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Posted: 3/4/2017 11:59:29 PM EST
A couple years ago there was a thread, now archived, discussing the weights of their rifles. I enjoyed reading all the posts and thought it should keep going.
What do you all have for your rifle weights? What is the intended use of these rifles (think philosophy of use)? Have you carried them around for long periods of time? How long, and how was it? I believe my current AR15 is at 8.55lbs unloaded. I have a manual scale for parcels and it's a bit old. Can't be sure how accurate it is. Daniel Defense mid-length rifle with quad rail. Stock weight should be 6.44lbs But I have done the following: Removed the vertical grip (3oz) Replaced the stock grip (3oz) with a Magpul MIAD 1.1 with the oil bottle - filled with Weapon Shield (5oz) Replaced the stock (9oz) a Magpul STR stock (12.5oz) - felt better when handling though I went through 300+ rounds with the DD stock Magpul MBUS sights (yes lots of Magpul - it's all that's available locally for a reasonable price) (2.6oz) Meprolight RDS 1.8MOA Red Dot (10.5oz) MS4 Sling (12oz) The 12' quad rail came covered in XTM Enhanced Rail panels on 3 sides and a rail ladder on top. I've removed all except for the bare minimum for my hands to stay cool - shooting 300 rounds, stopping only to reload the single mag I was using, was not at all uncomfrotable, even after finishing a D60 mag dump. Scale says 8.55lbs when I make sure the rifle is balanced on the center of weight Is that too heavy? Anything I can do, within reason? I'm a grad student, so can't afford to many nice things. All of the items above were bought used/clearance/coupon, most for half price or less. I have taken a liking to the D60 drum mag. Something just feels right about having it loaded with Hornday tipped rounds. Adding that mag (which is why I think my scale might be off - everywhere I read says the loaded mag with 55gr should be 2.75lbs but scale says it's right at 3lbs without the dust cover), brings the weight up to 11.5lbs, according to the scale. I know that by Magpul stock adds 0.25lbs and the grip adds 0.1lbs. Least I could get the setup to weigh 9lbs with a 30rd Pmag. I guess a Blue Force Gear with TriGlide adapter could give me the same 1-point and 2-point capabilities as the MS4 does for 4oz less, but hard to justify an $80 sling when I paid $35 for the MS4. Would it be worth to save another 0.25lbs and get the DD Slim Rail? I don't even have a light for the rifle yet, but I'm planning on putting a TLR-1 HL at the bottom rail, just in front of where my hand goes, and that will add weight. I really want to get this rifle to 10lbs max with the drum mag.... |
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11 lbs for me. Just your basic combat carbine. Semi automatic version of an M4A1 with an ACOG and RMR.
I have carried it, not exactly going on patrols with it tho. But too heavy is all relative. 1 guy will think 7 lbs is too heavy, then the next guy may have lugged an LMG around the mountains of AFG and call 7 lb guy a pussy. Its all relative. For me I think around 14-15 lbs would be about where I'd draw the line personally. I'm far more concerned with balance than weight |
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For me, a general purpose 16" gun with BUIS, optic, light, and a fully loaded 30rd mag should be less than 10lbs
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I got a lead weight in the A2 rear stock, lead shot in the pistol grip. Colt cheek riser , Colt H-bar 20" barrel.. M16- BCG .....
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Most of your weight is going to be the rail and barrel. If it's a complete DD you might be better off selling it and buying a BCM LW upper than changing the barrel and the rail. You could also reduce some weight by switching to a Primary Arms micro RDS or a Aimpoint H1 depending on what you can sell your optic for and find a deal on an H1.
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It's entirely subjective. My affordable LW is 7lbs 14oz unloaded, and that includes an MFT nav light plus lube/batteries in the pistol grip and on the rail in front of the MRO.
Tomac Attached File |
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My general purpose rifle is 9lb 12oz with a loaded 30rd pmag. It shoots amazing but I think would be at the limit for hauling around day in and day out. I think keeping it under 10 is the way to go. One of my spr builds has a 18" heavy barrel. With a 30rd pmag it weighs over 11lbs 5 oz. It is a pig and just used for bench shooting. I do think balance is key. The spr I just mentioned is so front heavy with that barrel. It is difficult to swing around and get on target if standing. It is stupid accurate from a rest though.
