Hi, I'm starting my build of an XM177E2. Wondering what method any of you might be using to create burnished/weathered look? Would love to see some pics too!

thanks

Rob

I know that in the past, some have literally thrown the rifle down the driveway to give it that “worn” look.

I’m sure there are better methods.

This sounds weird, and it’s more time intensive, but it worked for me. Wear on a gun is mostly due to long term use, so accelerate that by using your rifle, pistol, or whatever by using disposable gloves and valve grinding compound. Put on the gloves, heavy is better, spread the compound on your gloves and use the gun. It wears the right areas and it’s more fun than just weathering something.

I would note that it’s best done at your own place or a friend’s house. Otherwise you just look like a major league dork at a public range.

Scotchbrite pad has worked great for me "aging" FAL receivers.

This is what I was going to suggest, either valve grinding compound, diatomaceous earth, or aluminum mag polish (perhaps mother's). You could possibly use a scotchbrite sparingly to speed up abrasion in spots that make sense

A lot of wear on issued rifles is from overcleaning, or very minor amounts of rust on phosphated components that are cleaned off and oiled over hundreds of times. That's how exposed barrels, selectors and receiver end plates get that brownish color. In my experience chips and scratches in the Anodizing are caused by contact with metal web gear buckles, sling keepers and the bottoms of magazines. I remember every A4/M4 stock and grip having that almost leathery, shiny look. I can only assume it's from the combination of hand oils/sweat and microgrit, which you can replicate with the above tip.

I would caution against dragging it on concrete, dropping it, or any real destructive methods because it's just not realistic unless you want a Parris Islamd parade deck rifle look..

Believe it or not and I don't remember the exact time frame but these "battle worn" rifles were the rage years ago here. During that time frame, a dude built one and "weathered" it, actually tied 550 cord to it and dragged it around the gravel range, both sides of the gun, from the front sight and stock. It sold for a premium as it was a turn key weathered retro carbine.

That sounds like something that the idiot over on YT’s Military Arms Channel would do.

I found a thread a few years back about this.  It was 2020 or prior when I was building my first retro.
I had an Atlantic arms old M16 import kit: Just bought a new lower and barrel to go with the kit.  
The challenge was to make the new lower look aged enough to somewhat match the original upper.
I remember some recommendations that I tried and liked.  The recommendations were to start big and progress to finer polishing.  Starting with a metal wrench or tool to strike the lower, putting some dings and scratches on it.  Then put it in a bucket or container of bolts and nuts, rattling it around for a while.  Then proceeding to steel wool to polish the overall finish and to take the anodizing off on the high wear areas.  There was some discussion about using caution when doing this to a lower that was not completed and attached to an upper.  The concern was that the exposed mating surfaces and pin holes could be damaged and not allow for proper assembly afterwards.  This did not cause a problem for me.  I was just careful with the wrench strikes and not too heavy on the bucket shaking.

I am satisfied with the results.

https://ibb.co/hHPd0sM

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Upper is original finish.  Lower is Norells moly resin then distressed to match. I just pulled the lower down a rock with some 550 cord.

Scotchbrite pads. Take your time, don't over do it.

thanks for the suggestions! Would love to see more pics!

I spent a lot of time looking at old real parts on Gun Broker and saving pictures. I also downloaded tons of pictures of pre 1986 rifles from places like Rock Island auctions, museums, and anywhere I could find real original guns. I got folders full. That is a good way to see where the wear spots are and how and what wore where in the wild.

Looking at all them, I noticed the hardware was always wore, lighter, and had a yellowish brownish tinge to them. To match the hardware, I use naval jelly. Put it on for seconds. As in like 5-10 then wash off and wait a few minutes to see what I got. It still changes a little after you wash it off. That will lighten it up. Then I use a scotch brite on the edges and high spots. Go slow. Then I have a little spray bottle with hydrogen peroxide, salt, and vinegar in it. I mist them with that. That will give them the yellow brown tinge to them.

Side note: I have a bottle of magnesium phosphate here. So I was never worried about going to far. If I did, I could just redo them. That said, I only messed up one thing. I put naval jelly on something, laid it down and got side tracked for a couple minutes. Turned it light light gray. Almost white.