M&P 15T observation

[akd]

As many of you know, Smith & Wesson recently entered the AR market with their M&P 15 line. The "tactical" version features Troy Ind. free-floating rails and BUIS and appears as such in S&W advertising:

http://www.smith-wesson.com/wcsstore/SmWesson/upload/images/firearms/811001_large.jpg

Now I'll not venture to comment on the merits of the rifle in function, but I think it looks very nice and sells for pretty reasonable price considering the quality parts and accesories (Stag Arms and Troy Industries). However, I have since encountered the rifle at gunshows and the ones I've handled appear as such:

http://nas4.atlanta.gbhinc.com/GB/052177000/52177738/pix2182368406.jpg

Notice the complete mismatch in color between the receiver and the rails. Anyone know what's up with this on a rifle that otherwise seems to have a very high standard of finish? Are these perhaps people unloading factory seconds at full cost? It is, of course, not that big of deal, but it really stands out when you first handle the rifle.

[MEGR]

The one's I've seen and handled were exceptional. The only issue I have is the pricetag. With that kind of money, you could get a very good RRA souped up with all kinds of baubles and jiggamawhats.

[akd]

I've seen them for $1,300, which seems comparable to RRA

RRA CAR A4 - $875
Troy Industries rails with gas block and covers - $300
Troy Industries front and back flip-up sights - $250

Totatl - $1,475

[Exer]

I like it!,
- Does it say FIRE and BAFL?

[bertfivesix]

Notice the complete mismatch in color between the receiver and the rails. Anyone know what's up with this on a rifle that otherwise seems to have a very high standard of finish? Are these perhaps people unloading factory seconds at full cost? It is, of course, not that big of deal, but it really stands out when you first handle the rifle.

The receiver and rail system are anodized using either a different process or color. It's not a mistake - just how it is. I have a Troy railsystem on my AR and it doesn't match exactly. The flash of the camera makes this more obvious - from a distance, in natural light, it'll all look black.

[akd]

The receiver and rail system are anodized using either a different process or color. It's not a mistake - just how it is. I have a Troy railsystem on my AR and it doesn't match exactly. The flash of the camera makes this more obvious - from a distance, in natural light, it'll all look black.

I don't know, the very large and well lit pics in the latest Guns & Ammo "Book of the AR-15" issue did not exhibit this mismatch. Rails and receiver appeared to have closely matching finishes.

Also, these Troy rails were finished specifically for S&W and are marked as such, so they should not exhibit the mismatch of an aftermarket addition.

[ShakesFIST]

I like it!,
- Does it say FIRE and BAFL?

It says fire and safe.