Quick Answer
Assemble and paint your Shotguns MK2 x5 with minimal flash removal, careful dry-fitting, and a simple metallic or worn-black paint scheme for realistic 28mm heroic scale troops.
Why These Shotguns Work for 28mm Troops
The Shotguns MK2 x5 are designed to fit the Victoria Miniatures Universal Gun Arms, making them a versatile option for converting or equipping your 28mm heroic scale infantry. Their compact profile suits close-assault units and adds visual variety to standard lasgun squads.
One trade-off: the shotguns are cast in resin and may have small mold lines or flash along the barrel and stock. Spending a few minutes cleaning these parts before assembly saves frustration during painting.
Assembly and Painting Steps
- Clean the Resin Parts: Wash the shotgun pieces in warm soapy water with a soft toothbrush to remove mold release residue. Rinse and let dry completely. Use a hobby knife and fine sandpaper to remove mold lines and flash from the barrel, stock, and receiver. Skipping the wash can cause paint to peel later. Check each shotgun under good light for leftover flash.
- Dry-Fit Before Gluing: Test-fit each shotgun to the Universal Gun Arm or your chosen arm. If the fit is tight, gently sand the contact area. Apply a small drop of super glue to the arm socket and press the shotgun in place. Hold for 10–15 seconds. Glue that oozes out can ruin the arm's detail. Wipe excess with a paper towel before it sets.
- Prime the Shotguns: Use a spray primer (black or dark gray works best for metallic finishes) in thin, even coats. Hold the can 8–10 inches away and spray in short bursts. Let the primer cure for at least 30 minutes before painting. Too much primer fills the shotgun's fine details. If the surface looks grainy, strip and re-prime.
- Basecoat the Metal Parts: Paint the barrel, receiver, and magazine with a metallic base like Gunmetal or Leadbelcher. Use a small brush and two thin coats, letting each coat dry fully. For the stock and foregrip, use a dark brown or black-brown to simulate wood or synthetic furniture. Metallic paints show brush strokes easily. Thin the paint slightly and apply in one direction.
- Add Weathering and Highlights: Apply a black or dark brown wash (e.g., Nuln Oil or Agrax Earthshade) to the entire shotgun to deepen recesses. After the wash dries, drybrush the metal areas with a lighter silver to bring out edges. Add chipping with a sponge or fine brush using a dark metallic color. Over-weathering can hide the shotgun's shape. Focus wear on the muzzle, bolt handle, and magazine corners.
- Seal and Assemble to Base: Once the paint is dry, spray a matte varnish over the shotguns to protect the finish. If you painted the shotguns separately from the arms, glue them to the arms now. Attach the finished arms to your miniatures using super glue or plastic glue as appropriate. Varnish in a well-ventilated area and avoid fogging by keeping the can moving. Let cure overnight before handling.
Product Details
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Shotguns MK2 x5: 5x Shotguns MK2 suitable for 28mm heroic scale troops. These Shotguns will fit the Victoria Miniatures Universal Gun Arms. You can swap them onto any compatible arm set without sculpting or pinning, speeding up batch conversions.
Shotguns MK2 x5