Lightweight ar

Daleo8803

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Ok guys. I'm going to be building a lightweight ar for gaming purposes/ target practice. I have a poly lower( I have had good luck with them).

For the barrel should I go with a pencil style or a lightweight profile?

Im going to be using a free floating handguard. What length should I use? Thinking a 12" would be a good size.

Optics, I have a small red dot that I have been using ( 2moa dot). Would a 1x4 scope add alot of weight?

Trigger. ATM I'm going to be using a ALG defense trigger and JP springs.

I normally use a spikes heavy buffer. Sense I'm using a normal BCG I can still use one correct? No special lightweight BCG any time soon.

Any advice or thoughts?
 
if youre goal is the lightest then i would say 14.5 in barrel, pin the muzzle device
slick side upper, its not much to remove the FA but its something
and shorter hanguard 6-9in

most places have the weight posted, so you can comapre items befoeryou buy
 
There are some very light carbon fiber handguards that are reasonably priced.
 
6lbs (without the light)

Garden variety Aero build
16" Wylde chambered stainless barrel,
12 " handguard

Not sure how it ended up this light for a basic AR build

DSCN0248.JPG
 
OP, what's your budget? I thought I did well to do a sub 7# gun (loaded) back in 2011, but things have come so far that you can get CRAZY light.

If budget isn't a huge concern, I'd go:
Skeletonized lower (F1 makes a wicked one, $500 at Rainier but out of stock)
PWS enhanced buffer tube
Phase 5 Tactical UMS (universal mini stock)
Or replace the above two with the Battlearms Development Sabertube and BadLBS
Fluted barrel of choice
CF or other handguard of choice

Kinda hard to beat this though. Two pounds all in for all metal and a 15" handguard
F1_16__95059.1462853880.1280.1280.jpg
 
Ok guys. I'm going to be building a lightweight ar for gaming purposes/ target practice. I have a poly lower( I have had good luck with them).

For the barrel should I go with a pencil style or a lightweight profile?

Im going to be using a free floating handguard. What length should I use? Thinking a 12" would be a good size.

Optics, I have a small red dot that I have been using ( 2moa dot). Would a 1x4 scope add alot of weight?

Trigger. ATM I'm going to be using a ALG defense trigger and JP springs.

I normally use a spikes heavy buffer. Sense I'm using a normal BCG I can still use one correct? No special lightweight BCG any time soon.

Any advice or thoughts?

BCM KMR 13" rail might suit you. Light weight.

Test some different type of ammo and make sure you're not getting light primer strikes from the JP springs.

A regular Carbine buffer should work fine.

The weight of scope depends on the brand and model, not to be curt, but its true.
 
For poor mans LW AR upper:

1. Faxon 16" pencil barrel, or Faxon Gunner 16" barrel. Around $160.00
http://faxonfirearms.com/16-gunner-5-56-nato-mid-length-4150-qpq/
http://faxonfirearms.com/16-pencil-5-56-nato-mid-length-4150-qpq/

2. LW gas block (like the .625 Seekins for sale here on forum for $30.00).

3. Hang a lightweight brake like the Apex brake off of it.
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1...-muzzle-brake-ar-15-1-2-28-thread-steel-matte

4. ALG M-lok EMR V-1 13" handguard $115.00
https://algdefense.com/ergonomic-modular-rail-v1-m-lok.html

5. AIM Lightweight BCG $109.00
http://www.aimsurplus.com/product.a...tride+9310+MPI+Bolt+Carrier+Group&groupid=723

6. Taccom lightweight plastic buffer $25.00
https://taccom3g.com/product/carbine-recoil-system/

This will yield a very lightweight high performance upper that shoots very flat and very soft for not a lot of money. You could just use a regular BCG, buffer and gas block and save further, but the adjustable gas and lightweight bolt carrier system will really make it lighter and softer.


Or, if you have money coming out of your a$$ instead of poop and farts, I would go with JRHornes suggestions!
 
@JRHorne very nice stuff but way out of my price range.

@NKD that's a awesome list. I didn't know I could get a lightweight BCG for that $$. I sent a pm about the gas block. I found a 7" lightweight handguard last night that I had in the parts bin.

I'm probably going to be using a barrel from PSA as they are a great price and I have gotten good accuracy out of them.

Thanks guys for the replys! Really helped me out! Now just to wait for payday so I can order some parts! Lol
 
A update. Just finished her. The bathroom scale say she weighs in at 5.8lbs with no mag. I'm happy :)

Build list

ATI polymer lower
Slick side upper
Aims lightweight BCG
Taccom lightweight buffer and spring
PSA SS 16" 1/7 pencil barrel
Superlative arms adjustable gas block
BCM hand stop
UTG pro line barrier stop
UTG pro line lightweight sight mount
Primary arms micro dot
MFT lightweight stock
Magpul grip
PSA trigger group with lighter springs ( will see how they do, may replace)

Going tomorrow to see how she does.

Special shout to @NKD for helping point me in the right direction and answering all my questions about adjustable gas blocks and the BCGs.

 
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Good looking boom stick. I think I'd swap the poly lower for a forged one and only add a few ounces. 6 pounds is still light for a gun with that length barrel and long handguard.
 
Good looking boom stick. I think I'd swap the poly lower for a forged one and only add a few ounces. 6 pounds is still light for a gun with that length barrel and long handguard.


I have built 3 ARs so far with the ATI lower. No problems. I think they are great for ARs that are not "die hard" combat stuff ,but are great for competition or just normal shooting. These have a steel alloy rear peice so they tend to be more robust than just straight poly lowers.

The next 2 builds will have forged lowers tho for extra toughness. My long range build and my pistol( possible SBR) project.

Also I got 60 rounds through her today with no problems. Took about 5 rounds to get the gas block tuned in. She shoots good. Going to have to get to the rifle range to sight her in.
 
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