Looking to lighten up a colt 6920.. Wanted to start with the grips stock and guard.. What's the absolute lightest I can get in these areas?
Last edited:
-
Having trouble using the site?
Contact support
lightest furniture for ar15
- Thread starter PlinkIt
- Start date
I recently accumulated a bunch of different parts during a period that I had 7 people order builds at essentially the same time. Hence, I decided to run some weight and length of pull tests considering manufacturers often publish weights without the buttpads installed. Misson First's Minimalist stock was the lightest at 5.8oz. LWRC's UCIW stock came in second lightest at 7.1oz but is only offered as a complete kit with a shorter buffer tube and buffer. I actually ended running the UCIW tube & buffer and switched the stock to the MFT for the lightest possible set up.
Grip weights are really going to be within 1 to 1.5oz of each other. I've never considered weighing any. I have tested a bunch of handguards but would need to know a few more things like length, free float or non FF, rail interface (keymod, traditional picatinny, smooth side, etc) as all of those aspects need to be taken into account as all will have an effect on weight with respect to the entire system you install. A lot of the weight difference with handguards in similar weight categories really boils down to the design of the barrel nut. Let us know you're preferences there and I'd be happy to share my thoughts...
Btw, in the case that length of pull is also important at some point here is a pic of some of the more compact stocks and the total length you'd see when fully collapsed...
Grip weights are really going to be within 1 to 1.5oz of each other. I've never considered weighing any. I have tested a bunch of handguards but would need to know a few more things like length, free float or non FF, rail interface (keymod, traditional picatinny, smooth side, etc) as all of those aspects need to be taken into account as all will have an effect on weight with respect to the entire system you install. A lot of the weight difference with handguards in similar weight categories really boils down to the design of the barrel nut. Let us know you're preferences there and I'd be happy to share my thoughts...
Btw, in the case that length of pull is also important at some point here is a pic of some of the more compact stocks and the total length you'd see when fully collapsed...
I will get an accurate length of pull for my self on this rifle when I get back home..
As far as the rest of the items on forward grips and rail interface.. I'm not looking for tacticool at all with this rifle and free floating is a welcome upgrade but not necessary.. My objective is a very sound reliable light weight ar for under 400 yard enjoyment shooting.. Plinking.. Bottles.. Maybe occasional groundhog..
Will be inquiring later for opinions on lightest optics and mounts for 400 yards also.. No extra rails needed.. No tacticool anything.. Just lightest good quality shooter for under 400 yards is my goal
As far as the rest of the items on forward grips and rail interface.. I'm not looking for tacticool at all with this rifle and free floating is a welcome upgrade but not necessary.. My objective is a very sound reliable light weight ar for under 400 yard enjoyment shooting.. Plinking.. Bottles.. Maybe occasional groundhog..
Will be inquiring later for opinions on lightest optics and mounts for 400 yards also.. No extra rails needed.. No tacticool anything.. Just lightest good quality shooter for under 400 yards is my goal
Last edited:
I saw a B5 forend on an AR at the shop the other day that had to be extremely light. It was thin and had key mod slots all over it. I don't think it was FF but I'm not sure.
I recently accumulated a bunch of different parts during a period that I had 7 people order builds at essentially the same time. Hence, I decided to run some weight and length of pull tests considering manufacturers often publish weights without the buttpads installed. Misson First's Minimalist stock was the lightest at 5.8oz. LWRC's UCIW stock came in second lightest at 7.1oz but is only offered as a complete kit with a shorter buffer tube and buffer. I actually ended running the UCIW tube & buffer and switched the stock to the MFT for the lightest possible set up.
Grip weights are really going to be within 1 to 1.5oz of each other. I've never considered weighing any. I have tested a bunch of handguards but would need to know a few more things like length, free float or non FF, rail interface (keymod, traditional picatinny, smooth side, etc) as all of those aspects need to be taken into account as all will have an effect on weight with respect to the entire system you install. A lot of the weight difference with handguards in similar weight categories really boils down to the design of the barrel nut. Let us know you're preferences there and I'd be happy to share my thoughts...
Btw, in the case that length of pull is also important at some point here is a pic of some of the more compact stocks and the total length you'd see when fully collapsed...
ok my physical length of pull is slightly under 13"... but I have been running the stock on the m4 at about 12"..
I am not into running it with my nose on the charging handle..
