....No, paint is completely optional, probably a waste if you don't consider the whole project a waste, Nerf guns after all. Also, paint corrodes plastic, it weakens it.
I just bought a longshot from a friend and i had a pimp idea; glue the bolt sled to the jam door so it opens everytime you cock the gun. I did it and it is super cool I was also guna do this mod as well as all the standard stuff i do (AR removal, o-ring replacement, spring stuff, pad the plunger, and reinforce the stock) upon opening it up it was a little intimidating the plunger tube is HUGE i usually look at recons and nancy stuff that freaked me for a second best nerf for modding tho
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Why don't you paint it to cover up the hot glue