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Would replacing the quad rail with a lighter rail like the DD Slim Rail sacrifice heat handling capabilities by my hands? I don't wear gloves when shooting. I loved how the DD was pleasant to shoot and didn't heat up after hundreds of rounds. Would this benefit be sacrifices by a lighter rail?
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i didnt really focus on making it as light as possible but my 16" with a 15" rail with a leupold vx6 1-6 and a 20rd mag comes in at 8.0lbs
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I like carbines to be under 8 lbs. Both of mine are right at 7 lbs without mags, ammo, slings lights or any other add-ons which gets them into that 7.5 -8 lb range when some combinations of these items are added.
In the end though, it comes down to what you are comfortable totting around. Me carrying 8 lbs would equate to my 6'8" 260 lb SIL carrying a much heavier rifle. |
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I think my NM A2 is 9.5lbs, with 1907 sling, unloaded.
I'd like a medium contour instead of an HBAR to bring the balance back a little, but for shooting at least 2 MOA at a 6 MOAish target from a static position, it's great. For more general usage, I'd like a non-hooded 0.040" small aperture and a 0.056" big aperture on the same plane. Well balanced, 12lbs is my limit for anything other than a strict match rifle. |
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It is funny how weights add up. I have read, and now experienced that ounces = pounds. But seriously, How does a 6.2lb Daniel Defense rifle gain 8.5lbs with 2 new accessories and 2 stock accessories replaced by ones weighing a few ounces more? I think the lightest I could get this rifle and still have it as functional as I want it would be 7lbs. Knock a pound with a lighter stock, grip, and optic, and knock off half a pound with a different rail.
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My heaviest, loaded 30 rd mag, is just over 10 lbs including 1-4x Accupower, 15" rail, and mounted DBAL i2 IR laser. It's a hog but works for what I need. My go-to is the exact set-up with a T2 instead of the 1-4x.
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Also, some folks complain too light causes oversaw when transitioning. Certainly mitigated by some practice but light isn't my #1 variable when setting up a rifle.
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Yah, my goal isn't to be light, just light enough. I'm still trying to get back into shape (6 years of grad school on a busy schedule turned me into a 6' 230lb slob) and based on readings here there are folks in my height-weight range who work out and found 10lbs a pain to carry for long times. I'm getting into activism where there might be long walks in the sun with long guns, as well as training classes at local outdoor ranges. So I'm wanting to make sure I'm having a setup that isn't setting me up for a quick failure and embarrassment.
So far having a DD 16" Midlength rifle with Slim rail (86oz), MFI stock (6oz), Ergo Grip (2.8oz), Aimpoint T1/H1 (3.7oz), MBUS (3.6oz), and a Vickers 221 2-to-1 point sling (6oz), brings the weight of the rifle at 6.7-7.0lbs. That's about as light as I can make it without expending enough money to just build another rifle haha! Haven't looked into BCGs and charging handles yet. That's a 1.5lbs lighter than my current setup of 8-8.5 lbs (calculated-actual), which is very nice for shooting lots of successive shots. |
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Funny you should ask... just stumbled across some weights of various rifles I've owned. ( some of the variance in weight comes from added buffer / BCG weight, and or different FF tubes, barrel profiles )
A typical 30rd mag in 5.56 62gr will add about a pound, A typical AK 30rd about 1.85 lbs. All weights are unloaded. Stock SKS w/ FastFire .........................................................7lbs 13.5oz AK with OD plastic furniture n' Fastfire...................................7lb 13oz 14.5" BCM ELtWt Fluted with rail covers Magpul STR...........6lb 12oz 16" V7 barrel, STR, rail covers, Swedish CS Aimpoint...........9lb 4oz 16" 9MM, FastFire, rail covers, STR.......................................8lb 3oz 16" 22LR, poly lower, TACCOM upper, fastfire, STR.............5lb 11oz 16" BCM, SS 410, STR, PA 4-14, rail covered.......................9lbs 5oz 18" BCM SS410, STR, PA 4-14, rail covered, CWS..............10lb 6oz 20" PSA SS410, PRS, 6.5-20, CWS, rail covered ................11lb 10oz 20" BCM SS410, PRS, 6-24, CWS, rail covered....................12lb 5oz M21 , heavy stock, 6-24, Hvy barrel, Harris Bipod................. 14lb 15oz... w/ loaded mag.. 16lb 9oz If you like more specifics on a particular rifle... just ask. |
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My Approach is different when it comes to weight, I get the rifle set up for what I want to do with it, and how I run/function the rifle. And the weight is what it is.