"Will be inquiring later for opinions on lightest optics and mounts for 400 yards"
If a magnified optic is likely in the future you may as well ditch the FSB and go full float now. Why spend twice?? Weight remove from the front of the rifle will be the most noticeable. The KMR rail is as light as it gets. GH
If a magnified optic is likely in the future you may as well ditch the FSB and go full float now. Why spend twice?? Weight remove from the front of the rifle will be the most noticeable. The KMR rail is as light as it gets. GH
Handguard: BCM KMR 13" (7.7oz) or AP Custom Carbon Fiber 12.4" (5.4oz if you don't need a top rail)
Buttstock: Mission First Tactical Minimalist
Grip: Maybe an A1. Least amount of material.
If you're looking for optics and mount an Aero Precision mount is only 2.98oz and then for low powered variable scopes Weaver 1-5, Vortex PST 1-4 (capped turrets), and Trijicon 1-4 are in the 14oz range. Some others such as Leupold could be an ounce or so lighter but don't have true 1x on the bottom end.
Buttstock: Mission First Tactical Minimalist
Grip: Maybe an A1. Least amount of material.
If you're looking for optics and mount an Aero Precision mount is only 2.98oz and then for low powered variable scopes Weaver 1-5, Vortex PST 1-4 (capped turrets), and Trijicon 1-4 are in the 14oz range. Some others such as Leupold could be an ounce or so lighter but don't have true 1x on the bottom end.
Last edited:
really like the way the ap custom carbon is looking.. that will fir the bill for what I am trying to accomplish!
Just be certain you won't need the top rail. If your 6920 has the gas block front sight, I'm assuming you're sticking with that. For the money, the AP Custom is hard to beat for materials and weight. It uses the stock barrel nut using an attachment trunnion that works really well.
Let us know how this turns out. You should end up with something pretty light. On another forum, they're chasing non-SBR lightweight and right now the floor is about 5lbs.
" BCM KMR 13" (7.7oz) or AP Custom Carbon Fiber 12.4" (5.4oz if you don't need a top rail)"
The KMR weight includes the barrel nut. The AP weight does not. Giving up the top rail and ability to mount keymod accessories is not worth the 1oz saving the AP rail offers in my opinion. GH
The KMR weight includes the barrel nut. The AP weight does not. Giving up the top rail and ability to mount keymod accessories is not worth the 1oz saving the AP rail offers in my opinion. GH
I gladly will put up some pics and info on it when I get done if I can figure out how by the time I get it done..
and I removed the front sight post for a gas block with top and bottom rail segments made into.. having second thoughts about that now though.. cant imagine that attaching a bipod to the bottom of the gas block is a good idea but my though was originally putting 45 degree backup sights on top of it when I started with this one..
and not interested in the top rail planning to use the flat top for the optic no back ups.. might opt for an optic that doesn't leave me in the cold if the battery goes dead though..
and I have no dream of catching the guys looking for the ultra light weights.. I have yet to feel comfortable with a poly lower.. and I really prefer the carrier with a little more metal in it.. all unnecessary I'm sure, and I am sure the others are great I just cant talk myself into them.. you know what I mean?..
I really need to find the weight with the attachment trunnion on the ap then and really I will be comparing shorter units.. 7 inches is all I will be looking for.. just enough to cover the carbine gas system.. really not looking at any attachments on this one.. I am throwing the tactical out the window on this one.. no lights, lasers, or anything else just light good quality shooter friendly under 400 yards is what I am after
Yeah on mine I have the AP w/o the top rail and only using a red dot. It's a lightweight for my wife and kids. Sounds like you're re-thinking the bipod on the gas block. That is a definitely a good idea. I can only imagine zeroing nightmares with it attached their.
yes I really don't think its a good idea.. kind of let somebody else talk me into that one.. I am even trying to find a better gas block set up due to the fact this one is a set screw type.. I want to gain some more info on what gas blocks apply the least amount of strain on the barrel as well.. time to go thread searching..
do you have any ideas on the weight of the trunnion attachment? are we talking minimal?.. I think what you did for them is basically the direction I am headed but with some decent magnification.. objectively 5 to 8x ..
Strike industries' 7" rail is free float and comes in at 5oz. The 7" MI SS Gen 2s come in at 7.1oz with barrel nut. The BCM Mod 0 grip and the Gen 1 Magpul K2 grips are some of the lightest I've seen first hand...
