Flat Dark Earth (FDE) AR Parts
An AR-15 is a very efficient and effective weapon, and though it is very functional, it can also be quite aesthetic. In fact, in the civilian market, aesthetics are a major contributing factor to every shooter's buying decisions.
When it comes to the aesthetics of any firearm, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Some people would find an old double-barreled shotgun with rosewood furniture and artistic engravings beautiful, whereas some may find the simple and functional design of a boxing Glock aesthetic. Above that, these days, you can have any pattern, color, or design used as a finish on your firearm.
The Aftermarket support for AR pattern rifles is immense, and you can find various parts, colors, and finishes. However, if you were to talk about the classics, black and Flat Dark Earth are probably the most finishes used for firearms.
What is Flat Dark Earth?
Flat Dark Earth is a common color used on firearms. It is an earth-toned color, similar to the sand found in a desert. It is the closest to Khaki, which is, in fact, a Persian word that means the color of dirt. Many militaries use this color for their uniforms as well. Flat Dark Earth has several shades, and firearm manufacturers use different names. It is also referred to as Desert Tan, Coyote Brown, or Coyote Tan.
Why Opt for FDE AR15 Accessories?
Apart from adding to the aesthetics of your firearm, a Flat Dark Earth finish can also have other advantages. From a tactical aspect, an FDE AR-15 will be more difficult to spot than a black one or one in any other color. The subdued tone of FDE blends better with the landscape, especially in desert environments. This is why the US military used FDE uniforms in Iraq, and many SOCOM and Special Forces units also use FDE weapons when operating in the desert or similar environments. Moreover, scratches and knicks are less prominent on a weapon with an FDE finish.
What Kind of Accessories Can You Get In FDE?
These days many firearm manufacturers make a wide range of firearm accessories in Flat Dark Earth and a wide range of other colors. You can get optics, foregrips, stocks, pistol braces, handguards, pistol grips, and almost any other firearm accessory in Flat Dark Earth.