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Posted: 4/17/2016 11:35:17 PM EDT
[#1]
Quoted:
I took a carbine class yesterday and loved it. I'm now thinking of building my own. I don't want to break the bank. The instructor's rifle that I borrowed for the class was tricked out but it was heavy for me (I've got carpel tunnel). Think he built it himself. I'd like to build something more lightweight. What are my options? And no, I don't want an AR pistol. Not gonna be a lot of help but very good info here http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_3_118/638524_Lightweight_Parts_List_with_WEIGHTS__AR_15_.html http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_3_118/527546_Lightweight_AR_Picture_Thread.html |
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Posted: 4/17/2016 11:49:57 PM EDT
[#2]
Most of the weight comes from the barrel and handguard. Since you're in IL, I'm guessing SBRs are off the table. So, you'll need a pencil barrel, personally I'd go with a 14.5" or 14.7" with a pinned muzzle device to save a few extra ounces over the 16" barrel. Ballistic Advantage and Faxon have some good options that aren't too expensive. For handguards, there are a ton of good options that are pretty light. If you want the absolutele lightest, there are three options, BCM KMR, SLR Helix, and Clark carbon fiber. The Clark is the cheapest, but it also won't let you easily add any accessories.
You can shave a few more ounces by using a lightweight BCG. AIM Surplus has a good one for a decent price although they're currently out of stock. I'd recommend an adjustable gas system as well. I like the Rubber City Armory adjustable gas key, doesn't add any weight and it's fairly inexpensive. If you really want to splurge Battle Arms Development and 2A Arms both have nice receiver sets out that are very light, but they're both expensive at around $500 a piece. A standard forged lower and Aero Precison non-FA upper will be only a few ounces heavier at a much nicer price. For the stock, there are several lightweight options, but I'd go with the LWRCi Ultra Compact stock. It's a bit heavier, but that will help balance it more. Also, it's shorter than a standard collapsible stock and IIRC, you're fairly petite. If you like the shorter stock but don't want the added weight, you can buy the components from LWRCi and cut down a CAR stock to fit. Also, if you do want to splurge a little just go to V7 Weapons System site and buy all their lightweight parts, it'll cost you and it won't save all that much weight, but it'll look cool. 
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Posted: 4/18/2016 12:55:24 AM EDT
[#3]
balios light upper and lower and rail with a proof research barrel rest titanium parts ought to do it. Good thing you didn't specify cost range
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Posted: 4/18/2016 1:05:44 AM EDT
[#4]
Proof research barrel isn't even that light. You can get lighter for about 1/4 of the price by going Adams Arms or Faxon.
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Posted: 4/18/2016 2:04:48 AM EDT
[#5]
Quoted: I took a carbine class yesterday and loved it. I'm now thinking of building my own. I don't want to break the bank. The instructor's rifle that I borrowed for the class was tricked out but it was heavy for me (I've got carpel tunnel). Think he built it himself. I'd like to build something more lightweight. What are my options? And no, I don't want an AR pistol. From my own experience, I've completed 6 builds of my own, the best way to keep the weight to a minimum without breaking the bank is by having a light weight barrel and the shortest handguard possible that would completely cover your gas block (if you free float the barrel), e.g. 9" rail for carbine gas or 11" rail for midlength gas. Also, good expensive buttstock are usually heavy (I have Vltor, BCM, Larue) so choose something that doesn't weight a lot. I like Blackhawk adjustable stock (PSA, $8 when on sale) and Magpul fix carbine stock since they are surprisingly light and cheap. IMHO, the best light weight build on a budget is a carbine gas system with FSB, and Magpul furniture (non-free float barrel). My Colt LE 6920 w/Magpul furniture (with weapon light and red dot) is the lightest in comparison to all the others I have. |
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Posted: 4/18/2016 5:38:32 AM EDT
[#6]
I think Josh nailed it with the 14.5" pencil barrel suggestion. The weight out on the front is what you're going to feel the most anyway. I have a 14.5" (although not a pencil profile) with pinned/welded muzzle device and I love it. Mine is a midlength gas system which is a bit smoother and less snappy than a carbine gas system, and that affords me quicker followup shots.
