https://aeroprecisionusa.com/ar15-st...-uncoated.html
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So the bare one is 14 bucks cheaper than the black anodized one. It makes sense if you are going to cerakote it. If not it makes little sense.
So I ended up getting a regular anodized upper.
Its a blem stripped upper from Advanced Armament, $52 with shipping.
If there is such a thing as clear anodizing,I think that a upper/lower set would look cool.
Thanks all
Yes, and no.
Anodizing can be done in a plethora of colors; more so, unless my information is inaccurate, can be adjusted for depth, hardness, and a few other factors.
If you look for "Anodized (enter aluminum/metal product here)" in google, you will find plenty of places to purchase said product with, usually, a variety of color options.
So, no, it wouldn't really be "clear" (unless there is a hardening process without dyes) but you could get a very smooth and shiny silver look to it for sure.
Here's a good example of dyes and process:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QBWpB80xxZI
YMMV when it comes to hardening in the case of ARs, o-course. This is purely based off of what is easily accessible information about the anodizing process. I could be far off when it comes down to ARs and that process entirely.
The Honey Badger is supposedly clear anodized, which accounts for its color.
I've always liked the look of bare of 90% missing finishes on receivers. When my LGS got some unfinished Mag Tactical magnesium lowers for cheap ($25) I snagged one.
So far it's about two years old and looks new. I only polished it once with some old polishing cloth I had for magnesium wheels. Some of you are probably too young to remember when aftermarket wheels were available in bare magnesium. it's on an upper shooting corrosive ammo (7N6) so it gets a regular bath in hot soapy water.
Full disclosure, magnesium isn't as strong as aluminum. There are some pics of broken magnesium receivers out there. And the weight difference is negligible. But for a range toy, it works. So if this is the look you're going for, it's a cheap option that doesn't appear to need much maintenance.
The FCG holes will eventually egg out on a bare/ceracoat-only receiver.
Personally I'd STF away from that. Just not worth the hassle IMO.
You can do clear anodizing, but it won't be Type III. Type III comes out dull grey or a dull golden color depending on the alloy.
Even if youre going to cerakote, youd still want the anodizing underneath. The only reason to buy a non anodized reciever is if you plan on making modifications to it, then having it anodized, saving you the stripping step