Lightest AR15 + recoil reduction devices for wife?

problemchild

problemchild

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Jun 11, 2009
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#1
I have a tiny 100lb Asian wife who likes to shoot with me but needs a light gun with low recoil as she is not very upper body strong. I talked her into building an AR15 so she can shoot alongside me at the range.

I see BCM has a lightweight upper. I have also read that changing some parts can make the rifle have very little recoil over and above what a brake can do. Can any of you guide me to the right parts choices? What parts besides the brake can reduce recoil?
 
#2
Re: Lightest AR15 + recoil reduction devices for wife?

Perceived recoil can be mitigated with the right buffer and action spring. If you want a lightweight, low/no recoil AR, I highly suggest a 14.5" lightweight profile barrel with a midlength gas system paired with a heavy buffer and Wolff extra power action spring. A good handguard for this use would be a Magpul MOE or if you're willing to spend a bit more, the Viking Tactics rail. Match this with a light stock such as the MOE or a CTR and you should be at 7lbs unloaded if not closer to 6.5lbs with little recoil at all. You could put a PWS FSC556 on to further reduce recoil however I'd try the A2 before dropping another $100 on the build.
 
#3
Re: Lightest AR15 + recoil reduction devices for wife?

Thanks for the feedback....


Do the 14.5's need to be pinned and welded which would stop me from installing a PWS unless it was factory installed correct?

I have seen lightweight bolt carriers too. Do they help with anything?
 
#4
Re: Lightest AR15 + recoil reduction devices for wife?

KAC SR-15 IWS is the lightest recoiling AR outta the box I have found....that combined with an overall extremely well balance light weight rifle makes its one of the best guns on the market imho. Add a TT or AAC fast attach brake and you got a great setup for her.

Look at a colt 6520 as well...well under 6lbs.
 
#5
Re: Lightest AR15 + recoil reduction devices for wife?

Oh jeez...I need to get my head in the game. Yes, you're right, you need to pin/weld an extended A2 flash hider or some other muzzle device to bring the length to 16" or longer.

Lightweight bolt carriers move faster and it's argued that they can impart more recoil than their full-auto rated counterparts. The other issue I have seen with them is ammo sensitivity. Then you run into the issue of making sure your gas system is properly tuned.
 
#6
Re: Lightest AR15 + recoil reduction devices for wife?

Thanks again guys for the feedback.

I dont think I can own a KAC in The Peoples Republik Of Kalifornia. KAC REFUSES to do biz with Kali and REFUSES to rename their rifles so they are "OFF the ban list". At least that is what I have heard. I might be misinformed. KAC's refusal to give their rifles different model numbers means they are forever banned in the PRK. Why give money to a company that is ANTI-GUN on themselves?

I think all colts are banned by model number too.

Its on the second page of this flow chart.

http://calnra.com/cgi-bin/flowchart.cgi

http://www.calguns.net/caawid/flowchart.pdf


 
#7
Re: Lightest AR15 + recoil reduction devices for wife?

Oly makes a pneumatic buffer for rifle length systems. almost eliminates recoil, and there is no "boing noise" in your ear. Im haveing a hard time finding them lately. I'm sorry to say. But I do believe I may have one.
 
#8
Re: Lightest AR15 + recoil reduction devices for wife?

Wonder why bushmaster does not sell the superlight upper by itself. I have a complete lower sitting here.
 
#10
Re: Lightest AR15 + recoil reduction devices for wife?

Not quite the response you were asking for but... My wife actually prefers shooting the M1 Carbine I inherited from my Grandfather. I've got an 20" A4gery clone that I think is smooth as silk but she always asks to shoot the M1 instead.. Food for thought
 
#11
Re: Lightest AR15 + recoil reduction devices for wife?

the one i am building for my wife will be done this week. she is 100lbs as well i used a 16" m4 barrel, YHM diamond hand rail, piston buffer. and a light weight bolt carrier. ill have pics soon. a good break helps as well.
 
#14
Re: Lightest AR15 + recoil reduction devices for wife?

