Flat Dark Earth is the AR15's second most popular color after classic black, and it'll give your rifle a distinct transformation both aesthetically and practically. Its light camouflage capabilities make this more than just an eye-catching hue - you're getting form AND function!
Flat Dark Earth (FDE) has gained in popularity as an AR15 color option with more and more gun owners looking to customize their firearms. Whether you’re looking for furniture, a complete gun, or a combination of the two, FDE is quickly becoming the go-to color for many gun enthusiasts. So what makes this color so popular? And how does it stack up against other AR15 parts and accessories? Let’s take a closer look.
The first thing that stands out about FDE is its unique color. It has shades of brown, tan, and grey combined to create a subtle yet distinct hue that offers more depth than other common colors like black and OD green.
Plus, its neutral tones will appeal to those who don’t want paint or cerakote jobs that draw too much attention. Additionally, FDE can help hide dirt and wear and tear better than most other options. This makes it an ideal choice for those who are looking for something low-maintenance without compromising on style.
When it comes to durability, FDE parts often have an edge over competitors due to their corrosion-resistant properties. Many manufacturers use an aftermarket coating like Cerakote. This makes them last longer over time even when exposed to extreme temperatures or inclement weather conditions. Plus, they are scratch resistant so they won’t show signs of wear as easily as some alternative options might.
All in all, choosing an AR15 decked out in FDE can be a great way to customize your firearm while still maintaining a professional look that won’t stand out too much at the range or in the field. With its unique blend of colors combined with superior durability and longevity compared to other finishes, you can be sure your AR15 will always be ready when you need it!
Sig Sauer Romeo-MSR 1x20mm 2 MOA Red Dot Sight - FDE
The Sig Sauer SOR7-2011 is a great choice for an entry-level red dot sight. It's affordable, lightweight, and offers a simple reticle to help you make your first few rounds faster.
The sight has plenty of power thanks to the battery pack that can be easily replaced with spare CR1632 batteries. The 10 settings allow you to pick the perfect illumination setting for whatever task you need it for. A couple of low light settings are also available – useful if you're hunting in the middle of the night or spending time outdoors in poor weather conditions.
We like how easy this sight is to use, even for those with little experience using a rifle before. The 1 MOA circle means there's no guesswork needed when it comes to lining up your shot, which helps improve accuracy and consistency over time.
Magpul Bipod for Hunting and Shooting M-LOK Flat Dark Earth
From the drawing board, the Magpul Bipod was designed to be barely noticed until needed. Folded, the streamlined housing and legs fit neatly under the barrel and are just under 2.3” deep and 3.3” wide. In addition, anodized surfaces and tight, precision tolerances mitigate squeaks and rattles.
- Mil-spec hard anodized 6061 T-6 aluminum
- Stainless steel internals
- Spring-tensioned legs stow neatly forward and snap down
- Leg extensions slide and lock securely with the push of a button
- Staggered soft rubber feet hold fast on a variety of shooting surfaces
Even in the stowed position, the Magpul Bipod has many useful features. A soft rubber bipod locking knob cap is attached to the locking knob giving users a steady, non-marring forward rest while the bipod is folded.
Additionally, its staggered soft rubber feet hold fast on a variety of shooting surfaces and are easily removed with a roll pin punch.
Should users choose to change feet, the Magpul Bipod’s legs accept most Atlas pattern bipod replaceable feet, except for the Atlas 5-H style.
This product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.
Sig Sauer Romeo MSR Red Dot + Juliet3 Micro Magnifier Combo FDE SORJ72011
The Romeo MSR Red Dot Sight and Juliet 3 Micro Magnifier Combo is an excellent choice for those looking to get into the world of red dots. It's a solid choice, thanks to its 20mm objective lens diameter, which means it has plenty of power for target acquisition.
The sight itself features a waterproof rating of IPX-7, so you don't have to worry about it getting rained on or submerged in water. This can also withstand dust and shock, making this a great all-around sight that should stand the test of time.
There's also a 10-day battery life with two brightness settings - low (for daytime use) and night mode (for use when visibility isn't ideal). The reticle pattern is a 2 MOA red dot with precise aiming points at 100 MOA total travel.
Magpul MBUS 3 Front Sight Bundle with MBUS 3 Rear Sight Set, FDE, MAG1166-MAG1167
Magpul has knocked it out of the park with this backup sight. Though they do cost more than other sights, they're worth it because they work like a dream and are made to last.
The MBUS 3 is light and compact enough that it's easy to carry around when you need to use your rifle without an optic. You can even hang these sights off the end of your rifle if you need them quickly or if you're in a hurry to get shooting at game.
You get everything you need in one sight, from elevation adjustments for different ranges and windage adjustments for bullet drop to tritium lamps for low-light situations. The reticle is also adjustable between dots and crosshairs so whatever situation you find yourself in, there's an option for aiming properly.
CVLIFE 6-9 Inches Bipod Picatinny Bipod with Adapter Flat Dark Earth
The CVLIFE 6-9 Inches Bipod is a very affordable bipod that's packed with great features. It offers a non-polymer adjustable extension leg, which makes it easy to find the perfect height for your needs.
The swivel stud on this bipod allows you to attach or detach it quickly and easily, making it ideal for when you need to move around while using your rifle.
Install directly with any M Lok handguard or you will need an adapter to attach it to two-piece covers.
The rubber bottom of the legs makes this bipod shockproof and antiskid, too, so you can be sure that these won't give way if you accidentally bump into them during use.
While the CVLIFE 6-9 Inches Bipod offers great value at its price point and comes backed by a lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects.
Magpul MS1 QDM Two-Point Rifle Sling Coyote
The Magpul MS1 QDM sling is a solid and comfortable option for anyone looking to get into shooting sports. It's made from nylon, so it does have some drawbacks such as being less durable than other slings, but at an MSRP of $60 for a set of two, it's still reasonably affordable. The Magpul MS1 QDM sling is also available in multiple colors if you want something that matches your rifle or gear better.
The main selling point of this sling is its ergonomics. While not everyone will like how wide it is, that extra width makes sure you don't end up with any shoulder issues due to slung weight. It also has an adjustable cheek weld which ensures comfort while using your weapon.
While there are no loops or tails on this sling - which can cause snags - there are Magpul MMGs (Magpul Multi-Mission Grips) that can be added on if you need more control over your weapon when firing off shots quickly.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced shooter, these optics and accessories can help make your shooting experience more accurate and comfortable. The Micro Magnifier Combo is perfect straight those just starting out because it has plenty of power out of the box without breaking the bank. Magpul's MBUS 3 sight bundle sets itself apart with its tritium lamps for low-light situations and adjustable reticle pattern between dots and crosshairs.
For shooters on a budget, the CVLIFE 6-9 Inches Bipod offers great value at its price point while also being shockproof and antiskid.
Finally, if comfort is key in your rifle setup then look no further than the Magpul MS1 QDM Two Point Rifle Sling which provides extra width to prevent shoulder issues due to slung weight as well as an adjustable cheek weld that ensures maximum comfort when firing off shots quickly.
With all these options available, there’s something here for everyone!
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Reminder "FDE AR 15 Colors"
Not all manufacturers have the same definition of flat dark earth (FDE), some things you purchase may not match "shades of FDE or desert tan" the same. FDE is sometimes used as a shade in desert camo it is not the same shade as desert tan.
Most builds are lucky if the upper receiver and lower receiver are the only things that match, AR parts are a gamble on what shade they made and the result can be a cool sort of subtle "camo" with the products your selection provides.