The rest of the build needn't be anything fancy, although a trigger upgrade never hurts. Good luck with your build! 
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Posted: 4/18/2016 7:28:50 AM EDT
[#7]
PSA won't ship any AR firearms/receivers to Cook County, but they will ship parts, at least.
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Posted: 4/18/2016 8:32:01 AM EDT
[#8]
I did the PSA 14.7 LW barrel midlength a few years ago and love it. I dumped some moe hand gaurds on it and run a PA micro and it is by far my fav rifle right now.
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Posted: 4/18/2016 8:32:35 AM EDT
[#9]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
PSA won't ship any AR firearms/receivers to Cook County, but they will ship parts, at least. You already own an AR, I take it? If so you could obviously just do a lightweight upper build and swap it over to the lower you already have. |
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Posted: 4/18/2016 8:41:51 AM EDT
[#10]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
You already own an AR, I take it? If so you could obviously just do a lightweight upper build and swap it over to the lower you already have. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
PSA won't ship any AR firearms/receivers to Cook County, but they will ship parts, at least. You already own an AR, I take it? If so you could obviously just do a lightweight upper build and swap it over to the lower you already have. Nope, I don't own an AR already. Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile |
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Posted: 4/18/2016 9:05:18 AM EDT
[#11]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Nope, I don't own an AR already. Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
PSA won't ship any AR firearms/receivers to Cook County, but they will ship parts, at least. You already own an AR, I take it? If so you could obviously just do a lightweight upper build and swap it over to the lower you already have. Nope, I don't own an AR already. Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile Right here is a early and severe case of BRD. 
If we can help on the barrel side, we'd be honored! |
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Posted: 4/18/2016 9:14:39 AM EDT
[#12]
If you want to stay under 1000$ I suggest
http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/BCM-BFH-16-Mid-Length-Upper-Receiver-light-weight-p/bcm-urg-mid-16lw%20bfh.htm http://www.larue.com/larue-tactical-mbt-2s-trigger + any stock/LPK of your choice such as ALG If you want to hit around 600$ then it's going to be parts from PSA |
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Posted: 4/18/2016 9:33:21 AM EDT
[#13]
FFL's in the collar counties are your friend. No problem getting my lower in DuPage county.
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Posted: 4/18/2016 10:06:38 AM EDT
[#14]
Standard upper and lower with a Faxon pencil or gunner barrel and an ALG handguard. I have one set up like this that I didn't really try to make lightweight, but with those 2 pieces it's 5lbs 11oz. And I would stick with 16", it's not worth the hassle of getting pinned and having to work around that forever.
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Posted: 4/18/2016 10:13:59 AM EDT
[#15]
Remember to count ounces on everything before you buy.
The 4 top places to same weight without effecting reliability or cost are: Barrel (suggest Faxon or BCM, or Daniel Defense) Handguard ( I like ALG) Stock (Lightest is a CAR stock or MFT stock) optic (Some ACOGs are only 7oz but expensive. If its a range gun you can find a lot of low priced/ low weight red dots) |
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Posted: 4/18/2016 1:08:26 PM EDT
[#16]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
FFL's in the collar counties are your friend. No problem getting my lower in DuPage county. Will they ship to a collar county FFL (McHenry or Lake, for example) even if the buyer lives in suburban Cook? Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile |
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Posted: 4/18/2016 2:06:01 PM EDT
[#17]
I've been doing some searching on my phone while on lunch today. Why does it seem like the majority of the pencil barrels I'm finding on a quick search are 5.56? I want a .223/5.56 to have ammo choices.
Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile |
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Posted: 4/18/2016 2:10:30 PM EDT
[#18]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I've been doing some searching on my phone while on lunch today. Why does it seem like the majority of the pencil barrels I'm finding on a quick search are 5.56? I want a .223/5.56 to have ammo choices. Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile A 5.56 NATO chamber will fire both calibers. The chamber can handle the higher pressures of the NATO loading. Do NOT purchase a .223 Remington chamber to fire 5.56 NATO. For reference, all our barrels are chambered NATO. |
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Posted: 4/18/2016 6:50:28 PM EDT
[#19]
Something like this OP
http://palmettostatearmory.com/psa-16-5-56-nato-1-7-melonite-pencil-profile-moe-freedom-upper-w-out-bcg-or-ch.html Otherwise Faxom makes some very nice barrels if you are into building your own. As far as barrels you either want a 5.56 Nato or .223. Wylde, you do not want a .223rem chamber. 5.56 Nato and 223 Wylde with both handle, Nato loads which run and significantly higher pressuer than 223. You can run .233 in a 5.56mm chamber but not the other way around. |
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Posted: 4/18/2016 7:03:20 PM EDT
[#20]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
PSA won't ship any AR firearms/receivers to Cook County, but they will ship parts, at least. A polymer 80% lower would be a lightweight solution and Cook Co. can go F themselves since it ain't a firearm! |
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Posted: 4/18/2016 7:20:27 PM EDT
[#21]
Midwest Industries lightweight M-LOK free float hand guard with a 14.5" Faxon or Ballistic Advantage pencil profile barrel is a really lite setup.
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Posted: 4/18/2016 7:41:00 PM EDT
[#22]
BCI Defense's rail s ridiculously light.
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Posted: 4/18/2016 8:20:48 PM EDT
[#23]
Faxon's barrels don't have pinned flash hiders, so they're off the list, sadly.
Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile |
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Posted: 4/18/2016 8:32:28 PM EDT
[#24]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Faxon's barrels don't have pinned flash hiders, so they're off the list, sadly. Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile  Do you have a hand drill and access to or anyone with a MIG or TIG welder?
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Posted: 4/18/2016 8:33:11 PM EDT
[#25]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Faxon's barrels don't have pinned flash hiders, so they're off the list, sadly. Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile I really wish faxon offered pinned flashhider/gas block from factory. |
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Posted: 4/18/2016 8:33:21 PM EDT
[#26]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Faxon's barrels don't have pinned flash hiders, so they're off the list, sadly. Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile no one sells a 14.5" pencil barrel with an already pinned muzzle device. That's something you'll have to have done by a gunsmith. |
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Posted: 4/18/2016 8:39:08 PM EDT
[#27]
I put a rifle together for my wife a couple of months ago that she wanted to be light. She went with:
Faxon pencil 16" barrel Anderson lower and DSG upper Sopmod bravo stock 13" Troy Alpha rail A2 birdcage normal LPK. With a micro T1 Magpul MBUS it cam in right at 6lbs unloaded. I was impressed consider we didn't use any "lightweight" parts per se. |
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Posted: 4/18/2016 8:40:32 PM EDT
[#28]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
no one sells a 14.5" pencil barrel with an already pinned muzzle device. That's something you'll have to have done by a gunsmith. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Faxon's barrels don't have pinned flash hiders, so they're off the list, sadly. Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile no one sells a 14.5" pencil barrel with an already pinned muzzle device. That's something you'll have to have done by a gunsmith. I actually saw one earlier while searching. Or thought I did. Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile |
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Posted: 4/18/2016 8:41:05 PM EDT
[#29]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Faxon's barrels don't have pinned flash hiders, so they're off the list, sadly. Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile I ordered my wife's Faxon 16" pencil barrel from AIM Surplus. It came with a LoPro gasblock with three set screws AND drilled for a cross pin that was included in the deal. ETA: sorry read pinned gas block not flash hider |
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Posted: 4/18/2016 8:44:31 PM EDT
[#30]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
A 5.56 NATO chamber will fire both calibers. The chamber can handle the higher pressures of the NATO loading. Do NOT purchase a .223 Remington chamber to fire 5.56 NATO. For reference, all our barrels are chambered NATO. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
