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Posted: 2/17/2018 2:41:45 PM EDT
[#1]
Quoted:
So I just got my brownells retro a1 lower, it isn’t even close to being the correct color, it’s definitely got a green tint. Seriously you think they would do something better. Sure wish I just got on a list for a spud. What a joke wonder if they take returns on them not sure since the FFL transfer is complete now |
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Posted: 2/17/2018 2:52:27 PM EDT
[#2]
Quoted:
So I just got my brownells retro a1 lower, it isn’t even close to being the correct color, it’s definitely got a green tint. Seriously you think they would do something better. Sure wish I just got on a list for a spud. What a joke wonder if they take returns on them not sure since the FFL transfer is complete now Not sure its worth spending another $100 bucks or so to have it reanodized the correct shade. I'm hoping the NDS will be correct. |
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Posted: 2/17/2018 2:57:57 PM EDT
[#3]
I'd like to see these lowers, could you post a pic or two?
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Posted: 2/17/2018 8:18:28 PM EDT
[#4]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I'd like to see these lowers, could you post a pic or two? 
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Posted: 2/17/2018 8:57:21 PM EDT
[#5]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Here is a pic of the Brownells. Its supposed to be gray, but under fluorescent light, it casts a green tint. Under natural light, it looks bronze to my eyes. http://i66.tinypic.com/wrymua.jpg Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
I'd like to see these lowers, could you post a pic or two? http://i66.tinypic.com/wrymua.jpg Even though there were so many different shades of gray used throughout various production runs of original rifles over the years, and since we have heard this about these receivers a few times now, it appears that Brownells may possibly have a coloring problem on their hands. We still need more member input to know for sure. I do have one mint condition original Colt upper receiver that appears to be a color similar to that Brownells lower receiver but it also happens to be an earlier model Colt 9mm upper receiver so not really a good one to go by for comparison since it is not technically “retro” or atleast not what most people are building in this forum. Does anyone have a gray upper receiver from Brownells to compare to a gray lower receiver from them? We have also seen that on some of the complete rifles in Brownells retro line (mainly the XM177E2 variant) that they are coming with upper and lower receivers that are a very dark charcoal gray almost appearing black at first glance. Does anyone have one of the other models for comparison? I am interested to know if they are using the same upper and lower receivers on the complete rifles as they are selling separately. It does not appear so but maybe the batches of receivers are coming through in different colors or they are still experimenting with them. Most of the advertising and T&E rifles Brownells had our for promotional purposes appeared to be a lighter more typical gray. I am wondering what is going on with the varying coloring. @Brownells: maybe they can give us some insight as to their thoughts. |
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Posted: 2/17/2018 9:01:15 PM EDT
[#6]
From your pic, the color looks good to me. The original anodizing wasn't slate gray.
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Posted: 2/17/2018 9:15:29 PM EDT
[#7]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
From your pic, the color looks good to me. The original anodizing wasn't slate gray. https://i.imgur.com/gW7gvZEl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/07WC8Z3l.jpg https://i.imgur.com/GVexSH8l.jpg https://i.imgur.com/sbaHmlvl.jpg |
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Posted: 2/17/2018 9:36:37 PM EDT
[#8]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I see the A2 upper receiver you have in the picture appears to be black, I guess you do not have any original or aftermarket gray upper receivers for comparison? Even though there were so many different shades of gray used throughout various production runs of original rifles over the years, and since we have heard this about these receivers a few times now, it appears that Brownells may possibly have a coloring problem on their hands. We still need more member input to know for sure. I do have one mint condition original Colt upper receiver that appears to be a color similar to that Brownells lower receiver but it also happens to be an earlier model Colt 9mm upper receiver so not really a good one to go by for comparison since it is not technically “retro” or atleast not what most people are building in this forum. Does anyone have a gray upper receiver from Brownells to compare to a gray lower receiver from them? We have also seen that on some of the complete rifles in Brownells retro line (mainly the XM177E2 variant) that they are coming with upper and lower receivers that are a very dark charcoal gray almost appearing black at first glance. Does anyone have one of the other models for comparison? Most of the advertising and T&E rifles I saw Brownells using for promotional purposes appeared to be a lighter more typical gray. I am wondering what is going on with the inconsistent coloring. @Brownells: maybe they can give us some insight as to their thoughts.  I plan on stripping that one for a carbine build (It currently has a Bushmaster 16in pencil barrel installed).
