204Ruger

While I was preparing for my last duck hunt, I went to my gun safe and grabbed my Browning Maxus 12 Gauge. It has become my go-to shotgun for waterfowl hunting. Immediately, I noticed how sticky it had become. I was really incensed to discover that Dura-Touch breaks down over time and turns into a sticky/tacky mess. Browning knows about the issue and will replace the plastic butt stock and forearm for no cost when you SHIP IT BACK TO THEM for 3 months. Not the news I was wanting to hear right before a big hunt. Even though I have other shotguns, I really wanted to take the Maxus. I honestly just wanted to show off the 1st round, bolt latched open, auto loading feature. If you've never seen it in action it's worth watching on YouTube.

I read online that denatured alcohol will take the coating off with a bit of effort, rather elbow grease. I decided to wipe it down with the alcohol enough to get rid of the stickiness and spray it with some clear flat lacquer. Well, that worked for about an hour during the hunt and then the stickiness returned. Now I'm taking the shotgun apart and stripping the Dura-Touch off the plastic parts and refinishing the gun myself.

Did I mention that now I literally HATE Dura-Touch and will never buy another weapon with it. Some of you may have run into this issue with your guns. If you have the Dura-Touch coating you may eventually have to deal with it. I understand that how soon it will turn bad depends on several factors like heat, cleaning solvents, etc. I also understand that some other manufacturers will mail you the replacement parts once you provide the serial number and other information. My advice is to avoid models with the Dura-Tacky finish, at all costs.

P.S. The label is being removed and burned.

Skipper: Thanks for the heads-up on Dura-Touch and sorry you are having to deal with this *&%#@^ mess. While I don't possess any firearms with this coating, I doubt very seriously, judging from your experience, I would ever want to.

Tanks for the heads up. I don't have any with that or any other types of coatings. I do have a Hogue Stock on one of my hunting rifles and knock-on-wood, it hasn't got tacky yet but I do worry about it. It came with a slip-on Limbsaver recoil pad that got really bad and I had to remove it and purchase the Hogue pad that originally came on the stock.

Hope you get through all of that...good luck!

Now that's a real mess to be avoided.

Don't use any coverings or coatings on my guns, only burlap on my coyote rifles, but it's another thing to file away for future reference. Thanks for the heads-up Skipper.

A friend of mine is a Browning nut. He’s dealt with this a couple times already. I have a Cynergy with that finish. Just waiting for my turn. It’s such a shame. Other than the lack of longevity, it’s a very nice finish.

Rick in Oregon wrote: ↑Sat Jan 18, 2025 12:01 pm Now that's a real mess to be avoided.

Don't use any coverings or coatings on my guns, only burlap on my coyote rifles, but it's another thing to file away for future reference. Thanks for the heads-up Skipper.

How is the burlap used?

Glide: I'll let Rick respond with his own reasoning or rationale for the use of burlap on his firearms, but just a SWAG on my part. I've seen burlap used either as burlap with a camouflage pattern printed on the fabric itself or using the burlap fabric as a means to help secure various vegetative items to the fabric thus giving it a 3-D effect. In either case, the fabric is draped over the firearm thereby aiding in concealment by breaking up the silhouette.

Paul, you pretty much nailed it!

I remember buying my first shotgun with Mossy Oak Shadow Grass years ago. I made the mistake of laying it down to go set out decoys. I like to have lost that shotgun. I like camo that can make a gun disappear and still go into a gun bag for transport. Makes things so much easier when gun and blind bag are convenient.