An adj gas block with go a loooong way to reduce "felt recoil". Most gas guns are really over gased. You would never know it until you get an adj block though. If you get a comp, the right buffer, spring, and adj block you will have nice set up for the littlest female or for you if you want real quick follow up shots. Good luck and kudos for talking the other half into spending more time at the range with you.
 
#15
Re: Lightest AR15 + recoil reduction devices for wife?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: problemchild</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Thanks again guys for the feedback.

I dont think I can own a KAC in The Peoples Republik Of Kalifornia. KAC REFUSES to do biz with Kali and REFUSES to rename their rifles so they are "OFF the ban list". At least that is what I have heard. I might be misinformed. KAC's refusal to give their rifles different model numbers means they are forever banned in the PRK. Why give money to a company that is ANTI-GUN on themselves?

I think all colts are banned by model number too.

Its on the second page of this flow chart.

http://calnra.com/cgi-bin/flowchart.cgi

http://www.calguns.net/caawid/flowchart.pdf


</div></div>

In the view of our attorneys the renaming is illegal, as the guns are SR-25 and SR-15 on the ATF books, and a name change to attempt to defeat state AWB's is illegal.

Hopefully on Nov2 you people in Ca. can get a decent government and remove the stupidity from your DoJ.
 
#16
Re: Lightest AR15 + recoil reduction devices for wife?

lighter weapon is not always the best choice on a small person, lighter weapon will have more recoil than a heavy weapon. What I would do is a regular ar with a low charge bullet on even a .22lr conversion kit.
 
#17
Re: Lightest AR15 + recoil reduction devices for wife?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Lazy21</div><div class="ubbcode-body">lighter weapon is not always the best choice on a small person, lighter weapon will have more recoil than a heavy weapon. What I would do is a regular ar with a low charge bullet on even a .22lr conversion kit. </div></div>

+10 Ligther weapon usually means more felt recoil. If you are spending all day at the range a heavy rifle would be better for recoil especially if she is just going to have it sit on bags. If you are going hunting or having her pack it around there is going to be a compromise on weight and recoil. However with the mods listed above you should have a pretty good setup.
 
#18
Re: Lightest AR15 + recoil reduction devices for wife?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: KevinB-KAC</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: problemchild</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Thanks again guys for the feedback.

I dont think I can own a KAC in The Peoples Republik Of Kalifornia. KAC REFUSES to do biz with Kali and REFUSES to rename their rifles so they are "OFF the ban list". At least that is what I have heard. I might be misinformed. KAC's refusal to give their rifles different model numbers means they are forever banned in the PRK. Why give money to a company that is ANTI-GUN on themselves?

I think all colts are banned by model number too.

Its on the second page of this flow chart.

http://calnra.com/cgi-bin/flowchart.cgi

http://www.calguns.net/caawid/flowchart.pdf


</div></div>

In the view of our attorneys the renaming is illegal, as the guns are SR-25 and SR-15 on the ATF books, and a name change to attempt to defeat state AWB's is illegal.

Hopefully on Nov2 you people in Ca. can get a decent government and remove the stupidity from your DoJ. </div></div>

Agreed...

Even if it were the case- why attack a company that refuses to do business in a state that is hostile toward the product they are selling? It wouldn't mean KAC is anti-gun; it would mean they are anti-california. Nothing wrong that.
 
#19
Re: Lightest AR15 + recoil reduction devices for wife?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: bfoosh</div><div class="ubbcode-body">This.... http://www.bushmaster.com/catalog_carbon15_AZ-C15R97F.asp ....

along with a heavy buffer and this... http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?productnumber=598476 .... with the muzzle reduction device of your choice. </div></div>

+1

Or get her an M&P15-22.

Also might get her a gym membership and some personal training- increase her upper body strength a bit; it would benefit in more than just shooting.
 
#20
Re: Lightest AR15 + recoil reduction devices for wife?

Totally off topic and I apologize.


