The early M16s I used had receivers in a mid to dark grey 'gunmetal' colour, with the 'plastic' stock and butt in a semi-matt black, which could become slightly shiny with use. The later versions, from the M16A1 on, had black 'Parkerised' barrels, and a semi-matt black finish to the receiver. The magazines on both types were normally dark metallic grey, although later these were also black-painted.