Camo Pattern Painted Rifle Stocks in Africa?

Camo stocks won't be an issue; just semi automatic rifles.

Zimbabwe does not have any laws against a camp stock. They do however prohibit silencers and camo clothing. The camo clothing is a bit of a grey area because it is meant to prevent army type camo so authorities usually turn a blind eye to Realtree patterns. But as others say, do you really want to have a long argument with a customs official- I would recommend that you just avoid the issue and have a plain or non-camo pattern on your stock.

I’m not sure when the fascination with camo (in general) started and I’ll admit to owning some camo clothing in my youth. But in my early 20’s I realized that for about 90% of hunting, it makes very little difference.

Not saying it doesn’t make a difference, but it’s not going to make up for proper hunting skills.

I am pretty sure you would be flogged when they open the gun case and see such a violation of decorum!

MS 9x56 said:

I am pretty sure you would be flogged when they open the gun case and see such a violation of decorum!

Click to expand...

Are you willing to risk it for the sake of pride? That action has the potential to ruin the hunt of a lifetime because you happen to run into an agent with an axe to grind.

Your call.

Schüler Jumbo said:

Thanks for everyone’s input. I don’t have experience with synthetic stocks so technically looking into them now. My concept is a rifle that can go into salt water, rain, snow, and freezing environments and require minimum metal and stock maintenance while in the field working. I’m thinking to build on a M70 Classic action in either .375 H&H, .416 Remington, or .458 Lott. I’m leaning to .458 so I think a stout robust simple stock is what I’m looking for. Not sure on stock painting or molded in color and finish so have to improve my understanding. Also, will investigate if laminated stock is as rugged as fiberglass stock.

Click to expand...

I have one rifle from GA Precision with a McMillan A5 stock that has the camo pattern molded in. It is one of 49 and each one has a different pattern on the stock. Thus they were all snowflakes. Similar specs but each one identical. These are Sako Quad action with Lilja bbl. It weighs as much as my 375 and I use it to practice on sticks before going hunting.

This molded color pattern is good for rough use as I have a couple others with painted patterns that have not worn well over time. The A5 is heavy being made of fiberglass. But a carbon fiber stock will make a lighter rifle but more punishing on recoil so it is a tradeoff.

As previously stated, some of the African countries have aversion to camo. These are the ones who have socialist or communist governments and aim to control many things we would find unacceptable. I would make a nice plain black walnut stock for use in Africa and keep the synthetic for Alaska and other wet environs.

Camo applied to anything for rifle hunting isn’t necessary. Almost a negative. Especially when you set it down and can’t find it at night. Ask how I know.


Now for traditional archery on the ground. Breaking up your silhouette is important. Especially the head and shoulders.

Animals and fellow humans distinguish humans profile by the head projecting from the shoulders. That’s the primary purpose and benefit of the Ghillie suit.

I made a Ghillie suit years ago. Hot and heavy. An Asat leafy suit is much better.

I had someone take my picture in black and white to show what an animal sees. Purposefully skylining myself. While wearing an ASAT leafy suit. The human outline is defused.

Not what the OP asked. But my weakly attached point is that camo isn’t necessary for rifle hunting animals.

JG26Irish_2 said:

I have one rifle from GA Precision with a McMillan A5 stock that has the camo pattern molded in. It is one of 49 and each one has a different pattern on the stock. Thus they were all snowflakes. Similar specs but each one identical. These are Sako Quad action with Lilja bbl. It weighs as much as my 375 and I use it to practice on sticks before going hunting.

This molded color pattern is good for rough use as I have a couple others with painted patterns that have not worn well over time. The A5 is heavy being made of fiberglass. But a carbon fiber stock will make a lighter rifle but more punishing on recoil so it is a tradeoff.

As previously stated, some of the African countries have aversion to camo. These are the ones who have socialist or communist governments and aim to control many things we would find unacceptable. I would make a nice plain black walnut stock for use in Africa and keep the synthetic for Alaska and other wet environs.

View attachment 779045

Click to expand...

Those GA rifles are very well built. How does yours shoot

This gun has been twice to South Africa without any problems.