HK made the HK91 into a HK911 or a PTR. Many companies have model changes and to do so means you built a new model.Some companies try to assist Calif. residents in buying their guns. I have read what KAC thinks of Calif. and its not good. I have NO say so if ILLEGALS vote for democrats here in Northern Mexico. The Politicians REFUSE to enforce the laws. I am sure you aware that our system of voting is severely broken. I along with 8 million other voters were disenfranchised when 1 biased judge erased our votes with a stroke of the pen.

As the owner of this forum so politely told me. "Its better to work with people then to piss them off".

Balls in KAC's court. Work with us!




<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: KevinB-KAC</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: problemchild</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Thanks again guys for the feedback.

I dont think I can own a KAC in The Peoples Republik Of Kalifornia. KAC REFUSES to do biz with Kali and REFUSES to rename their rifles so they are "OFF the ban list". At least that is what I have heard. I might be misinformed. KAC's refusal to give their rifles different model numbers means they are forever banned in the PRK. Why give money to a company that is ANTI-GUN on themselves?

I think all colts are banned by model number too.

Its on the second page of this flow chart.

http://calnra.com/cgi-bin/flowchart.cgi

http://www.calguns.net/caawid/flowchart.pdf


</div></div>

In the view of our attorneys the renaming is illegal, as the guns are SR-25 and SR-15 on the ATF books, and a name change to attempt to defeat state AWB's is illegal.

Hopefully on Nov2 you people in Ca. can get a decent government and remove the stupidity from your DoJ. </div></div>
 
#21
Re: Lightest AR15 + recoil reduction devices for wife?

a well made .223 bolt action with a muzzle break would also be a pretty good idea. You avoid all the PRK laws and a basic 700 with a break is going to have the recoil of a 22LR.
 
#22
Re: Lightest AR15 + recoil reduction devices for wife?

1) Quality brake
2) JP Enterprises low mass carrier
3) Adjustable gas block
4) Standard carbine buffer.



All of this on a rifle or midlength gas system is a very common combination in the 3-gun scene to tame the AR15. It flat out works.
 
#24
Re: Lightest AR15 + recoil reduction devices for wife?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: LimaBravo</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Get her one of the AR15 .22 LR look alikes. No recoil, low cost to shoot and looks cool. </div></div>

This. +1
 
#25
Re: Lightest AR15 + recoil reduction devices for wife?

make sure to get the spikes tungsten buffer, eliminates any clacking sound from the buffer and heavy buffers should smooth out the recoil a bit as well; equating to an better overall experience when shooting
 
#26
Re: Lightest AR15 + recoil reduction devices for wife?

I'm with Boomfab on the advice. In 3gun we're always looking for the lightest recoil impulse that still operates 100%. In my case I also wanted a much lighter AR so I ended up with the MSTN 18" with ACE ARFX stock and carbon hanguard. Either shooting suppressed or with a brake/comp, it shoots like a .22lr even with the 77gr. loads I usually run.

Plus the parts that Boomfab mentioned (a suppressor or a good brake, e.g., Thor, Arrendondo, RollingThunder, Cooley...), JP low mass carrier, JP light buffer, light spring, AND a PRI/JP adjustable gas block.
Just be prepared to play around with it as it often takes some trial and error to find the perfect combination. But, having an adjustable gas block to fine tune is pretty key imo.
 
#27
Re: Lightest AR15 + recoil reduction devices for wife?

Interesting: some say heavy buffer, others, a light carrier.
I figure the heaviest gun she can handle combined with a good brake (not flash suppressor) or silencer (there goes the weight again).
I figure the heaviest gun she can handle , along with a good brake (not flash suppressor) or a silencer (there goes the weight again).

I will say that a 5 pound Martini .223 I have for the kids isn't something you want to shoot all day with full power ammo. A gooey thick recoil pad helps.
 
#28
Re: Lightest AR15 + recoil reduction devices for wife?

sounds like she about the size of my mother and sister.

When i built their AR's I Magpul MOE'd (seems to be their lightest stuff) it out to look like a poster child, then put a heavy buffer and a nice brake on a 14.5" bbl. I coupled it up with a 20 rnd magazine and put a bolt carrier+spare bolt in the handle to even out weight a little bit. They love the rifle as is.

