How this mod is used:
Basically, a new model and texture is added into the weapon material attach point. So, this reskin is modded onto the weapon the same as any paint job.

How this mod works:
This mod does what I was told was impossible to do with the Fallout 4 engine: create a skin for a weapon that completely alters the look without changing the functionality. In Fallout 76 there are “Model Swaps” that switch out the nif file the same way a Material Swap does. But there is no Model Swap in FO4. After a quick convo with Degenerate Dak I eventually figured out a way to fudge the engine into doing 95% the same thing in a different way. Essentially a new model is placed on top of the original while, at the same time, making the texture for the old model transparent. This allows you to make a “fully” replacing skin at 95% of its original functionality.

Limitations:
Due to the nature of this reskinning, there are some limitations in functionality. All glow sites and reflex sights are rendered inoperable. The scopes, while invisible on the model, retain functionality once zoomed in. I simply cannot find a way to allow the other sights to work without causing conflicts. In addition, this system can only cover up weapon mods in the base game. And physical mods added to the rifle from outside the base game will cause a conflict. It won’t crash the game, but it will disturb the appearance. The magazines also cannot be changed physically, only in texture.

Finally:
Even with these limitations, it is now possible to expand what can be done in the realm of weapons skins for Fallout 4 – without creating a dependency. This took me months to figure out and days to debug. All textures were formatted with the Cathedral Assets Optimizer, these are designed explicitly to work for Skyrim Special Edition, Skyrim Legendary Edition, Fallout 3, Fallout New Vegas, and Fallout 4. I do not know why some people are having issues with textures not showing up.