Texture Set and weapon modding advice needed

[ContactSupport765]

Hi, I need some advice on how to use texture sets properly. Links to tutorials would also be appreciated. There does not seem to be that much info on using them (or I can't find it). I am new to modding.

 

I have a specific case in mind, I created a simple mod to retexture the Terrible Shotgun only, not create a new weapon or new unique weapon. As you know, it shares the Combat Shotgun's nifs and textures. I achieved my goal by cloning and renaming the Combat Shotgun's nifs (gun and ammo drum) and editing them in NifSkope to use the new texture and then created an esp in the GECK to apply it in game. I am uncertain if this was the most efficient way of doing things.

 

I was advised that using texture sets would be best. I can see how this cuts out using NifSkope, but as far as I can tell I still need to clone the combat shotgun nif and change the nif The Terrible Shotgun uses. I get the feeling I am missing something obvious.

[BadPenney]

If you retexture a weapon you need a texture set that applies to the weapon as it appears in the world, and another set for when you are holding it and seeing it first person. Both sets can refer to the same .DDS files. Sorry, I don't recall the location of tutorials, but I am sure that I saw some explanations for it when I learned how to do it, and I must have used "search" to find them.