If you put a silencer on there i suggest doing a little heavier stock to again even out the weight. Also magpuls RVG is a wonder as its smaller that smaller hands can wrap around it comfortably and give them that extra hand on the front half of weight.
 
#29
Re: Lightest AR15 + recoil reduction devices for wife?

Do any companies make a superlight top end with the features you guys mentioned above? It would be nice to just buy the complete upper and bolt it on. That way if the gun wont cycle properly you have a place to point the finger and RMA the upper.
 
#30
Re: Lightest AR15 + recoil reduction devices for wife?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DP425</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: KevinB-KAC</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: problemchild</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Thanks again guys for the feedback.

I dont think I can own a KAC in The Peoples Republik Of Kalifornia. KAC REFUSES to do biz with Kali and REFUSES to rename their rifles so they are "OFF the ban list". At least that is what I have heard. I might be misinformed. KAC's refusal to give their rifles different model numbers means they are forever banned in the PRK. Why give money to a company that is ANTI-GUN on themselves?

I think all colts are banned by model number too.

Its on the second page of this flow chart.

http://calnra.com/cgi-bin/flowchart.cgi

http://www.calguns.net/caawid/flowchart.pdf


</div></div>

In the view of our attorneys the renaming is illegal, as the guns are SR-25 and SR-15 on the ATF books, and a name change to attempt to defeat state AWB's is illegal.

Hopefully on Nov2 you people in Ca. can get a decent government and remove the stupidity from your DoJ. </div></div>

Agreed...

Even if it were the case- why attack a company that refuses to do business in a state that is hostile toward the product they are selling? It wouldn't mean KAC is anti-gun; it would mean they are anti-california. Nothing wrong that.</div></div>


I have to say in response to all of this we all know that KAC is a great company and stands by their product as the should
But in order to resolve all of these issues you can have whatever gun Ar you see fit by buying a lower receiver that fits the bill with your laws...
So buy what you need modify to Komifornias laws with the button and all that jazz and just circumvent the laws the way you guys do with everything else adapt

I'm sure somebody in Cali makes a nice lower thats not on your stupid list
Lastly you can buy the KAC sr 15 upper from reputable dealers in Cali
 
#31
Re: Lightest AR15 + recoil reduction devices for wife?

From my lane:
Armor carriers have great shoulder pads...this helps regardless of the caliber(all the way up to .50).
I use a rifle stock with a decent pad(ACE ARFX to be exact.
Decent muzzle brake/comp.
 
#32
Re: Lightest AR15 + recoil reduction devices for wife?

Off thread topic but needs to be said.

You either stand up for the rights of the American people or you dont. KAC has chosen to side with the government instead of the people. You are either for us or against us. Please dont give me the crap about voting them out either. I vote every time and my vote gets overturned by the 9th circus court or the illegal aliens.

People have asked nicely that KAC sell to CA and KAC gives sorry we only sell to LEO not civilians in CA. The same LEO that will stop your car coming from the rifle range and harass you for hours and seize your guns for no good reason. (read stories at calguns).
Here is how simple it would be for KAC. Make a new rifle with a FDE pistol grip and name it --->Knights FU-CA-15. Simple!

But KAC is afraid of the Brady Bunch and code pink so they wont even sell an extractor spring to CA.

Snippets from another thread.....

Here ya go.........

Date Ordered: Thursday 14 October, 2010

The comments for your order are: I am sorry to inform you, but at this time
KAC is not shipping any (Civilian) parts to CA (but we do support the jack booted thugs in CA). However, if you know anyone who lives
outside of CA, you can have the order shipped to them and they can forward
the package to you. Please send an email to [email protected] and
let me know what you would like for me to do. Again, I apologize for the
inconvenience.

Your order has been updated to the following status:
New status: California Order

Please reply to this email if you have any questions.

This email address was given to us by you or by one of our customers. If you
feel that you have received this email in error, please send an email to
[email protected]
This e-mail is sent in accordance with the US CAN-SPAM Law in effect
01/01/2004. Removal requests can be sent to this address and will be honored
and respected.

