott schickte mich zu zerstören" "Sic semper evello mortem Tyrannis" "Sometimes the chance of a zombie outbreak is the only reason I need to make many of my life's Decisions." General Delivery
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Re: How To Paint Your AR15
[Re: Endeavour Morse]
#1040386
05/01/16 07:58 PM
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SkunkHunter
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Gary, whoever has the most (and biggest toys rules)!
A Little Paranoia Will Keep You Safe (ALPWKYS) Be a Sheepdog JYD#105
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Re: How To Paint Your AR15
[Re: greaser]
#1040387
05/01/16 08:03 PM
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SkunkHunter
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Hey now I only get in trouble with women not knifes, or firearms. LOL have fun Skunk, be safe. Hopefully we will be safe, got 20 rounds on tap without a reload and a TLR-1HL for nite time fun!
A Little Paranoia Will Keep You Safe (ALPWKYS) Be a Sheepdog JYD#105
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Re: How To Paint Your AR15
[Re: Endeavour Morse]
#1040432
05/06/16 09:06 PM
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Endeavour Morse
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Painted a brand new BCM...
JYD #123 The great one formerly known as Architect.
I am now a fictional British television police officer (currently a Detective Sgt) at Thames Valley Station. My governor is Detective Inspector Fred Thursday and it’s 1969.
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Re: How To Paint Your AR15
[Re: Endeavour Morse]
#1040433
05/06/16 09:07 PM
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Endeavour Morse
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JYD #123 The great one formerly known as Architect.
I am now a fictional British television police officer (currently a Detective Sgt) at Thames Valley Station. My governor is Detective Inspector Fred Thursday and it’s 1969.
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Re: How To Paint Your AR15
[Re: Endeavour Morse]
#1040434
05/06/16 09:08 PM
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Endeavour Morse
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JYD #123 The great one formerly known as Architect.
I am now a fictional British television police officer (currently a Detective Sgt) at Thames Valley Station. My governor is Detective Inspector Fred Thursday and it’s 1969.
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Re: How To Paint Your AR15
[Re: Endeavour Morse]
#1040437
05/07/16 01:18 AM
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greaser
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JYD#176 "dein Gott schickte mich zu zerstören" "Sic semper evello mortem Tyrannis" "Sometimes the chance of a zombie outbreak is the only reason I need to make many of my life's Decisions." General Delivery
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Re: How To Paint Your AR15
[Re: Endeavour Morse]
#1040446
05/07/16 03:10 PM
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SkunkHunter
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A Little Paranoia Will Keep You Safe (ALPWKYS) Be a Sheepdog JYD#105
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