Hey, I'm doing a "retro" build but it's not really aiming to be super-accurate, so I'm not going to get the anodizing done XM gray, largely because the only two people I've found who can do XM gray are not taking any orders until the very end of the year or early next year.

Cerakote is way cheaper as well.

Anyway, if anyone is familiar with Cerakote colors and the XM gray finish - which I've never seen in person - can anyone tell me what is the closest match?

Thanks buuuuuudies.

Don’t overlook Norrells Moly Resin in your searching, though I’m not sure which gray is correct for your application. If you call them with they will advise you.

http://molyresin.com

Dark gray-black - coloration with a flat appearance. This color is a very close match to the early original Colt model SP-1 AR-15 and M16-A1 finish. This is the same product that is purchased from us by the U.S. Military to refinish M-16’s at various military bases and armories.

Gray flat - A match to older gray military parkerizing including some very early Colt and Armalite M-16 rifles.

Light gray flat

Cerakote will send you samples for free.

While I have not personally compared the 2 side by side, I have seen a few others say “sniper grey” is very very close

I think I read on their website recently that they no longer send free samples.  I’d use moly resin if I were you.

I just had two samples sent to me today

Cerakote Sniper Gray!