Typically around 10-11 lbs. |
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For a standard carbine with a red dot I lIke it about 6lbs unloaded. For spring type builds I don't care. My first build was a 14.5 middy withe a red dot and light that weighed about 10.5lbs. After a year of shooting with it I vowed I'll never let one be that heavy again.
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Quoted:
Funny you should ask... just stumbled across some weights of various rifles I've owned. ( some of the variance in weight comes from added buffer / BCG weight, and or different FF tubes, barrel profiles ) . . . If you like more specifics on a particular rifle... just ask. View Quote I am seeing a lot of STR. I assume that is the Magpul STR stock, or is it something else? If it is the STR stock, any particular reason you favor it by using it in so many builds Also folks I only have the one AR to work on. No "this rifle for this purpose" for me. |
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I am seeing a lot of STR. I assume that is the Magpul STR stock, or is it something else? If it is the STR stock, any particular reason you favor it by using it in so many builds Also folks I only have the one AR to work on. No "this rifle for this purpose" for me. View Quote Yes Magpul STR...I like the added cheek rest. Plus the extra weight keeps the center of balance towards the shoulder end. And just to be fair... I prefer all my rifles to be soft shooting and comfortable.... this whole " man up" silliness cracks me up. I am 6ft 250lbs... and would still like my SD rifle to kick like a .22LR.... so I use a recoil pad...LimbSaver recoil pad |
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Yes Magpul STR...I like the added cheek rest. Plus the extra weight keeps the center of balance towards the shoulder end. And just to be fair... I prefer all my rifles to be soft shooting and comfortable.... this whole " man up" silliness cracks me up. I am 6ft 250lbs... and would still like my SD rifle to kick like a .22LR.... so I use a recoil pad... View Quote Haha same here! That's why I chose it. Nothing in the compartments except one AA battery for the Meprolight RDS and a front sight tool. I'll probably add a clean cloth for the bottle of oil in the grip. Thanks for all the imput folks! Don't forget to discuss YOUR rifle's weight and why you have it set up that way. |
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Just weighed my pinned 14.5" bcm carbine with an A2 front sight:
--Midwest Industries carbine length Mlok drop in. --Mft minamailst stock. -- PA RDS on a UTG high rise. -- Fenix pd32 on a magpul offset light mount. -- Magpul rear mbus. --30 rnds of 64g Gold Dot in a Pmag. --GI 2-point sling. 7lbs 15.6oz. So, 8lbs. |
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Discussing weights is actually very interesting, but asking somebody else what is too heavy makes no sense to me. The only guy that can tell me if my rifle weighs too much is me.
