How To Tape Your Color Guard Rifle

Like a painter with a brush in hand, the tape is your tool to transform your performance color guard rifle into a secure and reliable extension of your arm.

But how do you achieve that perfect grip without sacrificing flexibility and maneuverability?

In this discussion, we will explore how to tape your color guard rifle and the art of using color guard rifle tape to ensure a firm hold that will leave your audience in awe.

Take the performance to new heights by having a dazzling, safe, and clean rifle.

So, are you ready to unlock the key to a flawless routine?

Why Strapping Your Rifle is Important

Wrapping your rifle with tape is crucial to ensure its stability and prevent any accidents during color guard performances. When you're spinning and tossing this key equipment with precision and grace, the last thing you want is for it to slip out of your hands or fall to the ground.

By using both strapping tape and then electrical tape, you can maintain a firm grip and have better control over your movements. This not only enhances your performance but also reduces the risk of injury to yourself and those around you.

The other main reason for taping your rifle is to extend its life. By tightly wrapping the tape around the joints and connections, you create a strong and stable structure that can withstand the rigorous movements and tosses required in color guard routines, especially in the case of wooden rifles. The tape acts as a reinforcement, keeping the various parts of your rifle securely in place.

Plus, it also gives you a chance to customize and enhance the look.

Tapping your rifle properly is an essential part of the color guard rifle technique, allowing you to showcase your skills confidently and flawlessly.

So, don't overlook the importance of strapping—it's a small step that can make a huge difference in your performance.

Getting to Know Your Color Guard Rifle

Before you start taking it apart and tapping it, familiarize yourself with the various components of a color guard rifle, which won't only enhance your understanding of the entire rifle but also enable you to innovate and create new routines.

Here are the key parts of a color guard rifle:

• Rifle Nose

The nose or tip is the very front of the rifle.

• Belly

The section right after the front or tip and before the strap or bolt. What would be the barrel of an actual rifle.

• Neck

The section right behind the bolt and before the end part of the gun, which is the butt.

• Rifle Bolt

The bolt is the section that connects the butt and the barrel. It ensures the stability and durability of the rifle.

• Handle

The thickest part of the rifle, towards the back but before the butt, where you grasp it firmly.

• Rifle Strap

Under the bolt, neck, and barrel of the rifle is the strap, which is meant to better handle the object and hold it while not in use.

• Rifle Butt

This is the end of the rifle that you hold against your body. It provides stability and control during your performance.

What You Will Need to Strap Your Rifle

To effectively secure your color guard rifle, gather the necessary materials and tools.

For this little craft task, you'll need:

• A screwdriver with a Phillips head.
• Scissors.
• Nylon strapping tape or adhesive strips or strapping tape.
• Electrical tape that matches your rifle and strap.
• The screwdriver is essential for removing any screws that may obstruct the taping process.

The strapping tape or adhesive strips will be used to secure the tape onto your rifle, ensuring a tight and secure fit. These strips provide an extra layer of support, preventing the tape from peeling or unraveling during performances.
If you have a plastic rifle, it's important to choose a tape that adheres well to the material.

The electrical tape is used to smooth the surface and look of the rifle, covering up the rougher strapping tape. Most have white rifles and thus are recommended to use electrical white tape to cover the strapping tape.

Some additional pieces of equipment, such as foam padding or grip tape, can enhance the stability and comfort of your rifle.

Now that you know the key components of your color guard rifle, it's time to gather the necessary materials for taping it.

Steps to Tapping a Rifle

Before we begin, it's important to make a note: Don't overlap too much tape. It can make your rifle heavier, and a heavy rifle will just bring more problems than solutions. A completely mummified color guard rifle isn't necessary.

With that main rule out of the way, get your separate pieces of tape ready. A color guard rifle for marching band performances typically involves the following steps:

1. Clean the rifle

Before applying tape, make sure the piece of equipment is clean and free from any dirt or debris. Wipe untaped color guard rifle down with a clean cloth if necessary.

2. Remove the strap and bolt with the screwdriver

Remove the strap and the top bolt with the screwdriver and carefully set aside the screws.

3. Start with the handle

Begin by wrapping the back part of the handle of the rifle with strapping tape. Start at the bottom and wrap upwards, overlapping the tape only slightly with each rotation and just once. You can try to do this continuously, but it's easier with strapping tape or adhesive strips to just cut separate pieces and place them one by one. This will provide a secure grip and prevent the rifle from slipping throughout the rest of the process.

Don't cover one of the screw holes for the strap if it's way back in the handle. Make sure to lay the layer of tape wrapped as smooth as possible and try to avoid air bubbles as well.

4. Then the nose or tip

Wrap the nose with strapping tape, again only slightly overlapping and trying not to leave wrinkles.

5. Move back and to the front screw hole in the barrel.

Get that strapping tape around what essentially is the middle of the barrel or belly without blocking the screw hole for the rifle strap there.

6. Center bolt and neck.

This will require the most strapping tape, as it will go from slightly in front of the bolt and then past the neck. Be careful with the bolt part, as it can be difficult to not wrinkle or overlap too much.

7. Finish with strapping the butt.

Strap the butt at the end. If you have something you want to add as color guard padding, place it there and use the strapping tape to lock it in place, as if it were gauze.

8. Do it all again but with electrical tape

Now, take your electrical tape, and go through each of the previous sections again by wrapping the electrical tape around. But this time, you will need to wrap the tape continuously and not cut it into pieces.

NOTE: Before wrapping the electrical tape, screw the strap back onto the rifle, and then wrap them with electrical tape.

9. Put parallel tape over the butt and nose

For extra padding and security, add a layer of electrical tape to the butt and nose but parallel, not wrapped around.

10. Don't forget about the rifle strap!

The strap might look resistant, but it can also wear down and pose a danger to any performer mid-twirl. Remove any screws on the strap, and then take both your strapping and electrical tapes to firm up your strap.

11. Secure loose ends and trim

After creating the desired design, make sure to secure any loose ends of the tape by pressing them firmly against the rifle. This will prevent the tape from unraveling during performances.

Use scissors to trim any excess tape that extends beyond the desired length. This will give the rifle a neat and finished look.

Finally, take a moment to inspect your work. Ensure that the tape is secure, the design is visually appealing, and there are no loose ends or rough edges that could cause any harm.

Don't forget to be creative.

You can keep wrapping some decorative tape and be creative. Apply strips of sparkle tape, perhaps, glitter, or just different colored tape (if the band director allows it!) to your desired pattern or design. This will add tons of colors or a touch of glamour and shine to your colored rifle. Be creative and use contrasting tape colors to make the design stand out.

By following these steps, you can effectively tape a colored rifle for marching band performances. It is important to note that the specific taping techniques may vary depending on personal preference and the guidelines set by your marching band or color guard instructor.

Now that you know how to tape your color guard rifle, let your creativity shine and make your rifle stand out from the rest!