I have two uppers that I'm planning to use for some retro builds and I'm trying to figure out which colors these uppers are. For comparison, I have a Brownells A1 lower that is anodized black.
This first upper is a CH forge code that I'm planning to use for my XM177E2 build. (Getting close!)  It appears to have been black and is faded to a dark gray.  I have a 733 upper that is very similar in color, but completely gray. I believe this is the XM gray.



Next, I have this slick side CM forge code upper that has a large pin front lug.  I picked up this upper with the charging handle.  This upper is slightly lighter than the CH upper above and is solid in color. I got the gray delta ring from a member here not too long ago and is coated in Norrell's XM gray.  The delta ring is slightly lighter than the upper.


I have a can of Brownell's Aluma-hyde II in dark park gray coming Wednesday. Does anyone know where the Aluma-hyde will fall in this spectrum?

I'm very interested in this thread. I want to coat my receivers in a grey finish to get that look. I have a receiver in the white that needs a finish put on it. Tagging for later so I can follow along with you.

I have had 4 cans of Alumahyde dark park before and not one of them match the last can. It could be anywhere Ive had dark gray, primer gray, blue gray and green gray I gave up and use US anodizing or Norelles Molly for all my work and that works. Buy cheap get cheap. Alumahyde is thick and not very close to Colt gray FWIW

BELOW:
Some parts are Norelles, some are original colt anodizing and others are US anodizing. Can you tell which is which?  IMHO dont use Alumahyde.

I love that GREEN stock!

Looks good!!!  Need to sharpen that lawnmower blade tho.  

You can buy it back when the real one goes on in a week or so.....Ill even throw in the grip LOL

No thanks, but you should list it for sale in the EE.

So, a lot has transpired in a day. I've decided to sell the slick side upper and one of my Brownells A1 lowers to a local guy and forum member. He's looking to build a Vietnam era rifle.
It was good to get some feedback about the Aluma-Hyde II, however disappointing as it may be. I might save it for another project, my Savage FVSR.

I was reading another thread about a dry lube coating that Colt used on some of their parts. I wonder if the CH code upper has it.

For what its worth, here is my retro that I used the Alumahyde II Dark Parkerizing paint. Several different poses for comparative purposes. I am far from an authority on what is the correct grey but I am happy with the appearance and the durability.