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The Idea for GunSkins was Started from a Hunting Experience Gone Wrong

The Idea for GunSkins was Started from a Hunting Experience Gone Wrong - GunSkins
The Idea for GunSkins was Started from a Hunting Experience Gone Wrong - GunSkins

Going into business was never something that was on the forefront of my mind. I just love hunting and I love shopping around for the right gear and apparel that makes shooting in the woods the best experience possible. However, it was a result of a poor experience that led me to ask the question: why isn't there a solution for my particular problem? To be more specific, why isn't there an quick and inexpensive way for match my rifle to the rest of my camouflage gear?

The Story

I carefully nestled into the rough combination of sage and timber, located at the base of a rocky bluff. Sunrise had yet to come up on this particular January morning, my first hunt of the year. I was ready, my call and decoy were located just where I wanted them. As soon as the sunlight was peeking through and providing more light, I briefly saw the blur which was a coyote dashing through the sage not 600 yards away. My decoy was working as it was luring him closer and closer. This was going to be an easy one, I thought to myself.

Boy was I wrong. About 400 yards out he suddenly stops and looks at my direction. Did he see me? I didn't have time to answer that. I aimed my AR-15 in his direction, but it was too late. He was gone. Where did I go wrong? I was decked in camouflage from head to toe, concealed to the environment and in perfect position. Then the painful answer was obvious when I inspected my weapon. My AR-15 Rifle featured a stainless barrel and scope, which is great for durability but the sunlight must have hit it just right and given my position away.

Rifle Skin (A-TACS IX)

Rifle Skin (A-TACS IX)

The Origin of the Concept

Then it hit me. How could I apply a camouflage finish to my scope that wouldn't cost an arm and a leg? Not only that, but I also needed something that was durable, able to withstand the day to day abuse that I put my guns through. I looked at existing options, such as hydro graphics, Cerakote, and vinyl wrap kits. Vinyl was the most economical solution, but using it to wrap a gun was still new territory. So I started experimenting and researching, which inevitably led from one thing to another.

By partnering with reliable production partners and officially licensed camouflage brands, I created GunSkins as the solution for my problem. The material I use is extremely flexible, a heat stretch not heat shrink. It's ideal for small curves, edges, and recessed corners. Vinyl was commonly used to wrap cars and trucks, but I made it work for a new application: guns and gear. I developed precut kits from the ground up, focusing on popular firearms such as AR-15s, AK-47s, pistols and more. It was important for me to offer something that was easy to install and would last a long time.

GunSkins has humble beginnings. Like Amazon.com, we too started in our garage. We are a small business in a small town, and we think this helps make each and every customer feel like their order was personal and appreciated. We are always open for suggestions and take pride in our customer service. Since our launch in 2013, we have grown out of our garage and now mass produce our kits on a large scale and ship worldwide. What hasn't changed, however, is the fact that every GunSkins kit is still proudly made in the USA.

AR-15 Rifle Skin (Kryptek Highlander)

AR-15 Rifle Skin (Kryptek Highlander)

The Solution

Vinyl wraps may be less expensive than some of the other gun finishes out there, but that does not mean our product is cheap. We use only the highest quality vinyl for our kits, providing you with durability, color guarantee, and 100% waterproof. Another advantage is that GunSkins are non-permanent, unlike some of the other options. The vinyl can be removed to allow for a different pattern to fit the season. I believe in our product so much, I decided to offer a lifetime warranty for every kit.

The vinyl protects the surface of your gun, but the camouflage pattern protects you in the field. It was important for us to offer only the best and most popular names in camouflage, such as A-TACS, Kryptek, Realtree, and more. That way, you can match the GunSkins wrap to apparel and gear of the same pattern. That would have changed the outcome of my coyote hunt, for sure.

Shotgun Skin

Shotgun Skin (Prym1 Multi-Purpose)

Many other gun finishes require sending your gun away or waiting hours or days for the finished product to be usable. That didn't sit well with me. I designed GunSkins with the end user in mind, as a simple DIY project that can be accomplished in just a few hours. I'm not just saying that to pitch a sale. My personal gun safe is filled with firearms and magazines all wrapped in GunSkins. This is something I use in my personal life year round.

GunSkins has taken me to places I never thought I would ever go. Our recent booth at SHOT SHOW in Las Vegas has encouraged me and my work. All of the reception has been positive and I still love it just as much as our customers! I am proof that this works. My subsequent hunting trips have not been as disappointing as it was that early January morning. That was the last one that got away as a result of hunting with an unwrapped gun.

93 comments

  • GunSkins: August 17, 2020
    Author's avatar image

    Tim, the vinyl can withstand temperatures of 230 degrees Fahrenheit. We suggest not wrapping the barrel if you’re firing full auto or wrapping a suppressor. Use your best judgment. If the barrel is hot enough to burn a hole through your pocket, it’s best to leave it unwrapped.

