Since you have it off,for a weight increase,you might as well sand and paint it.I removed the swivel studs,seald them with bondo (not as good as some other material),sanded smooth,primed,painted,and clear coated.Rides the bags much better,and feels better ad well as looks.I used shake can Dup-a-color, in auto store.The gun was too heavy to want swivels to carry,and I don't use a detacable bi-pod.