This post on the M4 forum (AP Custom carbon fiber handguards) would seem to indicate the trunnion weight is included in the weight spec on the AP website. And in this thread on arfcom (how much does a typical barrel nut weigh? - AR15.Com Archive), mil-spec barrel nut weighs about 1.25oz. So the 7" AP Custom is about 5oz with all the mounting parts.
The Strike Industries handguard is interesting if the weights include the mounting parts. For the price it is hard to beat. Although the price has me wondering if it is made in the USA (not that it matters much to me). I got a gas tube from them that was made in Taiwan I believe. Again not a big deal. What is a bigger deal to me is if the handguard is completely free float. The fins look like they contact the barrel. It's possible they do not but I wonder if contact is possible when shooting. I have no experience with this handguard so my observations are only from pics online.
Long time lurker, first post!
I've been on a lightweight kick since I got into rifles (only 7 months ago) - gave up modifying and racing cars for this!
Here's the weight breakdown of the AP Custom 12.375" Standard Version and Midwest Industries SS-GEN2 12" ... (BCM KMR on order now).
Midwest Industries SS-Gen2 12" (with proprietary barrel nut) --> 9.75oz (advertised as 9.3oz)
Midwest Industries SS-Gen2 12" (without barrel nut) --> 8.2oz
AP Custom Standard Version 12.375" (with trunnion) --> 5.35 oz
AP Custom Standard Version 12.375" (only handguard) --> 3.60 oz
AP Custom Trunnion --> 1.20 oz
AP Custom Trunnion Back Plate --> .25 oz
AP Custom Trunnion Screws (4) --> .30 oz
Mil-Spec Barrel Nut - 1.30 oz
The AP is hard to beat it for the price. I got the 12.375" at cheaperthandirt for $135.
I have a quick review on my lightweight builds, my only complaint on the AP is the diameter. After holding a MI-SS-G2, that has a 1.5" ID, which makes it very easy to control. The AP has a slightly larger diameter (haven't measure it). The carbon fiber handguard definitely deflects heat way better than a metal handguard.
I've been on a lightweight kick since I got into rifles (only 7 months ago) - gave up modifying and racing cars for this!
Here's the weight breakdown of the AP Custom 12.375" Standard Version and Midwest Industries SS-GEN2 12" ... (BCM KMR on order now).
Midwest Industries SS-Gen2 12" (with proprietary barrel nut) --> 9.75oz (advertised as 9.3oz)
Midwest Industries SS-Gen2 12" (without barrel nut) --> 8.2oz
AP Custom Standard Version 12.375" (with trunnion) --> 5.35 oz
AP Custom Standard Version 12.375" (only handguard) --> 3.60 oz
AP Custom Trunnion --> 1.20 oz
AP Custom Trunnion Back Plate --> .25 oz
AP Custom Trunnion Screws (4) --> .30 oz
Mil-Spec Barrel Nut - 1.30 oz
The AP is hard to beat it for the price. I got the 12.375" at cheaperthandirt for $135.
I have a quick review on my lightweight builds, my only complaint on the AP is the diameter. After holding a MI-SS-G2, that has a 1.5" ID, which makes it very easy to control. The AP has a slightly larger diameter (haven't measure it). The carbon fiber handguard definitely deflects heat way better than a metal handguard.
Long time lurker, first post!
I've been on a lightweight kick since I got into rifles (only 7 months ago) - gave up modifying and racing cars for this!
Here's the weight breakdown of the AP Custom 12.375" Standard Version and Midwest Industries SS-GEN2 12" ... (BCM KMR on order now).
Midwest Industries SS-Gen2 12" (with proprietary barrel nut) --> 9.75oz (advertised as 9.3oz)
Midwest Industries SS-Gen2 12" (without barrel nut) --> 8.2oz
AP Custom Standard Version 12.375" (with trunnion) --> 5.35 oz
AP Custom Standard Version 12.375" (only handguard) --> 3.60 oz
AP Custom Trunnion --> 1.20 oz
AP Custom Trunnion Back Plate --> .25 oz
AP Custom Trunnion Screws (4) --> .30 oz
Mil-Spec Barrel Nut - 1.30 oz
The AP is hard to beat it for the price. I got the 12.375" at cheaperthandirt for $135.
I have a quick review on my lightweight builds, my only complaint on the AP is the diameter. After holding a MI-SS-G2, that has a 1.5" ID, which makes it very easy to control. The AP has a slightly larger diameter (haven't measure it). The carbon fiber handguard definitely deflects heat way better than a metal handguard.
there is the info I was waiting for!! your first posts look a lot better than mine did! I am new here myself but welcome aboard!!