I've been doing some searching on my phone while on lunch today. Why does it seem like the majority of the pencil barrels I'm finding on a quick search are 5.56? I want a .223/5.56 to have ammo choices. Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile A 5.56 NATO chamber will fire both calibers. The chamber can handle the higher pressures of the NATO loading. Do NOT purchase a .223 Remington chamber to fire 5.56 NATO. For reference, all our barrels are chambered NATO. Get a 5.56, if you get a .223 and forget you could have problems... |
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Posted: 4/18/2016 8:51:56 PM EDT
[#31]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I actually saw one earlier while searching. Or thought I did. Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Faxon's barrels don't have pinned flash hiders, so they're off the list, sadly. Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile no one sells a 14.5" pencil barrel with an already pinned muzzle device. That's something you'll have to have done by a gunsmith. I actually saw one earlier while searching. Or thought I did. Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile YHM and Voodoo both sell heavier profile barrels with flash hiders pinned. I've never seen a pencil barrel with the flash hider pinned from the factory unless it was bought as a complete upper or rifle. |
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Posted: 4/18/2016 9:19:47 PM EDT
[#32]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Will they ship to a collar county FFL (McHenry or Lake, for example) even if the buyer lives in suburban Cook? Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
FFL's in the collar counties are your friend. No problem getting my lower in DuPage county. Will they ship to a collar county FFL (McHenry or Lake, for example) even if the buyer lives in suburban Cook? Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile You need to purchase (transfer) from a FFL in your State - not necessarily your County (unless some sort of "home rule" law forces otherwise - but I'm just across the border and I have never heard of that). Deal with a reputable FFL (check the HTF for suggestions) Stay AWAY from polymer lowers if its your first/only AR (for durability) Consider 20rd mags for range work (much lighter than a 30). Collect "parts" over time - just decide which parts/price point matter and it won't be like dropping $$ all at once (unless you NEED that intsant gratification  )
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Posted: 4/18/2016 9:25:10 PM EDT
[#33]
Some companies apparently will NOT sell to anyone with a Cook County billing address, regardless of where the FFL is located. IL crap.
Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile |
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Posted: 4/18/2016 9:27:27 PM EDT
[#34]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
YHM and Voodoo both sell heavier profile barrels with flash hiders pinned. I've never seen a pencil barrel with the flash hider pinned from the factory unless it was bought as a complete upper or rifle. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Faxon's barrels don't have pinned flash hiders, so they're off the list, sadly. no one sells a 14.5" pencil barrel with an already pinned muzzle device. That's something you'll have to have done by a gunsmith. I actually saw one earlier while searching. Or thought I did. YHM and Voodoo both sell heavier profile barrels with flash hiders pinned. I've never seen a pencil barrel with the flash hider pinned from the factory unless it was bought as a complete upper or rifle. Just found pencil barrel with pinned flash hider on Brownells Not pencil. Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile |
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Posted: 4/18/2016 9:54:02 PM EDT
[#35]
The front one is an A2 carbine I built for my wife. 16" barreled DelTon light weight kit Never any problems. |
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Posted: 4/18/2016 10:16:01 PM EDT
[#36]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Faxon's barrels don't have pinned flash hiders, so they're off the list, sadly. Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile Why can't you have one pinned? Adco will do it for something like $30. |
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Posted: 4/18/2016 10:34:28 PM EDT
[#37]
Just ordered a Spike's Tactical Spider lower via my LGS/range's website. That avoids the issue of trying to find a company that will sell to someone with a Cook County billing address.
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Posted: 4/19/2016 1:15:09 AM EDT
[#38]
I cant remember who, but you can get a 14.5" barrel with a pinned flash hider with a .750" OD so the gas block and barrel nut can be installed.
Can you even have a flash hider? The Midwest Ind. G3 handguard weighs like 7oz. Almost nothing. My last upper build was a .300 Blackout with a 14.5 pin and welded flash hider, G3 MI handguard, and no forward assist, and the weight is great, and it just kind of happened. There are also carbon fiber handguards, and even barrels wrapped in carbon fiber to cut weight, but not on the cheap. Mission First Tactical, has a very light weight stock available, and I have even seen them at Wal-mart ! Don't like it, take it back, Wal-mart will take anything back
I find the coolest part is you took a carbine class, with a barrowed rifle! Well done
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Posted: 4/19/2016 3:40:31 AM EDT
[#39]
You'll be happy with the Spike's lower. They make quality stuff.
