Took some doing but I like the plastic heat shield much better than the cardboard tube attempt. a lot closer to what I envisioned anyway.

For those who cares, this is how I did it. I found a good section of black ABS schedule 40 pipe in the shed. I didn't want to drill the holes and cut the slots by paw like I tried with the cardboard tube. Besides, I didn't have a paper template that fit the smaller diameter.

I bought a Smithy combo lathe-milling machine many years ago. I have it the garage in the back corner and is kinda hard to get to. I was going to move it to a better location but never did, life and all that got in the way. But it was ideal to cut the slots.

It was hot in the garage (yay TeXaS weather) and super humid as usual - it threaten to rain but all it did was a few drops from the sky. Barely cooled anything off and make it even more humid. Good for heat conditioning for fursuiting I guess. Anyway, I made my way back there and used it.

And I think it came out great. Not perfect as I had to mount the pipe directly onto the bed with clamps instead of using a vise as I didn't have one big enough that would fit under the mill. Plus I had to some mangling to get it to fully cut the length of the slots. Took a while but I got it done. And I think it looks great despite having to eyeball the angles.

I painted the new tube in the same technique as the main body. I used a silver base coat, applied some clear gel around "worn" areas like the edges, and then the flat black top coat. I rubber the black off the gel areas, revealing the silver underneath. That gave it that nice wear & tear look. I didn't used enough gel on the tip near the muzzle and tried that dry-brush technique. I think those parts looks horrible especially compared to the gel method. I am too lazy to fix it. Maybe later if I feel like it.

I wish heat shield was a hair thicker, in-between it and the cardboard tube. But I rather it be little on the small side than too big as I think it looks better. Also a little longer. I was limited on the length due to the model of Smithy I have. I could have repositioned it more but it took far too long as it did in that hot sauna of the garage corner. I might make a short cap to put in front of it. Maybe a bracket for a front sight.

So, what you all thing? Am I on the right track? Have any ideas for the thing to add? I plan to make a short butt stock and front grip handle then eventually some flashing LED lights and some carrying straps and handle if I have time. Beyond that, I don't know what else.