Eliminate the forearm and buttstock, and bob and skeletonize the pistol grip. Keep the strings of fire short or hang onto the magwell Maybe grind off the forward assist boss and Brunton bump, leave off the port door, and drill a few carefully placed holes in the other side of the upper to shed some weight. Leave the areas where the carrier slides against the upper alone and you shouldn't have a problem. Probably wouldn't do this on my only AR, but maybe my next.
Maybe grind off the forward assist boss and Brunton bump, leave off the port door, and drill a few carefully placed holes in the other side of the upper to shed some weight. Leave the areas where the carrier slides against the upper alone and you shouldn't have a problem. Probably wouldn't do this on my only AR, but maybe my next.
Eliminate the forearm and buttstock, and bob and skeletonize the pistol grip. Keep the strings of fire short or hang onto the magwell
there is always one!
funny tough I had to read for a sec to realize he was full of it LOL
[MENTION=102008]Derrick[/MENTION] - I'm not sure how amiable you are to a fixed length butt stock. I'm running the ACE ARUL-E (entry) since I like to run nearly fully collapsed anyways. Its 5.00 ounces including the buffer tube. I do not know the weight of mil-spec, adjustable length buffer tube (at least not yet).
14er gona 14.
A 6920 is pretty light stock. Not sure what you expect to do, but you are not going to save much.
I am all about getting a lighter weapon system when availble, but chasing ounces is going to cost a shit load of money, and you might not like the final product.
If your looking for a super lightweight, then you already failed. 6920 with its silly as M4 cut barrel, adds a bunch of unnessisary weight. Start with a 6720 and you already have a quality 1-7 lightweight barrel.
Even better, buy a BCM KMR Upper with their ELW barrel, and that is going to be as light as you want to go. Standard lower and a Bravo 5 stock.....won't get much lighter than that.
Anything else and your wasting time and money for a ounce or two that is going to disapear once you put optics and a mag into the gun.
Or just go hit some free weights.
A 6920 is pretty light stock. Not sure what you expect to do, but you are not going to save much.
I am all about getting a lighter weapon system when availble, but chasing ounces is going to cost a shit load of money, and you might not like the final product.
If your looking for a super lightweight, then you already failed. 6920 with its silly as M4 cut barrel, adds a bunch of unnessisary weight. Start with a 6720 and you already have a quality 1-7 lightweight barrel.
Even better, buy a BCM KMR Upper with their ELW barrel, and that is going to be as light as you want to go. Standard lower and a Bravo 5 stock.....won't get much lighter than that.
Anything else and your wasting time and money for a ounce or two that is going to disapear once you put optics and a mag into the gun.
Or just go hit some free weights.
Well considering the OP's current goals, he'll save about 3oz in the stock for about $40 (MFT Minimalist at Exile Machine) and another 3oz in the handguard for about $115 (AP Custom Carbine Length at Nordic).
Not sure if shaving 6oz total is worth about $150 to him.
Not sure if shaving 6oz total is worth about $150 to him.
Just run with unloaded mags, that will save you 15 oz right there. Since you dont need ammo, you can drop the sights while your at it , saving another 4-8 oz. Before you know it, you will have a pretty light paper weight or wall hanger.
there is always one!
funny though I had to read for a sec to realize he was full of it LOL
Something will always weigh more than nothing. How much do you want to spend to add unnecessary weight to a firearm you're trying to keep "lightweight"?
My objective is not to reinvent the gun but mainly to add a nice optic that will allow for better shooting at range without compromising the fact that an ar is a nice light rifle.. The only thing I am actually requiring to be added is the optic.. The free floating of hand guards is a welcome improvement though in hopes of maintaining accuracy.. If I can keep my thoughts to weight at each point I do something to the rifle I should end up with not a ultralight like some desire.. But a solid still light weight ar with good midrange shooting.. I don't want it to turn into one of these heavy aluminum railed tactical crap out the arse hanging off of it deals.. But give it solid light weight improvements at each step.. The " furniture " is the first thing a was going to address.. Hence this thread..
