Looking for some advice to tone down Silver optics

[redhawk0]

I have a Red Dot optics unit mounted to my Win 94. My father had it on his SS CVA Muzzleloader but since had removed it and gave it to me. My son-in-law is the one that uses the 30-30 so I asked him if he wanted to use the Red Dot instead of open sights. He checked it out, tried it a few times mounted and liked the little red dot.

So...my question is...how can I tone this thing down? I'm not sure I want to paint it but I'm not sure how it would fair to something like cloth camo tape.

What do you guys think?

redhawk

[mcdaniel.mac]

Just do a good job masking and spray paint. Cloth tape traps moisture, but a flat spray paint will hold up well and can be cleaned gently. I painted my ACOG, aimpoints, and $900 scopes. It's not going to hurt much of anything.

[backon4]

Black stove and grill paint works well and comes out a decent flat black


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[Texas by God]

Mick Jagger called.
He said to Paint It Black.

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[pietro]

mick jagger called.

He said to paint it black.

ROTFLMAO ! ! .


.

[redhawk0]

I actually have some Black Stove/Grill paint. I may look at masking this off and giving it a couple light coats. I don't think it will take much...I just need to get rid of the "shiny" sides more than anything else.

I think I'll unmount it first...I've been debating leaving it on the rifle and masking it off since I already spent the morning at the range....however, it was a horrible outing...we won't talk about the hornets at the 75 yard stand...Or the biting Deer Flies.... Anyway...I can always sight it in again after dismounting and painting. I'm hoping the next outing isn't quite as painful.

redhawk

[backon4]

Should be able to hold close to zero if not hold as long as it goes on and off the same spot. Definitely take it off before spraying. Wipe it down with alcohol real well before taping and spraying.


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[redhawk0]

Mick Jagger called.
He said to Paint It Black.

Mick, Mick...with lips so thick. Yeah...I'll paint it...I'll take some time with an exacto knife and make sure I get it taped off/cut in the way I want it. It has a silver ring with black numbers on it ranging from 0-11 for the intensity of the Red Dot. I don't want to cover those numbers. I'll also paint the caps for the adjustment posts taking them off the unit as well. I want to still be able to get them on/off after I'm done with the paint job.

Thanx for the help, Guys...much appreciated.

redhawk

[country gent]

If you want a matte finish use a small brush and flat black paint. don't brush on but use a daubing motion appling the paint. This gives the hills and valleys of the matte finnish. It may take a couple coats to get it completely right.

[redhawk0]

If you want a matte finish use a small brush and flat black paint. don't brush on but use a daubing motion appling the paint. This gives the hills and valleys of the matte finnish. It may take a couple coats to get it completely right.

Thanx a lot...I really like this idea. I think I'll do it this way. It should reduce the chance of "overspray" and accidentally getting paint migrated into areas where I don't want it.

much appreciated.

redhawk

[country gent]

Another little point is instead of paint use a dyed epoxy. Its thicker and gives the "matte" finnish easier. The epoxy is thicker and dosnt Flow as easily as the paint will. I think it also gives a more durable finnish in this use. A few scraps of metal and materials some experimenting will show you whats best for what you want. Using the epoxy and dye brushes are one time use though

[redhawk0]

I think I'll stick with painting it. Its truly a $40 Red Dot...I don't really care what it looks like except that it has no shine to spook game. If a little rubs off, it will be easy to fix too. But I do appreciate you documenting an alternate finish in the thread...it might help someone else out.

redhawk

[Omega]

I use this on a couple of my scopes, and on my shotgun. No residue, and reusable, it's the same stuff they use to hold a bandage after a blood test, it sticks to itself but not to other things.
https://www.amazon.com/Allen-Protect.../dp/B00J06XKR0

[redhawk0]

OK...I went and painted it. I'm glad I did. It turned out pretty good. Here are a couple pics. I did use country gent's idea of dabbing it on. This is two coats. I'm gonna make just a few touch ups to areas that I "touched too soon". but overall, I'm real happy.

Thanx for all the ideas....much appreciated.

redhawk

[redhawk0]

I use this on a couple of my scopes, and on my shotgun. No residue, and reusable, it's the same stuff they use to hold a bandage after a blood test, it sticks to itself but not to other things.
https://www.amazon.com/Allen-Protect.../dp/B00J06XKR0

So...this is more like a camo gauze? I have some camo tape but its not reusable...its cloth. I use it on the SS bolt handle of my Ruger M77 MkII. Its the only "glaring" part of my still-stand rifle.

redhawk

[Omega]

So...this is more like a camo gauze? I have some camo tape but its not reusable...its cloth. I use it on the SS bolt handle of my Ruger M77 MkII. Its the only "glaring" part of my still-stand rifle.

redhawk

Yes, sort of, it is wrinkly and stretchy, so when it contracts it "sticks" to itself. Some brands do have a residue/glue of some sort, Allen doesn't, but even the one that did didn't leave any residue on my shotgun.

[redhawk0]

Thanx....

redhawk

[woodbutcher]

Hi country gent.That technique is called"stippling".
Good luck.Have fun.Be safe.
Leo