Very few guys actually carry their AR's much at all so the only thing that matters is how it feels at the range. Home defense becomes irrelevant as the gun would be used for minutes and the weight won't matter much unless with the weight comes excessive length. So the issue for most guys is shootability and that can be proven very easily by shooting the thing. If it is too heavy to hold and shoot accurately, well, you just answered your own question and nobody can answer it for you. I carry a rifle a lot over very tough country in very difficult weather conditions, over boots and skis. All year long, every month of the year in very rugged mountainous terrain. I'd prefer a 5 pound AR that has a 3-9 scope, BUIS and a light. 4 pounds would be better. 3 pounds would trump 4. In the reality, you know I can't get useful glass and a light on an ultralight rifle. My AR's thus vary from about 7 to 12.5 depending on what's hanging on them. Guess which ones get carried the most? Yup, the lighter ones. In truth, the one I carry the most weighs just about 9 lbs. It has on it what I use the most and feel I need the most. That's the gist of it. There is no free lunch. |
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Quoted:
Discussing weights is actually very interesting, but asking somebody else what is too heavy makes no sense to me. The only guy that can tell me if my rifle weighs too much is me. Very few guys actually carry their AR's much at all so the only thing that matters is how it feels at the range. Home defense becomes irrelevant as the gun would be used for minutes and the weight won't matter much unless with the weight comes excessive length. So the issue for most guys is shootability and that can be proven very easily by shooting the thing. If it is too heavy to hold and shoot accurately, well, you just answered your own question and nobody can answer it for you. I carry a rifle a lot over very tough country in very difficult weather conditions, over boots and skis. All year long, every month of the year in very rugged mountainous terrain. I'd prefer a 5 pound AR that has a 3-9 scope, BUIS and a light. 4 pounds would be better. 3 pounds would trump 4. In the reality, you know I can't get useful glass and a light on an ultralight rifle. My AR's thus vary from about 7 to 12.5 depending on what's hanging on them. Guess which ones get carried the most? Yup, the lighter ones. In truth, the one I carry the most weighs just about 9 lbs. It has on it what I use the most and feel I need the most. That's the gist of it. There is no free lunch. View Quote Hmmn I see a clue here...You run with the stuff you need/want and it is what it is, you say... Sounds like someone else I know... |
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7.4 to 10.2 pounds unloaded including all slings, lights, optics, etc.
Which one I grab depends on the task at hand. I use the heaviest rifle as a coyote gun among other things, and the weight doesn't really bother me, even on extended hikes to different stands. I do find I go as light as possible though. Unless I realistically expect to need the optics and range of my precision rig, I take one of the others every time. I also built my heavy barrel 18" first. If I knew then what I learned in the next couple of lighter builds, it would have been a different gun. |
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Depends on the use, but excluding a medium/LR "SPR" type setup, under 9lb for sure.
I think my AR is somewhere in the 5-6lb range unloaded, and I like that. 10.5" SBR with a Vortex 3x spitfire. |
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I don't bother to look at weight. I put the stuff I need in my AR. I try to buy good parts and whatever it is, that's it.
Light, optic, sling, dbal i2, ti suppressor on 10.5. I could dump the quad rail and save some weight. Might go that route. |
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I went through grad school...
Start lifting, it makes a difference. |
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OP:
If you want a more universally accepted upper limit for a personal weapon, you have no further to look than the Swiss Sturmgewehr 57. Empty weight was about 12.25 lbs and loaded with 24 rounds it goes up over 13. And remember, in its era, that means no light and no glass optic. I personally can attest that carrying a weapon of slightly less weight {my AR10 before barrel and sighting mods} on boots and skis for innumerable miles over similar to identical terrain gets old very fast. And that was precisely the lesson learned by the Swiss over the service life of the weapon. Some governments who tested it figured that out right off the bat. For more reinforcement of its weight as the upper limit, the German trials that resulted in the adoption of the G3 are instructive. and very interesting. Up against the G3, AR10 and FNFAL. Weight was a primary reason it was rejected. That doesn't mean a rifle of that weight cannot be carried over long distances {google Waffenlauf} but experience demonstrated over the years of its issue that, overall, it was just plain too heavy. So while neither I nor anyone else can tell you what is too heavy for you, we can say what governments have found on the whole is too heavy for rank and file servicemen and general service use and the StG57 defines that limit. |
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- BCM 14.5 pinned midlength
- DD FDE M4A1 RIS II - BCM KAG handstop - Vortex Sparc AR - Magpul front/rear BUIS - HST Inforce WML on HST Thorntail off-set - QD VTAC padded sling - 30 Round PMAG/Black Hills 77gr MK262 8.8lbs |
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Quoted:
~ Scale says 8.55lbs when I make sure the rifle is balanced on the center of weight Is that too heavy? ~ View Quote Balance is the key, you have done well IMHO. |
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Haven't put it on the scale, but my block 1 is pretty goddamn heavy.