Last edited:
Yes I should learn to put my thoughts out there in a better manner but I can never find the exact question to ask to make it short and sweet and get my thought out there.. I hate to not post the question though because among you guys here are lord only knows how many builds that have given you knowledge that I will most likely never have in a lifetime.. So I have to put it out there someway to try and get some of that info that I can apply to my small projects in hopes of at least being close to the same quality done of you guys have obtained
Again thanks to all of you Cuz Even the disagreements between people answering or when somebody tells me I'm looking to far it helps me gain perspective on what I am looking at in a huge manner and I am sure those of us that don't have as much knowledge never thank you guys enough for sharing this info you have..
Again thanks to all of you Cuz Even the disagreements between people answering or when somebody tells me I'm looking to far it helps me gain perspective on what I am looking at in a huge manner and I am sure those of us that don't have as much knowledge never thank you guys enough for sharing this info you have..
What is your experince with the platform? I don't mean to sound crude, just a honest question.
You sound like you are inexperinced with running an AR and are putting the cart before the horse. Your worrying about the wrong things brother, which is about #37 on the list of shit you need to learn/become competent with before you start trying to fuck around with super light weights. Any quality optic/mount plus mags is going to shatter whatever weight savings you think your making. The MAIN reason guys look for these lighter weight componets is beacuse when you hang lights, lasers, a redimag+mag, slings, optics and grenade launchers off your carbine, its gets real heavy fast. It is a way to make a heavy duty gun, a bit more managable for prolonged standoffs or having to carry the piece of shit for 15 miles @ 12K alt.
I love light AR's . Huge fan of pencil barrels and lightweight componets. You have to understand there is a tradeoff here. On most guns, you will have more recoil and more shot dispertion from shooting heavy strings. They also have different ballance points and handling characteristics that take a while to aclimate to. If you want light weight, there are two real options IMO. They are both high quality factory guns, with one having some distict advantages. The KAC Sr-15 is very light weight for the features it has, and the optimized gas system will keep recoil down (and yes recoil does matter, thats why most of you are running a BC/dynacomp/jp or whatever break/comp), relibaility up and operate very smoothly. The other is grabbing a BCM KMR ELW Upper and throwing it on a lower of your choice. Both will run as good or better than anything else on the market and will stay realitivley lightweight. The other option is a vintage style clone such as the fulton Car-15. If you have ever had the chance to run an early XM16/M16/XM-177, it amazes you how light and handy those simple KISS rifles are.
Oh no offense taken by the question! My experience is minimal.. Enlisted enjoyed the rifle and stated trying to learn about it.. All self study.. Internet.. Looking at sites like this one.. This is one of only three I own so my knowledge is not great.. I completely agree with several things you've said I'm not trying to have a pencil barrel.. And don't have interest in poly lowers.. These are great weight savers but have downfalls as you pointed out.. I want to find balance between those things yes.. And there are tons I need to learn still I lay no claim to know everything..
I'm not sure if its OK to post from another site, but here's a thread documenting my various lightweight builds:
http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=922195
(I'll remove it if its not appropriate)
It definitely costs money to make things lighter ... after a certain point there is diminishing returns / costs_way_ more_for_ the_next_ounce.
Everyone needs to answer the question for themselves about Purpose/Use and where do you draw the lines?
I just thought I would share what I've found/learned_the_hard_way.
http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=922195
(I'll remove it if its not appropriate)
It definitely costs money to make things lighter ... after a certain point there is diminishing returns / costs_way_ more_for_ the_next_ounce.
Everyone needs to answer the question for themselves about Purpose/Use and where do you draw the lines?
I just thought I would share what I've found/learned_the_hard_way.
My ULTRALIGHT w/ Red Dot - 5 lbs. 1 oz.
My ULTRALIGHT w/ MBUS - 4 lbs. 14 oz.
(strange, I noticed a post I made before this one is pending moderator approval - not sure why).
My high-level findings:
- saving weight (best bang for the buck) --> barrel, handguard, butt_stock/buffer_tube
- replacing internal parts gets pricey fast (it was getting as high $70 per ounce saved, when compared to $10 per ounce saved).
My ULTRALIGHT w/ MBUS - 4 lbs. 14 oz.
(strange, I noticed a post I made before this one is pending moderator approval - not sure why).
My high-level findings:
- saving weight (best bang for the buck) --> barrel, handguard, butt_stock/buffer_tube
- replacing internal parts gets pricey fast (it was getting as high $70 per ounce saved, when compared to $10 per ounce saved).
Last edited:
For entertainment purpose, I found this blog post a while back when I was researching before my first build:
Darkop?s Super Lightweight AR-15 Project | 7.62 Precision Custom Firearm Finishes
The net effect (back in 2012), is the same weight as my current ULTRALIGHT, but with better ventilation.
