When it comes to the way a gun looks, it is truly a case of beauty is in the eye of the beholder. There aren’t cultural beauty standards for this type of stuff, so the curves on the Smith & Wesson Model 60 revolver aren’t perceived by most gun folks to be any more attractive than the boxy GLOCK. Apart from the Liberator and Hi-Point, the way a gun looks is pretty much subjective. Traditionally, guns were blued, steel and wood but since polymer started reigning supreme, most guns now come in a wide variety of finishes—if you decide to send in your gun for Duracoating, you can have your gun look like whatever you want it to. Light, dark, patterned—you name it, you can get it!
Why Personalizing Your Firearm Finish Matters
I think the popularity of Duracoat comes from each of our desire to personalize or individualize our firearms, especially black rifles. Most popular semiauto concealed carry guns only come in one finish from the factory—black. Duracoating, colored accessories and furniture is a way to make it ours.
Firearm Colors Beyond Black: What’s Available?
Some colors are more popular, or at least more marketed than others—there hasn’t been a shortage of pink, purple, or Tiffany Blue firearms marketed toward women and there are plenty of OD green, FDE and some urban gray to choose from if black gets boring. The most popular of these alternative colors is the Flat Dark Earth (FDE) which has remained an in-demand color for firearms and firearm accessories for years.
FDE's Rise in Popularity
Proof is in the pudding—GLOCK’s anticipated 2018 release of the 19X is GLOCK’s first time to release a factory gun in a different color other than black. Because there are no standard specifications for FDE color matching, you’ll find it called different things. GLOCK calls its finish Coyote Brown. You’ll also find it called Desert Tan and Coyote Tan with lighter and darker variants. You can see and discuss the differences on this AR15.com thread.
Ultra Shot R-Spec Reflex Sight
The Ultra Shot R-Spec Reflex Sight offers rapid target acquisition with a wide-angle lens system and customizable reticle options. Its durable aluminum housing and protective shield ensure reliability in various conditions.
Mini Shot M-Spec M2 Solar
The Mini Shot M-Spec M2 Solar combines solar technology with battery power for extended operation. Its compact design is ideal for pistols and AR platforms, offering a 3 MOA red dot reticle for precise aiming.
Volta Solar Red Dot Sight
The Volta Solar Red Dot Sight features dual power options, utilizing both solar and battery energy sources. Its robust construction and 2 MOA red dot reticle make it suitable for a variety of shooting applications.
What is Flat Dark Earth?
FDE is an earth-toned color resembling the soil and sand found in the desert, most often in the Middle East. Militaries around the world have incorporated this muted, khaki color in their uniforms forever. In fact, “khaki” is the Persian word for the soil’s color in what is now Pakistan. Tan-based camo was officially adopted by the United States military in 1977. It looked like cookie dough and was nicknamed “chocolate chip.” It wasn’t very successful in real life desert climates, though, so in the 1990s, the military introduced the Desert Camo Uniform (DCU) when Iraq invaded Kuwait.
Advantages of Flat Dark Earth vs Black Finishes
There are a few advantages to FDE vs. black. This earth-toned tan or sand color is practical and subdued and less easier to spot than black. Scratches and marring are less obvious. It doesn’t get as hot in the summertime cooking under the sun at the gun range. It is aesthetically pleasing to many and most of its popularity is due to it being a color SOCOM and Special Forces utilize. And, like some FDE fans like to say, “just like red sports cars, FDE firearms are more accurate.”
Sightmark’s Commitment to Color-Matched Optics
Sightmark introduced Flat Dark Earth products in 2014 to meet customer demands. Many AR-15 owners like to match the furniture to the optic for cohesion. Unlike some manufacturers, Sightmark meticulously color-matched the Ultra Shot M-Spec line of reflex sights and the LoPro laser light combo to the extremely popular Magpul’s FDE. It also matches the FDE factory finish on the Tavor.
Sightmark’s Executive Vice President of Sales Jeff Murray says, “There have been many different colors of ‘tan’ called everything from Coyote Brown, Military Tan and the more popular FDE. Magpul really made this movement commercial some years ago when they started offering all their aftermarket parts in this color. Tens of thousands of AR-type rifles are sold every year and I think people just got tired of matte black, so with the U.S. Government starting to source some rifles in this color and Magpul making their furniture in FDE, it was a natural step for optics companies to start offering other color options. Sightmark has been very pleased with the sales of our flat dark earth finishes and is always looking at new functional and fun colors to adapt to our optics.”
What is your favorite alternative firearms finish? What other Sightmark products would you like to see in flat dark earth…or another color? Talk to us in the comment section!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Flat Dark Earth (FDE)?
Flat Dark Earth is a muted, earthy tan color resembling desert soil. It became popular due to its military use, especially by SOCOM and Special Forces, and is widely used in firearms, optics, and tactical gear.
Why do people choose Flat Dark Earth over black finishes?
FDE offers practical advantages like reduced heat absorption in sunlight, less visible wear and scratches, and improved camouflage in outdoor environments. Many also prefer it for aesthetic reasons and its association with military styling.
Is there a standard shade for Flat Dark Earth?
No. There’s no official standard for FDE, so manufacturers have their own versions with slight variations in tone. It may also be labeled as Coyote Brown, Desert Tan, or similar names.
Why is Duracoating popular for firearms?
Duracoating allows firearm owners to personalize their guns with unique colors and patterns. It's durable, easy to apply, and offers a wide range of finishes that go beyond the factory-standard black.
Do colored finishes affect firearm performance?
Colored finishes like FDE do not affect mechanical performance but can impact usability by reducing glare, lowering heat retention, and offering better concealment depending on the environment.
How does Sightmark ensure color matching on FDE optics?
Sightmark carefully color-matches its FDE products to popular standards like Magpul’s FDE to ensure visual cohesion with AR furniture and rifles. This attention to detail ensures a consistent, professional look.
What firearms and optics come in colors besides black?
Many modern rifles, pistols, and accessories now come in colors like OD Green, Urban Gray, Coyote Brown, and even pink or Tiffany Blue. Optics like Sightmark’s Ultra Shot M-Spec and Mini Shot M-Spec also come in FDE finishes.
2 comments
Do you guys happen to know what Handguard is on that AR in the first photo?! Very interested to find it! Thanks.
Good read and very helpful! Also very very curious what brand that hand guard is in the first photo on the AR15…any insight would be very appreciated!