AR 15 complete lower weight differential

[ShortShooter1908]

I have been contemplating building a ultra light weight 14.5" gun. I am looking at the GWACS lower or sticking with a 7075. Durability of the GWACS is a separate discussion. I am looking a weight for the moment. I don't want to do a skeleton build. I don't think they are all that good of an idea nor is really my style. I am trying to compare apples to apples. Is there a major difference in the parts? I know ounces equal pounds but aside from buttstock selection is there a way to cut a large amount of weight out of the lower? Looking at the upper I see the barrel and handguard as being the major places to cut weight in the overall package.

TIA.

 

[natdscott]

How much will you be actually SHOOTING this rifle?

-Nate

 

[ShortShooter1908]

I could turn into my primary carbine. I have a 16" reece-style as my only carbine AR. It's running a 1-6x. This potential build would have a red dot.
The reece is a great gun. Shoots better than I do. It is in the 9-9.5# dry range. I feel like I get some over swing with it.
As far as round count, probably 500-750/year at most. Don't think less of me. I know I should shoot more but life is like that.

 

[natdscott]

I don't think less of you for shooting that much or little.

Life is what it is, so we do the best we can to be as Operator as Fuck, but still pick the kids up from school and get them in bed by 8:00 with their teeth brushed.

As far as durability, I can't recommend anything but the aluminum receivers, given that I have personally seen even THOSE develop reliability issues due to wear. If the weight differential is going to be made up somewhere, I wouldn't take it from the receiver material, particularly given your statement about it being a primary rifle.

With regards to the driving of the rifle, I think that more time on the gun is the solution, not a hardware change. To be more clear, since you are not able to get out to the range and live fire as much as you'd like, if possible, you need to figure out a way to drill and train with the rifle at home.

Whether it's at post-it notes stuck to the wall in your living room, or IPSC cardboard on the back fence, time spent on dry-fire, holding drills, transition drills, and positional practice will pay huge dividends when it comes time to go to the live fire range. Same in spades for any actual NEED to use the rifle.

Hope that helps.

-Nate

 

[demolitionman]

I don't think less of you for shooting that much or little.

Life is what it is, so we do the best we can to be as Operator as Fuck, but still pick the kids up from school and get them in bed by 8:00 with their teeth brushed.

lmao awesome!

 

[hlee]

Not the last word in polymer v aluminum, but a word. Karl and Ian seem to like the GWACS lower.

 

[ShortShooter1908]

Not the last word in polymer v aluminum, but a word. Karl and Ian seem to like the GWACS lower.

That's kinda what prompted the whole idea.

 

[hlee]

A standard forged Al lower weighs just under 9 oz. Carbine buffer tube weighs just under 4 oz. Magpul moe carbine stock weighs just under 9 oz. Total 22 oz. Stripped GWACS lower is listed at 21 oz. I’d say the weight diff is a push.

 

[Potss]

The GWACs is great, but it isn't a part that saves you weight, it is a part that saves you money.

If you actually want to build an ultra-light AR and want to retain (or actually enhance) durability, the V7 weapon systems 2099 and 2055 lithium alloy parts including upper/lower/handguard and small titanium parts are what you want. Not cheap, but you can get a reliable AR into the high 3lbs range with no problems. Let me know if you want a parts list.

 

[Yondering]

A standard forged Al lower weighs just under 9 oz. Carbine buffer tube weighs just under 4 oz. Magpul moe carbine stock weighs just under 9 oz. Total 22 oz. Stripped GWACS lower is listed at 21 oz. I’d say the weight diff is a push.

Or compare that to a forged aluminum lower and a Smoke Composites stock/tube that weighs less than a normal carbine buffer tube (3.5 oz IIRC). You can get down close to 6 oz on some aluminum lowers (or magnesium like Mag Tactical although I don't like them as much).