Darkop?s Super Lightweight AR-15 Project | 7.62 Precision Custom Firearm Finishes
The net effect (back in 2012), is the same weight as my current ULTRALIGHT, but with better ventilation.
Not that it really means anything at this point, but if he's saying his 14.5" rifle weighs 5.1oz yet turns it to the side so you can't see if a BCG is present (not to mention the buffer and spring) I would call complete and utter bullshit. Case in point....
Oh shit guys, look at my super light build! I'm f'ing awesome!
But really it's more like...
and that's a build I did for a guy with a 6.75" barrel, no mag and no optic (albeit a 4oz comp he wanted). No way in hell a little carbon fiber POS and ace stock gets that shit to 5.1. Maybe that's the reason you don't see him posting his shit on a scale. Just the rifle and then we take his word for it right? F that. Like cobracutter implied, go as light as you can without being a dumb ass. Unless you're out for internet fame, Ultralight weight isn't all it's cracked up to be...
Oh shit guys, look at my super light build! I'm f'ing awesome!
But really it's more like...
and that's a build I did for a guy with a 6.75" barrel, no mag and no optic (albeit a 4oz comp he wanted). No way in hell a little carbon fiber POS and ace stock gets that shit to 5.1. Maybe that's the reason you don't see him posting his shit on a scale. Just the rifle and then we take his word for it right? F that. Like cobracutter implied, go as light as you can without being a dumb ass. Unless you're out for internet fame, Ultralight weight isn't all it's cracked up to be...
those are great accomplishments! but much further than I will go.. and what they did to that rifle in that post looks like what mallrat was referring to earlier!! and lord that is NOT what I want to do LOL!
My objective is still to cut weight where it doesn't hurt the rifle to help offset the added weight of optics and ammo..
the 6920 is listed as in the 7lb something range I think .. if you catch feeds from some other sites where guys compare average weight of the rifle not considering these things when building they ended up with anything from 9 to 15 lbs unloaded.. simply by choosing items not taking this into account.. so taking weight into account while adding each component should keep a very shooter friendly rifle when all is said and done... because 15 lbs plus ammo is just ridiculous unless you are toting a m203 under it like cobracutter referred to earlier..
I am just trying to pick up bits and pieces and what has been accomplished with the ultralights and apply it in what I feel is a useful to my cause manner on my rifle..
I'm about 5.7 lbs on a build similar to FRSTEVE except I'm using a 16" barrel (w/JP Cooley brake), aluminum receivers, MFT Minimalist stock, CAR buffer, M16 BCG. This is without sights or a mag and I'm using an "ultra precise" ;-) digital bathroom scale by weighing myself and then subtracting my weight from me plus the rifle. I've run it and so far no issues. I'm not trying to be an internet lightweight AR champ. I'm just trying to see how light I can go for a build for my wife and daughters without going IMO, bananas. With mil-spec action parts, I figure I can try to go as light as I can everywhere else. I picked a 16" barrel because I'm not into pinning and welding muzzle devices.
Last edited:
[MENTION=49241]jasonfaz[/MENTION] - not sure if your comments were directed at me or not. But i'll try my best to answer, just in case they were ... my calguns post, documents everything I did to get down to 5 lbs. 1 oz. (not 5.1oz). I'll put it on the scale and take a picture of it, but that doesn't really prove anything since you can always zero a scale to anything you want and then make things look lighter.
In my post (http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=922195), I also listed a bunch of parts I've collected and weighed them too ... you can can double-check 'em with the parts you may have to see if it makes sense.
It was not cheap to get to 5 lbs 1oz ($1811), that last 13 ounces costed me nearly $900 to get vs. my budget-friendly lightweight build (also documented in that thread) which is nearly twice the amount for that build ($911).
I'm just hoping that some of the info I found was helpful.
I normally wouldn't have posted on sniper's hide, since it feels more precision focused and I haven't gotten there ... yet. But in the "lightweight" discussions, I've done a bit of self funded research here.
In my post (http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=922195), I also listed a bunch of parts I've collected and weighed them too ... you can can double-check 'em with the parts you may have to see if it makes sense.
It was not cheap to get to 5 lbs 1oz ($1811), that last 13 ounces costed me nearly $900 to get vs. my budget-friendly lightweight build (also documented in that thread) which is nearly twice the amount for that build ($911).