On the barrel, just pick out your components (barrel, gas block, muzzle device) and send them off to Adco or have a local gunsmith do the pin & weld job. Keep in mind you will have to put the gas block on the barrel before the muzzle device and you will not be able to remove the gas block once the muzzle device is pinned and welded. Also, if you do go with a 14.5" barrel, make sure the muzzle device you choose is long enough to get you past the minimum 16" length requirement. A standard A2 flash hider will NOT accomplish this. |
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Posted: 4/19/2016 8:35:01 AM EDT
[#40]
I've decided to just go with a 16" pencil barrel. Faxon seems to be out of stock, though.
Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile |
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Posted: 4/19/2016 9:51:21 AM EDT
[#41]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I've decided to just go with a 16" pencil barrel. Faxon seems to be out of stock, though. Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile Check tacticallink.com They have a bunch of stuff and it's usually in stock. |
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Posted: 4/19/2016 1:07:50 PM EDT
[#42]
Quote HistoryQuote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
I've decided to just go with a 16" pencil barrel. Faxon seems to be out of stock, though. Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile Check tacticallink.com They have a bunch of stuff and it's usually in stock. Thank you! They had the Faxon barrel I wanted in stock. Just ordered. :) Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile |
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Posted: 4/19/2016 1:43:56 PM EDT
[#43]
Come July, you should be able to individually file for an SBR. You'll need to get a C&R FFL, first, however.
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Posted: 4/19/2016 1:56:41 PM EDT
[#44]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Thank you! They had the Faxon barrel I wanted in stock. Just ordered. :) Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
I've decided to just go with a 16" pencil barrel. Faxon seems to be out of stock, though. Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile Check tacticallink.com They have a bunch of stuff and it's usually in stock. Thank you! They had the Faxon barrel I wanted in stock. Just ordered. :) Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile We're honored. Thank you! |
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Posted: 4/19/2016 2:25:48 PM EDT
[#45]
If you went with the 16" pencil barrel, you'll need a .625" gas block. You don't want to order a .750" one by mistake.
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Posted: 4/19/2016 2:46:38 PM EDT
[#46]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
If you went with the 16" pencil barrel, you'll need a .625" gas block. You don't want to order a .750" one by mistake. Thank you for the reminder! :) Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile |
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Posted: 4/19/2016 4:48:33 PM EDT
[#47]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Thank you for the reminder! :) Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
If you went with the 16" pencil barrel, you'll need a .625" gas block. You don't want to order a .750" one by mistake. Thank you for the reminder! :) Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile I put a 2A Armament titanium gas block on my faxon barrel. It's good to keep the weight down when hanging stuff on a barrel. A titanium flash hider would help too. |
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Posted: 4/19/2016 6:48:04 PM EDT
[#48]
Thread protector would be even better, in terms of weight.
Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile |
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Posted: 4/19/2016 8:33:15 PM EDT
[#49]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Thread protector would be even better, in terms of weight. Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile Thread protector? Just ordered a Spike's Tactical upper. |
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Posted: 4/19/2016 9:58:44 PM EDT
[#50]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I cant remember who, but you can get a 14.5" barrel with a pinned flash hider with a .750" OD so the gas block and barrel nut can be installed. Can you even have a flash hider? The Midwest Ind. G3 handguard weighs like 7oz. Almost nothing. My last upper build was a .300 Blackout with a 14.5 pin and welded flash hider, G3 MI handguard, and no forward assist, and the weight is great, and it just kind of happened. There are also carbon fiber handguards, and even barrels wrapped in carbon fiber to cut weight, but not on the cheap. Mission First Tactical, has a very light weight stock available, and I have even seen them at Wal-mart ! Don't like it, take it back, Wal-mart will take anything back
I find the coolest part is you took a carbine class, with a barrowed rifle! Well done This was a intro to defensive carbine course and I'm not the only person who's taken the class with a borrowed rifle! The instructor has a few for those without their own, even AR pistols. I'm not sure which hand guard length to get. How do I decide? |
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