How to Tape a Color Guard Rifle

Extend the life of your color guard rifle by taping it properly, even if it is brand new. Taping is a precaution that can protect your rifle from splintering or cracking from falls on hard surfaces. You can also save rifles that have already split with some wood glue and strapping tape. Read on to learn how to tape a color guard rifle.

Things You'll Need

• Vinyl or electrical tape (white)
• Strapping tape
• Phillips head screwdriver
• Rifle

Instructions

1. Remove old tape if you are working with a used rifle.

2. Repair any breaks with wood glue. Let the glue dry for a day.

3. Wrap a couple of strips of strapping tape around the gun to reinforce it. Pull the tape flat so it is completely smooth.

4. Remove the rifle bolt with a Phillips head screwdriver or drill.

5. Remove the rifle strap and swivels.

6. Wrap strapping tape around the butt of the rifle.

7. Wrap strapping tape around center of the rifle where the bolt is located.

8. Wrap strapping tape around the barrel of the rifle.

9. Cover the same areas with the white vinyl or electrical tape.

10. Cushion the tip and butt with cotton or another type of padding and secure with strapping tape, crisscrossing two small pieces over the tip. Tape over with vinyl tape, using just enough to cover the strapping tape. Be sure the tape is smooth against the rifle.

11. Replace the bolt.

Tips & Warnings

• Give yourself enough time before practice or competition. Taping your rifle properly could take 20 to 30 minutes.

• Tape brand new rifles as well as old ones.

• Consider buying a carrying case for your color guard rifle to protect it. Find carrying cases and rifle accessories such as tape and padding on the Drill Comp website. See the Resources section below for a link.

• Attend flag and rifle camps to learn more about rifle spinning and tossing and prepare for competition. Find out more about clinics at the Smith Walbridge Clinics website (see Resources below).

• Consider buying a rifle with a leather strap for greater durability.

• Buy the right size rifle. Larger rifles are harder to handle, so beginners may want to start with something smaller.

• Know that padding the butt and tip of your rifle is a regulation for some competitions, as is taping the bolt.

Resources

• Rifle Tape and Accessories on the Drill Comp Website
• Color Guard Rifles on the Premier Rifles Website
• Flag and Rifle Clinics on the Smith Walbridge Clinics Website