I'm just hoping that some of the info I found was helpful.
I normally wouldn't have posted on sniper's hide, since it feels more precision focused and I haven't gotten there ... yet. But in the "lightweight" discussions, I've done a bit of self funded research here.
[MENTION=76170]ipsick[/MENTION] - I've also found that 16" pencil barrel is usually 1.0-1.5 ozs. lighter than a 14.5" barrel with a muzzle device. At least that is what I found with my PWS FSC556 on my 14.5" DD pencil. I have a hard time understanding why, since there is usually a bunch of side material removed for the "brake", but the muzzle devices tend to be a larger diameter, so I guess that is where the weight may be coming from.
I'm done with going lighter on my rifle, I think i've already gone a little too far, but happy spending money to learn along the way.
I'm now going to start working on my AR-pistol project (its going to be lightweight too). I'm hoping to get it around 5 lbs, but I want with the weight of Sig Arm brace included too.
I'm done with going lighter on my rifle, I think i've already gone a little too far, but happy spending money to learn along the way.
I'm now going to start working on my AR-pistol project (its going to be lightweight too). I'm hoping to get it around 5 lbs, but I want with the weight of Sig Arm brace included too.
I think your scale needs to be calibrated, lol! Anyways, you want to lend me a scale to get more precise measurements? I'm not looking to get a scale just to prove a point. Like I've previously stated, I used the lightest components I was comfortable spending money on and that was available not because I'm trying to win some fictitious interwebz prize but just to see how light I could go in a build for my wife and daughters. I'm just attempting to see what's possible but somehow you've fixated on the numerical values and are becoming a bit of a thread nazi. Derrick was looking to make his setup reasonably lighter and asked what was available. FRSTEVE just posted the data he's been collecting and provided some claimed results. Considering his component selections he may have achieved the lightest weight possible without drilling holes everywhere. Is his claimed weight correct? Who knows? But considering the component makeup can it get any lighter? The nominal value may be incorrect but the comparative result is likely correct.
If you read through this cluster of a thread you will come to see my reasoning for asking this question.. I am very capable of toting the thing around at its worst.. Hell I've carried an m249 sack and ass load of ammo for twenty miles as well.. Sure as hell don't call that enjoyable though..
My question is to gain information from people who are more familiar with the parts than I am myself.. Others have done far more builds.. I have a purpose in mind for this rifle and maintaining the ars light weight is one of my focus points.. This is about an enjoyable shooting rifle that is easy to handle with.. Maintaining light weight when taking enjoyment into consideration matters to me.. If I want to shoot heavy shit I'll get a 50cal or a bench rest gun..
[MENTION=102008]Derrick[/MENTION] - a few months after I started collecting parts for my lightweight build, Mag Tactical started making their own rifles. You can get a complete unit (all metal with mbus sights) for $1400 (list) from the factory 4 lbs. 14 ounces. Had this been an option when I started, I would have just gotten this rifle.
It looks like it has the "yet to be released" boomfab titanium BCG (a bunch of 3 gun guys are the beta testers) and has the "luxury" of an adjustable stock, where mine is fixed.
There was an even lighter version of JP BCG that was discontinued ... the aluminum bolt carrier (no bolt) weighed 3.x ounces. JP was concerned that the aluminum was too soft and as it rode the hammer that it could wear. There were two different 3-gun guys that stated they had shot 12K and 20K rounds with it and were still using it in competition without issue. No one is selling their old units - its gold to them.
(I made more posts earlier, but its pending moderator approval -- not sure why).
It looks like it has the "yet to be released" boomfab titanium BCG (a bunch of 3 gun guys are the beta testers) and has the "luxury" of an adjustable stock, where mine is fixed.
There was an even lighter version of JP BCG that was discontinued ... the aluminum bolt carrier (no bolt) weighed 3.x ounces. JP was concerned that the aluminum was too soft and as it rode the hammer that it could wear. There were two different 3-gun guys that stated they had shot 12K and 20K rounds with it and were still using it in competition without issue. No one is selling their old units - its gold to them.
(I made more posts earlier, but its pending moderator approval -- not sure why).
Agreed those are points I want to get some people talking about later on as well.. Right now I'm logging all the data I can find to accomplish my purpose though..
Only one way to eat an elephant.. One bite at a time..
I'll gain as much info as I can on each matter then build the rifle..
Last edited:
Similar threads