I have a NDS upper and lower on the way. Will post a pic on its "gray" color.. |
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Posted: 2/17/2018 10:20:37 PM EDT
[#9]
Sp1 upper/NDS A1 Lower. Brownells A1 on bottom.
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Posted: 2/17/2018 11:16:11 PM EDT
[#10]
I kind of like the way they turned out.
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Posted: 2/17/2018 11:23:37 PM EDT
[#11]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I kind of like the way they turned out. |
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Posted: 2/18/2018 10:19:34 AM EDT
[#12]
I like both to be honest. Anodizing variations happpened as did different phases of wear. Mismatched rifles were very common. Unless you get a matched set the greys will always be a little different. Of course you could always moly resin them or something if you wanted a perfect match.
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Posted: 2/18/2018 10:26:48 AM EDT
[#13]
Received my Brownell's upper and lower and a McKay's lower as well. The gray is to dark for me and will be refinishing with Norrell's light gray flat. Also received a McKay's lower n gray, which I will be selling.
Brownell's  " />
McKay's  " />
 " />
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Posted: 2/18/2018 10:56:39 AM EDT
[#14]
How is the fit with the upper? Do you need a tool to get the take down pin out like my NDS does?
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Posted: 2/18/2018 11:24:40 AM EDT
[#15]
nxs450, nice upper and lower. Just curious on your selection of the Norrell's light gray flat. I spoke with a couple users here and also to JT & John Norrell last week on color options, all are telling me that the Grayish Black Flat would be the correct color for the 16A1 when the product is applied and baked correctly. I have never used the product, this will be my first attempt, so I welcome any comments from users that have experience with it recently. I have read several older post from about the product.
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Posted: 2/18/2018 11:49:48 AM EDT
[#16]
I keep reading about the mismatched colors on parts.
Why does anyone really care? I carried an M16 in RVN and not once did I care about if the upper color matched the lower or if any other parts matched. So, Last fall I went to a small reunion of some of the guys that served with me or in the same group. For those of you that served you know that there is a lot of down time and the BS runs about everything. Not one time did I ever remember discussing if the colors matched, our only concern was that it functioned. Because matching colors seem to matter here, I asked during one of our BS discussions, I asked the question about the colors matching and if it mattered. After getting some laughter, and a few comments...............(I will not repeat) Guess what, most didn't remembered if the colors matched or not, but none of them said it would matter. There were some comments about the pretty boys (REMF'S) and there gear/weapons and I will not repeat those comments. Bottom line when you add the dirt, oils, water, blood, etc. they didn't stay pretty very long. if something broke on the lower, you just swapped out lowers. If something broke on an upper it was just swapped out with an upper. Weapons and parts were gathered up and sent back, they were used for spare parts that worked, not because the colors matched. I hope I didn't hurt someone feelings here, because I am learning how sensitive some people have become. Ron |
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Posted: 2/18/2018 12:36:55 PM EDT
[#17]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I keep reading about the mismatched colors on parts. Why does anyone really care? I carried an M16 in RVN and not once did I care about if the upper color matched the lower or if any other parts matched. So, Last fall I went to a small reunion of some of the guys that served with me or in the same group. For those of you that served you know that there is a lot of down time and the BS runs about everything. Not one time did I ever remember discussing if the colors matched, our only concern was that it functioned. Because matching colors seem to matter here, I asked during one of our BS discussions, I asked the question about the colors matching and if it mattered. After getting some laughter, and a few comments...............(I will not repeat) Guess what, most didn't remembered if the colors matched or not, but none of them said it would matter. There were some comments about the pretty boys (REMF'S) and there gear/weapons and I will not repeat those comments. Bottom line when you add the dirt, oils, water, blood, etc. they didn't stay pretty very long. if something broke on the lower, you just swapped out lowers. If something broke on an upper it was just swapped out with an upper. Weapons and parts were gathered up and sent back, they were used for spare parts that worked, not because the colors matched. I hope I didn't hurt someone feelings here, because I am learning how sensitive some people have become. Ron One of the many things I had to come to terms with about Viet Nam is that much of the time, some folks who never got any closer than perhaps Iowa seem to think they know more about it than we who actually went there, and many aren't ashamed to tell you all about it. Which is kinda a different issue, really. |
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Posted: 2/18/2018 12:46:03 PM EDT
[#18]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
nxs450, nice upper and lower. Just curious on your selection of the Norrell's light gray flat. I spoke with a couple users here and also to JT & John Norrell last week on color options, all are telling me that the Grayish Black Flat would be the correct color for the 16A1 when the product is applied and baked correctly. I have never used the product, this will be my first attempt, so I welcome any comments from users that have experience with it recently. I have read several older post from about the product.  Attached FileAnd here is one I did in Grayish Black Flat:  Attached File |