Maybe I'll weigh it when I get home. |
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As others have said, pick the right tool for the job.
Colt 6720: Set up as a general duty/HD rifle Attached File Home build do it all Reccish with BA LW stainless Hanson Attached File Precision/Hunting Rifle Attached File SBR/HD Setup Medium range/Do it all, end of days LMT Heavier SPR/18" Precision setup |
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How's that medium LMT end of days rifle handle? Any experience carrying it for a while or running-and-gunning?
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8.5lbs on my hunting rig, don't care about the others because they are not getting humped around.
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Current rifle is a couple oz over 7lbs with loaded mag. Being that light really isnt necessary but it was my dream gun, so i wanted to push the limit and price really wasent a concern.
From my experience 8-10 lbs loaded is kind of that sweet spot where you can load up will all the accessories you need/want yet its still light enough to handle. One thing I have noticed during the carbine courses ive take (even some pistol classes) is people's arms get tired really quickly. Half way through the first day and I saw people taking off bipods, lights, lasers, magnifiers, and just about anything they could to get the weight down. Things I would do to lower the weigh of your rifle: 1) Ditch the drum mag, its not necessary to have that much ammo, you are going for a light weight semi-auto carbine, not a squad based light machine gun.They are fun for the range but I wouldnt leave it loaded or carry it around like that. 2) Keep the sling, but I wouldnt count the sling as part of the guns weight, it either shouldnt be on the gun when not needed or the weight will be resting on your shoulders when you are supporting the rifle with your hands. 3) Upgrade to a aimpoint T2, that will shave 5-6 oz off your gun. 4) V7 Weapons makes countless lightwweight AR15 parts, I knocked nearly a full lb off my gun by switching the majority of my steel parts to aluminum or titanium. 5) Go with a Pencil profile barrel, Odin makes one of the lightest out there. 6) Go with a SBR, preferable 10.5" 7) The BCM keymod rail would be a massive weight savings. |
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Attached File
My 16" Mega Maten in 308 is just a bit over 10, no mag, light, or sling. My lightweight AR is just a bit over 6 with light, RDS, and sling. But it's got all sorts of Ti goodies and a LaRue PredAR barrel. If I had to walk any distance I'm pretty sure I'd take the lightest one I have. |
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Quoted:
Current rifle is a couple oz over 7lbs with loaded mag. Being that light really isnt necessary but it was my dream gun, so i wanted to push the limit and price really wasent a concern. From my experience 8-10 lbs loaded is kind of that sweet spot where you can load up will all the accessories you need/want yet its still light enough to handle. One thing I have noticed during the carbine courses ive take (even some pistol classes) is people's arms get tired really quickly. Half way through the first day and I saw people taking off bipods, lights, lasers, magnifiers, and just about anything they could to get the weight down. Things I would do to lower the weigh of your rifle: 1) Ditch the drum mag, its not necessary to have that much ammo, you are going for a light weight semi-auto carbine, not a squad based light machine gun.They are fun for the range but I wouldnt leave it loaded or carry it around like that. 2) Keep the sling, but I wouldnt count the sling as part of the guns weight, it either shouldnt be on the gun when not needed or the weight will be resting on your shoulders when you are supporting the rifle with your hands. 3) Upgrade to a aimpoint T2, that will shave 5-6 oz off your gun. 4) V7 Weapons makes countless lightwweight AR15 parts, I knocked nearly a full lb off my gun by switching the majority of my steel parts to aluminum or titanium. 5) Go with a Pencil profile barrel, Odin makes one of the lightest out there. 6) Go with a SBR, preferable 10.5" 7) The BCM keymod rail would be a massive weight savings. View Quote Sounds expensive! Maybe I'll make a build with that range. So far, if I'm not counting the 12oz sling I'd say <8lbs unloaded is fairly comfortable to carry. But that's just my out-of-shape self running around the backyard haha! Drum mag is just a cool factor. I intend to use it just for range time or open carry demonstrations. |
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Sedentary job and lifestyle is going to make a 3 day class suck no mater what rifle you carry... just FYI...
