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8/11/2011 11:29:47 AM EDT
Just attained a brand-new stripped Spikes Tactical Lower Receiver.
Receiver is in superb condition but seems extremely dull in the finish.
Almost sand-paper like, quite harsh to the touch.
Is that something that softens up with time/oil?
I haven't had an AR lower in my position in quite a while. I had a complete rifle from Spike Tactical that was superb, but that was a good three years ago.
Don't remember the lower ever being so dull.
8/11/2011 11:42:17 AM EDT
[#1]
can you post pics? also have you tried putting some CLP or oil on it and rubbing it down then wiping it off?
8/11/2011 12:01:22 PM EDT
[#2]
Quoted:
can you post pics? also have you tried putting some CLP or oil on it and rubbing it down then wiping it off?


I'll snap a picture once I get home. Might be hard to tell from the picture though.
I haven't tried putting any CLP or oil on it.
Thought I'd ask before I did anything.
Thank you kindly for your response.
8/11/2011 12:07:37 PM EDT
[#3]
oil it and shoot it.
8/11/2011 12:12:56 PM EDT
[#4]
Quoted:
Quoted:
can you post pics? also have you tried putting some CLP or oil on it and rubbing it down then wiping it off?


I'll snap a picture once I get home. Might be hard to tell from the picture though.
I haven't tried putting any CLP or oil on it.
Thought I'd ask before I did anything.
Thank you kindly for your response.


i would try oil first, i just got a LMT that looked similar to how you described yours. after i squirted some clp on it and wiped it down with my rag it looked so much better

went from a dull grey type color to a shiny black
8/11/2011 12:15:52 PM EDT
[#5]
Aluminum does not soften with use or oil...you must be thinking of your Rocky boots...
8/11/2011 12:44:22 PM EDT
[#6]
Quoted:
Aluminum does not soften with use or oil...you must be thinking of your Rocky boots...


Raw Aluminum, obviously not.
I assumed the anodized hard coat would smooth out/shine a bit with oil.



i would try oil first, i just got a LMT that looked similar to how you described yours. after i squirted some clp on it and wiped it down with my rag it looked so much better

went from a dull grey type color to a shiny black


Thank you, I'll try it out and update you folks.
8/11/2011 1:45:35 PM EDT
[#7]
Is there a problem with the finish being dull in appearance or are you asking if this is a defect?
8/11/2011 2:52:17 PM EDT
[#8]
Military weapons usually have a non-glare finish for obvious reasons. A shiny AR looks like Wal Mart.
8/11/2011 4:11:22 PM EDT
[#9]
Quoted:
Is there a problem with the finish being dull in appearance or are you asking if this is a defect?


The dull finish isn't really the issue.
It feels a bit gritty, almost sand-paper like to the touch.
Just curious to know if that would smooth out a bit overtime, or needs a gentle coat of oil.
8/11/2011 4:32:51 PM EDT
[#10]
Quoted:
Quoted:
Is there a problem with the finish being dull in appearance or are you asking if this is a defect?


The dull finish isn't really the issue.
It feels a bit gritty, almost sand-paper like to the touch.
Just curious to know if that would smooth out a bit overtime, or needs a gentle coat of oil.


The parts that do not wear will not smooth out. The finish will have that texture for the life of the lower. The only thing oil will do is change the apperance of the color.
8/11/2011 5:55:44 PM EDT
[#11]
Send it back for a shiny one.
8/11/2011 7:39:35 PM EDT
[#12]
It sounds like a finish ripe for duracoat, moly resin or painting.  Hell, wax it like a car if you want it to be shiny.
8/11/2011 9:39:36 PM EDT
[#13]
I just finished a build with a spikes lower and BCM upper. The spikes is definately more of a dull / VERY flat black than the upper.

I cant say mines uncomfortable to touch, but it does have a different texture than the upper. Honestly I wish the upper were as flat as the lower.

8/12/2011 4:37:39 AM EDT
[#14]
A shiny AR looks like Wal Mart.



A big fat ass?
8/12/2011 5:59:53 AM EDT
[#15]
Some manufacturers in my limited experience with different finishes/textures:



Matte/flat texture

- S&W M&P

- RRA

- LMT







Non-matte finish




- CMMG

- Stag

- Mega

- DPMS







Others may have alternate experiences........
8/12/2011 7:15:44 AM EDT
[#16]
Does this dress make me look fat?  Seriously guys, cmon.
8/12/2011 8:37:57 AM EDT
[#17]



Quoted:


Does this dress make me look fat?  Seriously guys, cmon.


Yeah to each his own. Everyone has their opinion.  I think matching upper and lower finishes has an aesthetic appeal that's understandable.

 



One really needs to do their homework on upper and lower finishes before doing a build if you want that. For example a Vltor MUR that I have is very matte than only matches a S&W M&P lower that I have. My Mega upper and lower has a Glock-like smooth finish.




At the end of the day, you want a reliable AR that goes bang every time.









8/12/2011 9:38:38 AM EDT
[#18]
A Spikes Tactical lower receiver "DULL"? Matte maybe but never "DULL"!
8/12/2011 5:54:37 PM EDT
[#19]
Semi-gloss black spray paint will shine it up good. Just tape off the magwell, where the reciver extension goes, and inside. Put some red and white crayon in the markings and it will look cool, but let the paint dry first.
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