I know these are a "Frankenstein-rifle" of the USAF, but curious what the "correct" color and finish (I.e. Matte, slight gloss, etc.) of an arsenal refinished version.  I looked on retro black rifle, and the pics were not real clear on a color.  Thanks in advance for any help!!!

Here are a few. Any color of black rattle can over any shade of gray or black anodizing looks good. I like the textured Rustoleum black. A little Solid film lube/sandstorm 9 over the rattle can always helps too.

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Thanks Matt!  You Da Man!!!

Hey that's my boot in the second pic!!!!!

I really appreciated you posting those!  

Or the original Colt grey if the later version.

By later, I mean the commerically marked "M-16A1" lowers, probably from 653s

No problem, here are the rest of that I took for those that missed them. All of these had standard M4 profile barrels and 4 pos. CAR stocks except one which had an M4 stock

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Thanks for sharing!  It's really interesting to see the one with the A2 profile lower.

Forgot to mention that I think 2 of those were actually slick uppers as well. Its ben nearly ten years now though so I could be way off. Ill have to through some other pics to see if I have any of the other sides.

Last time I looked at the current AFTO 5 or so years ago, pencil barrels and slick uppers were al GTG. Army just didn't allow A1 parts for ILO missions supported by the AF. We deployed plenty of  1/7 .625 barrels & slick uppers up until 2012ish to the AOR. When I left in 14 it was a full on transition to the M4, even training weapons were replaced. I remember being amazed they were still going out and it was ok by the TO and line remarks. Mutt is almost an understatement.

Would love more pics! I didn't take any as I wasn't really into it then. It was just old junk.

This was one of my rifles in 03-04
Aluminum stock, M16A1 lower, A2 upper, non M4 cut GL capable 14.5 barrel, skinny single shield hand guards. I went with an A2, but swapped out in country to the carbine.
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One more question...if they switched all these out to m4 barrels, would they have had "f" marked front sight bases/gas blocks on them?