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Quoted:
How's that medium LMT end of days rifle handle? Any experience carrying it for a while or running-and-gunning? View Quote Meant to say medium range, but the LMT is heavy, and it's mostly barrel. If there's such a thing as a man's, man; this thiNG is a tanks tank. Never had to carry it for long distances and I don't do any running and gunning. With the light on the front and fact that is the piston version with the heavier gasblock, it can be a little nose heavy, but the sopmod stock does a great job of balancing it all out. |
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Wow, I look at my step-dad who fought in Korea. In the battle at Chosin Reservoir he carried a Browning M1918A2 BAR at about 20lbs and lots of ammo. He was about 5'7" and 150 lbs at the time. Of course technology has moved on since then - but really, we're obsessing over ounces when the reality is - when the SHTF you do what it takes.
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Would you mind telling me what light mount that is on your Colt with the OD Green Magpul Furniture? Is that mlok? Thanks!
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As others have said, pick the right tool for the job. Colt 6720: Set up as a general duty/HD rifle https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/413139/Colt-160590.JPG Home build do it all Reccish with BA LW stainless Hanson https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/413139/Recceish-01-160591.JPG Precision/Hunting Rifle https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/413139/Recceish-02-160593.JPG SBR/HD Setup https://c1.staticflickr.com/4/3824/33296580415_fd9f7ea8bd_z.jpg Medium range/Do it all, end of days LMT https://c1.staticflickr.com/4/3759/33296583225_88ddc251ed_z.jpg Heavier SPR/18" Precision setup https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/734/33296578125_64f1df739b_z.jpg View Quote |
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Would you mind telling me what light mount that is on your Colt with the OD Green Magpul Furniture? Is that mlok? Thanks! View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted:
Would you mind telling me what light mount that is on your Colt with the OD Green Magpul Furniture? Is that mlok? Thanks! Quoted:
Colt 6720: Set up as a general duty/HD rifle https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/413139/Colt-160590.JPG Hey man, The light mount is the IWC SMCXL mount. I like it because it throws the light pretty far forward, which is nice, especially on a carbine length handguard. It will work with MLok slots, but it is not exactly MLok. The backing plates are larger than spec and will need to be held while in place while trying to get the first few threads in place. On the MOE/MOE SL handguards this isn't a big deal, or if you haven't completely mounted a rail in place it isn't an issue. If you need to mount into an existing M Lok rail, it's a bit difficult. I hope that makes sense. IWC makes another mount that's not as long as well as a couple other options. They also make a mount that will work with the regular rounds holes on the GI style handguards. IWC SMCXL |
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Awesome! Thanks for the info!
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Hey man, The light mount is the IWC SMCXL mount. I like it because it throws the light pretty far forward, which is nice, especially on a carbine length handguard. It will work with MLok slots, but it is not exactly MLok. The backing plates are larger than spec and will need to be held while in place while trying to get the first few threads in place. On the MOE/MOE SL handguards this isn't a big deal, or if you haven't completely mounted a rail in place it isn't an issue. If you need to mount into an existing M Lok rail, it's a bit difficult. I hope that makes sense. IWC makes another mount that's not as long as well as a couple other options. They also make a mount that will work with the regular rounds holes on the GI style handguards. IWC SMCXL View Quote |
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Jan. 1 I got to shoot my friend's national match AR.
Lead lined hand guards and lead in the buttstock. Total weight was around 13.5#. It was heavy. But shooting it offhand was a dream. |
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Must've had a gov't profile barrel, that's about 1.5lbs light. View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted:
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Jan. 1 I got to shoot my friend's national match AR. Lead lined hand guards and lead in the buttstock. Total weight was around 13.5#. It was heavy. But shooting it offhand was a dream. Oops. Guess I miss remembered. It certainly doesn't have a gov't barrel on it. |
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