  • GunSkins: August 17, 2020
    Author's avatar image

    Yes Jeff, the vinyl will protect the finish of your gun. When you remove the vinyl, there will be little to no residue. A good wipe down with rubbing alcohol will be enough to leave it back in the same condition before installation.

  • Tim: August 16, 2020
    Author's avatar image

    What temp can gunSkins withstand? I see it on a lot of barrels that can get quite hot. Will it hold up if put on a 30 cal resinator. After a few rounds through my 300 win mag the resonator is smoking hot.

  • Jeff: August 14, 2020
    Author's avatar image

    So I have a shot gun that has a perfect finish. Will this protect the finish of my gun

  • Jason G: August 14, 2020
    Author's avatar image

    I just ordered my first skin. Can’t wait to get it. However, the only thing isee is this. I want to build an ar-15 to the honor veterans I served with in the Marines. I wish there was a skin of flag raising at iwo jima etc. I know camo is the idea behind it all. Im am working on opening a firearms store which will start out of my garage and this ar will be a display to follow me thru my journey. Other than that this a great product. Thanks for walking the path you chose. I know how difficult it is.

  • GunSkins: August 03, 2020
    Author's avatar image

    Unfortunately, Richard, we discontinued the Confederate Flag Mag Skin years ago. We are looking into other Mag Skin designs including a Texas Flag, Come and Take Them, and more. Please keep an eye out for the new designs later this year.

  • Richard Stewart: July 30, 2020
    Author's avatar image

    What happened to the confederate flag mag skin?

  • GunSkins: July 21, 2020
    Author's avatar image

    Unfortunately, Leonard, we do not have a video showing how to install on the Ruger MK III with Bull Barrel. We suggest using the piece for the slide and center it on the top and work your way down the sides. You’ll trim away where it meets the frame but keep wrapping around the underside of the exposed barrel, where you’ll need to seam it with an overlap.

  • Leonard: July 20, 2020
    Author's avatar image

    Do you have any tutorials for wrapping the Ruger MK III with a bull barrel? Most of the tutorials show semi-auto.
    Thx

  • GunSkins: July 08, 2020
    Author's avatar image

    Amy, we have a library of helpful videos on our YouTube Channel. Check them out!

  • Amy Pettit-Brown: July 06, 2020
    Author's avatar image

    I was looking to see if you had a video that shows the process of putting the gunskin on but was unable to. It would be nice to see one.

  • GunSkins: June 29, 2020
    Author's avatar image

    Greg, GunSkins are made from premium vinyl and apply like a sticker. Using heat and a hobby knife, the material conforms to the shape of the gun. We have many install videos to show you how to do it yourself. We ship orders within one business day and average transit time is 3-5 business days unless you select expedited shipping options.

  • Greg: June 29, 2020
    Author's avatar image

    Where is your product made. How fast is shipping?

  • GunSkins: May 25, 2020
    Author's avatar image

    We understand your interest, Bryan, in having more products specifically for the AR-10. As of now, we only have mag skins in that size. Unfortunately, we don’t see enough sales in the mag skins to justify production in a complete AR-10 rifle kit template. It’s not a secret that the AR-10 is overshadowed by the smaller AR-15. We don’t play favorites, but that’s the story the numbers tell. That being said, it’s possible to wrap the larger gun with our Gear Skin but it does require custom cutting and trimming to make it fit.

  • Bryan: May 22, 2020
    Author's avatar image

    Great products!! I need more products for an AR 10 308!!!! Please!!!

  • GunSkins: May 14, 2020
    Author's avatar image

    Clay, if all you are looking to do is wrap a barrel I recommend going with our Medium Gear Skin for $14.99. This single sheet measures 8” x 15”, which if installed into two pieces 4” wide could wrap a barrel of 30” or shorter. That’ll fix the stainless steel problem

  • Clay Carpenter: May 13, 2020
    Author's avatar image

    Good afternoon,

    I’m looking to cover (hide) the stainless steel barrel on several guns including Remington 700 Bolt action

  • GunSkins: April 18, 2020
    Author's avatar image

    Adam, wrapping over the top of stippling is not going to be an issue. Clean and prep the surface just the same and it’ll bond and conform to the texture of the stippling so it will show through the skin when pressed with heat during installation.

  • Adam : April 18, 2020
    Author's avatar image

    I have a few pistols i would like to order some of your wraps for but my wife wants a wrap on hers it is a Taurus G3 the question i hace is would all the major stipeling on the handle cause any problems with it staying on or make it harder for me to apply on my own since I have never used your product or any like it? Thanks in advance guys.

  • GunSkins: April 16, 2020
    Author's avatar image

    Mike, the Magpul stock is really awesome. Honestly, it’s better to go with a Large Gear Skin. It’s more than enough material and it’s less expensive!

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