Should gunmetal be brownish or blueish?

[hermanchauw]

I had read from some painting tips that gunmetal should be kind of blueish, but in real weapons that i had seen, including the M16, it is actually brownish, especially if oiled. If dry it may look kind of very dark blue-black, especially if the soot is not cleaned properly.

So should gunmetal be brownish or blueish?

Testors Model Master gunmetal is blueish. IS it accurate?

[freakray]

blue-ish.....since it is like a deep grey.....the blue-ish tint comes from the heat treatment process.....
Oil, depending on the type, will give a brownish tint.....

Ray

[hermanchauw]

So when Tamiya specifies X-10, does it mean the blueish or brownish tint?

[freakray]

blue-ish
Have you seen X-10?
It is like a deep metallic blue/grey color.

[hermanchauw]

Thanks very much.