Long ago and far away there were chromed No4s and BRENs used as shooting team trophies. Chrome wasn't in it for parades, at least I never saw any. When I started out in the early '60s the Army was led by officers and NCOs of WW2 vintage who knew how to put on a parade. Weapons were spiffed up for ceremonial parades by having stocks re-oiled and slings cleaned. There was the odd aberration, like spit-shone bayonet scabbards and even magazines for the FN, but I think that was a Canadian Guards thing.