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Posted: 2/18/2018 12:52:03 PM EDT
[#19]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I keep reading about the mismatched colors on parts. Why does anyone really care? I carried an M16 in RVN and not once did I care about if the upper color matched the lower or if any other parts matched. So, Last fall I went to a small reunion of some of the guys that served with me or in the same group. For those of you that served you know that there is a lot of down time and the BS runs about everything. Not one time did I ever remember discussing if the colors matched, our only concern was that it functioned. Because matching colors seem to matter here, I asked during one of our BS discussions, I asked the question about the colors matching and if it mattered. After getting some laughter, and a few comments...............(I will not repeat) Guess what, most didn't remembered if the colors matched or not, but none of them said it would matter. There were some comments about the pretty boys (REMF'S) and there gear/weapons and I will not repeat those comments. Bottom line when you add the dirt, oils, water, blood, etc. they didn't stay pretty very long. if something broke on the lower, you just swapped out lowers. If something broke on an upper it was just swapped out with an upper. Weapons and parts were gathered up and sent back, they were used for spare parts that worked, not because the colors matched. I hope I didn't hurt someone feelings here, because I am learning how sensitive some people have become. Ron |
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Posted: 2/18/2018 12:52:16 PM EDT
[#20]
Thanks Charles,, Looks Great
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Posted: 2/18/2018 12:55:15 PM EDT
[#21]
Thanks Ronnie!
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Posted: 2/18/2018 1:00:04 PM EDT
[#22]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
If you choose MolyResin "Grayish Black Flat" is definitely the way to go. The lighter gray is really light gray with a blue hue to it. Here is a rifle I did in the lighter gray: https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/410604/101_1497-456020.JPG And here is one I did in Grayish Black Flat: https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/410604/20170618_084429-456024.JPG |
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Posted: 2/18/2018 1:11:39 PM EDT
[#23]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
nxs450, nice upper and lower. Just curious on your selection of the Norrell's light gray flat. I spoke with a couple users here and also to JT & John Norrell last week on color options, all are telling me that the Grayish Black Flat would be the correct color for the 16A1 when the product is applied and baked correctly. I have never used the product, this will be my first attempt, so I welcome any comments from users that have experience with it recently. I have read several older post from about the product. |
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Posted: 2/18/2018 1:12:03 PM EDT
[#24]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
After looking at the Norrell sight again I meant to say the gray flat not the light gay flat. The gray flat is described as being a match for the early AR15 M16A1. So the top rifle is the light gray and the bottom grayish black? The bottom pic looks lighter then the top one. They both look good!
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Posted: 2/18/2018 1:16:08 PM EDT
[#25]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
The top rifle used "Gray Flat", but the pics are different lighting and different tables. The top rifle was definitely lighter in person, unfortunately I don't have that one anymore to take a side by side shot. They are both cool colors though |
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Posted: 2/18/2018 2:24:36 PM EDT
[#26]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I keep reading about the mismatched colors on parts. Why does anyone really care? I carried an M16 in RVN and not once did I care about if the upper color matched the lower or if any other parts matched. So, Last fall I went to a small reunion of some of the guys that served with me or in the same group. For those of you that served you know that there is a lot of down time and the BS runs about everything. Not one time did I ever remember discussing if the colors matched, our only concern was that it functioned. Because matching colors seem to matter here, I asked during one of our BS discussions, I asked the question about the colors matching and if it mattered. After getting some laughter, and a few comments...............(I will not repeat) Guess what, most didn't remembered if the colors matched or not, but none of them said it would matter. There were some comments about the pretty boys (REMF'S) and there gear/weapons and I will not repeat those comments. Bottom line when you add the dirt, oils, water, blood, etc. they didn't stay pretty very long. if something broke on the lower, you just swapped out lowers. If something broke on an upper it was just swapped out with an upper. Weapons and parts were gathered up and sent back, they were used for spare parts that worked, not because the colors matched. I hope I didn't hurt someone feelings here, because I am learning how sensitive some people have become. Ron |
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Posted: 2/18/2018 3:19:32 PM EDT
[#27]
"Attention to detail" and having the upper and lower be an exact match are in direct conflict with each other. Even today most weapons out there in arms rooms across the army don't match. My M4A1 has a black lower but the upper is purple. Most of the older grey M4A1s have black replacement uppers. The new FN M4A1s are all black, but thats about it.
