Torn between two of the most sought-after color choices aka the LWRC’s Patriot Brown (Cerakote) and FDE? Now, every gun enthusiast knows and loves the two high-performance rifles. And the rifles remain exclusively similar in their top-notch design and engineering.
What sets them apart is the colour palette. Honestly, this is a matter of personal choice.
We can’t tell you exactly what your taste buds might crave, but here’s an overview of what these pretty shades offer.
Appearance
The Patriot Brown is richer in color and has a deeper look. The whole look may give off a tactical and military vibe. You may imagine the color as a darker hue of brown, with the lower and upper receivers accentuated with black.
On the contrary, the FDE has a sandier look. You can think of it as a tan shade of beige. Moreover, instead of accelerated receivers, the FDE has a uniform to med surface. The subdued shade is much more neutral as compared to the former one.
Popularity
Both color rifles have top-of-the-lime designs and excellent quality. Also, both shades are incredibly popular in the firearms market. But two factors are worth noting. The FDE has been in the market way longer than Patriot Brown.
Several manufacturers sell these sandy rifles and they are well-known. Comparatively, Patriot Brown is more recent and naturally, FDE is more prevalent. Plus most people seem to like the neutral appearance the FDE boasts. Patriot Brown nevertheless, still has quite a large fan following.
Preference
Preference is subjective. There is no way of knowing which color will shift your heart. But speaking logically, aside from basic visual preferences, the intended use of the gun, the location of use, and current trends can play a large part in selection too.
Some people prefer to go with the more distinct Patriot Brown instead of the easy-going and more acceptable FDE. Or it might be the opposite case.
However, the Patriot Brown you might want to use in a forested environment, while the FDE is for a sandy, desert one; if blending is what you desire. Switch the roles if what you want to make is a bold statement.
Resale
More demand means a higher resale value. So going with what we explained earlier, we can say that FDE generally has a higher price in the market. It apparently appeals to the general public more. But remember, this varies with the location, brand, etc.
Advantages
They are both merely differences in color, so there is no hope of a performance advantage for you. You will be getting the same resistivity to wear and tear and the same brilliant durability.
The benefit you might be looking for is only, as mentioned previously, in blending with the environment for outdoor activities such as hunting. You may choose the color according to the environment.
Difference in Prices
Usually, there is no price difference between the two colors and if there is, it should be negligible. The only line you will be able to draw will be between different models, and retailers.
For authentic pricing information, make sure to check in with different retailers. Some may have the Patriot Brown as the more expensive gun, while it may be the other way around for others.
Conclusion
What do you imagine the color of your dreams to be like? Is it a rich and deep tone of brown, giving your rifle an edgy look? Because true enough, the Patriot Brown will always turn heads in the field.
But the competition is strong with the earthier shade of FDE. The color is tanner and widely loved. As there is barely any pricing difference, nor is there any contrast in performance, you should consider your liking, resale value, environment and intended use before buying.
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Check out my other equally in-depth rifle comparisons to choose the best rifle for you in above compared colors: