From the pics I keep finding on the internet, either from the Pro and the newer 2049 version, it seems like the grips are too dark. Has this been discussed before? is that an issue or they look more accurate in person? Also, I'm ok with the matte black finish (for now), but I'd like to know if it's possible to take it off and blue the metal parts later on. Thanks!
It is possible to remove the matte black finish. See this thread: http://www.therpf.com/showthread.php?t=270476&highlight=heavily+modified+tomenosuke
Not sure if you could get it clean enough to re-blue, but the point is that whatever they "paint" it with is definitely removable to some extent.