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Posted: 2/18/2018 3:41:58 PM EDT
[#28]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Did you do the Norrell's your self? |
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Posted: 2/18/2018 3:42:23 PM EDT
[#29]
To anyone that has been in the service, you know 99% of the time, uppers and lowers don't match and they never did. So striving to make things match is a bit of a misnomer when doing clones and retro, I like my guns to match, but also know many times if they do, then I have not cloned the rifles we had in hand for various operations. Things change during anodizing with virtually every batch done.
Matching upper and lowers are nice to look at, but most of the time, it is not realistic to the rifles in the past. |
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Posted: 2/18/2018 4:58:15 PM EDT
[#30]
I'm well aware no rifles actually matched 100 percent...but the Brownells lowers (at least the one I have ) is way beyond gray. Its not even close.
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Posted: 2/18/2018 6:51:37 PM EDT
[#31]
It is everyones own choice how to complete their retro build. If they want to do it their way, and are concerned about color, get an in the white from Nodak and do it the way you want. Thats what I did. If not get it wherever you can, I don't really see the problem. Everyone has their own opinion and way to complete their build. None are right or wrong, just some are more accurate than others.
Just my 2 cent.... Receiver was anodized.. But I plan on using Norrells on three new receivers I have.  " />
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Posted: 2/19/2018 2:17:28 AM EDT
[#32]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Received my Brownell's upper and lower and a McKay's lower as well. The gray is to dark for me and will be refinishing with Norrell's light gray flat. Also received a McKay's lower n gray, which I will be selling. Brownell's <a href="http://i1166.photobucket.com/albums/q607/nxs450/firearms/20180217_193825_zps6xdmwpps.jpg</a>" >[url]http://i1166.photobucket.com/albums/q607/nxs450/firearms/20180217_193825_zps6xdmwpps.jpg">http://i1166.photobucket.com/albums/q607/nxs450/firearms/20180217_193825_zps6xdmwpps.jpg">[url=http://s1166.photobucket.com/user/nxs450/media/firearms/20180217_193825_zps6xdmwpps.jpg.html]http://i1166.photobucket.com/albums/q607/nxs450/firearms/20180217_193825_zps6xdmwpps.jpg McKay's <a href="http://i1166.photobucket.com/albums/q607/nxs450/firearms/20180217_193816_zpspj0b1raz.jpg</a>" >[url]http://i1166.photobucket.com/albums/q607/nxs450/firearms/20180217_193816_zpspj0b1raz.jpg">http://i1166.photobucket.com/albums/q607/nxs450/firearms/20180217_193816_zpspj0b1raz.jpg">[url=http://s1166.photobucket.com/user/nxs450/media/firearms/20180217_193816_zpspj0b1raz.jpg.html]http://i1166.photobucket.com/albums/q607/nxs450/firearms/20180217_193816_zpspj0b1raz.jpg <a href="http://i1166.photobucket.com/albums/q607/nxs450/firearms/20180217_193809_zpsmewtkthc.jpg</a>" >[url]http://i1166.photobucket.com/albums/q607/nxs450/firearms/20180217_193809_zpsmewtkthc.jpg">http://i1166.photobucket.com/albums/q607/nxs450/firearms/20180217_193809_zpsmewtkthc.jpg">[url=http://s1166.photobucket.com/user/nxs450/media/firearms/20180217_193809_zpsmewtkthc.jpg.html]http://i1166.photobucket.com/albums/q607/nxs450/firearms/20180217_193809_zpsmewtkthc.jpg 
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Posted: 2/19/2018 7:10:45 AM EDT
[#33]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Embedded: http://i1166.photobucket.com/albums/q607/nxs450/firearms/20180217_193825_zps6xdmwpps.jpg?hotlinkfix=1519020894709 http://i1166.photobucket.com/albums/q607/nxs450/firearms/20180217_193816_zpspj0b1raz.jpg?hotlinkfix=1519020895350 http://i1166.photobucket.com/albums/q607/nxs450/firearms/20180217_193809_zpsmewtkthc.jpg?hotlinkfix=1519020896041 |
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Posted: 2/19/2018 9:36:34 AM EDT
[#34]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I see the A2 upper receiver you have in the picture appears to be black, I guess you do not have any original or aftermarket gray upper receivers for comparison? Even though there were so many different shades of gray used throughout various production runs of original rifles over the years, and since we have heard this about these receivers a few times now, it appears that Brownells may possibly have a coloring problem on their hands. We still need more member input to know for sure. I do have one mint condition original Colt upper receiver that appears to be a color similar to that Brownells lower receiver but it also happens to be an earlier model Colt 9mm upper receiver so not really a good one to go by for comparison since it is not technically “retro” or atleast not what most people are building in this forum. Does anyone have a gray upper receiver from Brownells to compare to a gray lower receiver from them? We have also seen that on some of the complete rifles in Brownells retro line (mainly the XM177E2 variant) that they are coming with upper and lower receivers that are a very dark charcoal gray almost appearing black at first glance. Does anyone have one of the other models for comparison? I am interested to know if they are using the same upper and lower receivers on the complete rifles as they are selling separately. It does not appear so but maybe the batches of receivers are coming through in different colors or they are still experimenting with them. Most of the advertising and T&E rifles Brownells had our for promotional purposes appeared to be a lighter more typical gray. I am wondering what is going on with the varying coloring. @Brownells: maybe they can give us some insight as to their thoughts. All rifles are shipping with the gray type receivers pictured in this thread. |
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Posted: 2/19/2018 10:29:33 AM EDT
[#35]
Looks fine to me.
Thanks Brownell's for getting into the retro time. |
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Posted: 2/19/2018 10:41:25 AM EDT
[#36]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I wish I could have got a McKay when they were available. |
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Posted: 2/19/2018 10:48:18 AM EDT
[#37]
Quote HistoryQuoted: We did not get finalized gray receivers until just prior to SHOT Show. Anything before that was black or painted, as it took several efforts to get an anodized finish that was close to the original (probably why you don't see anyone else doing this). All rifles are shipping with the gray type receivers pictured in this thread. |
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Posted: 2/19/2018 11:04:10 AM EDT
[#38]
Quote HistoryQuoted: We did not get finalized gray receivers until just prior to SHOT Show. Anything before that was black or painted, as it took several efforts to get an anodized finish that was close to the original (probably why you don't see anyone else doing this).
All rifles are shipping with the gray type receivers pictured in this thread. |
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Posted: 2/19/2018 12:25:44 PM EDT
[#39]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Just to be clear in my earlier post that I am going to refinish the upper and lower that I got from Brownell's, wasn't because of a quality issue or not being the correct color. It is just a personal preference that I want a lighter finish on it. The fit and finish on the units I got are very nice! |
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Posted: 2/19/2018 9:29:19 PM EDT
[#40]
Received both of mine today. To be honest they look great! Building an M16A1 and a GAU-5 with them. They are slightly darker than the original A1 upper but it has a lot of wear so I am distressing the lower anyway. Matches the SP1 upper that I am using for the GAU-5 almost perfectly. Will try to snap some pictures once I have them built but I am very happy with them.
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Posted: 2/19/2018 11:06:28 PM EDT
[#41]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I wish I could have got a McKay when they were available. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Embedded: http://i1166.photobucket.com/albums/q607/nxs450/firearms/20180217_193825_zps6xdmwpps.jpg?hotlinkfix=1519020894709 http://i1166.photobucket.com/albums/q607/nxs450/firearms/20180217_193816_zpspj0b1raz.jpg?hotlinkfix=1519020895350 http://i1166.photobucket.com/albums/q607/nxs450/firearms/20180217_193809_zpsmewtkthc.jpg?hotlinkfix=1519020896041
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