D Rat, He must have just been a batter shot on that particular day, I doubt the gold had anything to do with how it shot.
My Hawken's has some gold (looking) stuff in some of the fancy recessed work on certain parts, including the name, and it's factory, and looks good.
But its not real gold, Im sure its the stuff you rub in stampings Etc., then wipe the excess off and let it dry. But it has to be on the right gun, or it wouldn't look good.
I dont know how to post a picture, Im a CIOF but could e-mail it if someone wanted to post it.
CIOF - Computer illiterate old fart.