So why are all the other companies willing to take the risk? KAC has no problem selling evil black rifles to the jack/black booted thugs that kick peoples doors in here in CA.

Clear winner:
- Those who oppose the Second Amendment in the California Legislature.

Losers:
- KAC by needlessly denying themselves a vast and lucrative California civilian market.
- California firearms enthusiasts.

How is selling a handstop, vertical foregrip, flash hider, rail panel, or trigger guard to California an more of a liability for KAC than selling a rifle to another state?

Knights is worried they will be singled out for liability? Colt, LMT, LaRue, BCM, DD, etc. are taking too great a risk by selling their products here?

And I still don't see how removing/changing 1 character of a roll mark is either costly or time consuming.






<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: sean</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DP425</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: KevinB-KAC</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: problemchild</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Thanks again guys for the feedback.

I dont think I can own a KAC in The Peoples Republik Of Kalifornia. KAC REFUSES to do biz with Kali and REFUSES to rename their rifles so they are "OFF the ban list". At least that is what I have heard. I might be misinformed. KAC's refusal to give their rifles different model numbers means they are forever banned in the PRK. Why give money to a company that is ANTI-GUN on themselves?

I think all colts are banned by model number too.

Its on the second page of this flow chart.

http://calnra.com/cgi-bin/flowchart.cgi

http://www.calguns.net/caawid/flowchart.pdf


</div></div>

In the view of our attorneys the renaming is illegal, as the guns are SR-25 and SR-15 on the ATF books, and a name change to attempt to defeat state AWB's is illegal.

Hopefully on Nov2 you people in Ca. can get a decent government and remove the stupidity from your DoJ. </div></div>

Agreed...

Even if it were the case- why attack a company that refuses to do business in a state that is hostile toward the product they are selling? It wouldn't mean KAC is anti-gun; it would mean they are anti-california. Nothing wrong that.</div></div>


I have to say in response to all of this we all know that KAC is a great company and stands by their product as the should
But in order to resolve all of these issues you can have whatever gun Ar you see fit by buying a lower receiver that fits the bill with your laws...
So buy what you need modify to Komifornias laws with the button and all that jazz and just circumvent the laws the way you guys do with everything else adapt

I'm sure somebody in Cali makes a nice lower thats not on your stupid list
Lastly you can buy the KAC sr 15 upper from reputable dealers in Cali

</div></div>
 
#33
Re: Lightest AR15 + recoil reduction devices for wife?

Its not exactly clear so I'll ask; has you wife fired an AR yet? My son, at 7, was shooting mine and had no problem with recoil. He weighed probably 75ish lbs then. My gun weighs about 8.5 lbs loaded. At first the concussion was intimidating for him but after a mag or two he was in love. I say build it up and let her try (if she hasn't previously) before going too crazy trying to find a recoil reducing method.
 
#34
Re: Lightest AR15 + recoil reduction devices for wife?

problemchild
I don't understand what is stopping you from getting an off list lower and building your own or just heading off to Turners and picking up a Kali legal AR and just putting on a different buffer and or muzzle brake? You know you could also load some lower recoil light weight rounds for her to shoot also.
And fill out your profile
 
#37
Re: Lightest AR15 + recoil reduction devices for wife?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: problemchild</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Totally off topic and I apologize.


HK made the HK91 into a HK911 or a PTR.
</div></div>

PTR is not made by HK. It is a clone made in the US.
 
#38
Re: Lightest AR15 + recoil reduction devices for wife?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Falar</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: problemchild</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Totally off topic and I apologize.


HK made the HK91 into a HK911 or a PTR.
</div></div>

PTR is not made by HK. It is a clone made in the US.</div></div>
+1
The HK911 was a way the HK worked the original AW's law that outlawed specific firearms by name so HK being smarter then the entire legislative branch of Kalifornia just stamped an extra "1" onto the receiver and removed the flash hider. Brilliant. I love it when smart people (the gun industry) completely dismantles the stupid people (Kalifornia state government).
 
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