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Posted: 5/31/2013 4:38:20 AM EDT
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Good Morning guys! I've finished my first build and had a blast doing it. Shot it a few times and replaced the gas block as the one I had initially installed was defective. Good going since then.
I'm planning my second build since I've been bit by the bug. I want to build a much lighter weight rifle and would appreciate input from people much more versed than I. I don't want to invest more than I have to but I don't have a budget in mind since I'll do this over a good period of time. Thanks in advance of input. |
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I built an M4 variant as my first build with all of the following parts:
Yankee Hill upper / Superior Arms lower / Green Mountain M4 govt. profile 1-7 barrel chrome lined / Nikon P-223 BDC 600 scope / Harris bipod / Tapco stock / Rock River gas block / DPMS fire controls / 8620 Chrome lined BCG http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8089/8425916744_c866fc76aa_b.jpg |
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I just built a relatively lightweight gun, it weighs in at 6.3lbs including the optic. I think the major places to save weight are: Barrel, Forend, Stock, and Optic/Sights.
Barrel: You can go shorter, or add fluting or go to a "lightweight" or "Pencil" Profile. In my build I have a fluted 16" YHM but it also saves some weight because it is not threaded and doesn't have any muzzle device. Forend: There are lots of heavy rail forends. I bought a Clarke Carbon Fiber free float tube for mine. It is super lightweight but it doesn't have much anything in the way of rails. I don't care for this build, it is a hunting setup and I don't need attachments. You save a bunch of weight by ditching attachments (Vertical foregrip, lights, sirens, missile launchers etc.) I have another AR with the short Todd Jarrett forend, and that has a few rails and is very light also. Stock: I have an ACE rifle stock. It is quite light. I have a magpul fixed rifle on my other build and it is pretty comparable. Look for something lightweight, avoid the adjustable target style stocks as they weigh a ton. Optics/Sights: Remember that a scope or EOTech etc. can weigh a lot and figure that into your build. If you build a 6lb rifle but throw a 2lb scope on top I think it kind of defeats the purpose. I went with the small Nikon P223 carbine for my needs. I was specifically looking for small lightweight glass. There are a lot of options and maybe you want a dot or irons but just remember all accessories add weight so decide what you really can't live without and put it on there. If you are going iron sights for instance, you could use Magpul polymer sights to save weight. However maybe the durability of a metal sight is worth it to you. Aimpoint Micro will save you weight over a larger red dot, etc. I think it is one of those things where you just shave off weight where you can and it adds up over the build. I didn't get too crazy, and I am not into sacrificing durability so I won't do a polymer or magnesium lower. You have to decide for yourself where the tradeoff is between saving weight and having a better performance (heavier) item. |
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Quoted:
I built an M4 variant as my first build with all of the following parts: Yankee Hill upper / Superior Arms lower / Green Mountain M4 govt. profile 1-7 barrel chrome lined / Nikon P-223 BDC 600 scope / Harris bipod / Tapco stock / Rock River gas block / DPMS fire controls / 8620 Chrome lined BCG http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8089/8425916744_c866fc76aa_b.jpg Don't have to worry about this one being too lightweight. 
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There are a lot of very obvious things to do. Lightweight barrel, iron sights, handguard that barely covers the gas tube, etc.
I recommend you use a GWACS lower. It's the only plastic lower that is tough enough to bother with. I have had a few of them (mine were Cav-15s, but it's the same mold). You can get them from Rainier Arms: GWACS polymer lower receiver. That will save you about 8 ounces. Then, when they come back in stock, get the Upper Minus Forward Assist and you'll save another two ounces. That will be the cheapest 10 ounces you will ever save on a lightweight rifle. The Daniel Defense front and rear sights are as light as they get. |
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Quoted:
There are a lot of very obvious things to do. Lightweight barrel, iron sights, handguard that barely covers the gas tube, etc. I recommend you use a GWACS lower. It's the only plastic lower that is tough enough to bother with. I have had a few of them (mine were Cav-15s, but it's the same mold). You can get them from Rainier Arms: GWACS polymer lower receiver. That will save you about 8 ounces. Then, when they come back in stock, get the Upper Minus Forward Assist and you'll save another two ounces. That will be the cheapest 10 ounces you will ever save on a lightweight rifle. The Daniel Defense front and rear sights are as light as they get. Thanks for the input. Checking out all of those products. |
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So what was your first build built with? A pic and total weight would help as well. I haven't weighed the first rifle yet. I'll post a pic later. Tapco 6 Position collapsible stock and LPK Anderson Lower Receiver Sun Devil Billet Upper Daniel Defense 16" Barrel http://tinyurl.com/n4cahwu Midwest Industries Low Profile Gas Block http://tinyurl.com/mjd3nwg Milspec BCG from Four Guys Dust cover from Zombie MFG Rifle length Free Float Handguard from Battle Tested Equipment Charging handle from Battle Tested Equimpent Pmags It's early, but I think I hit everything. I'll try to weigh it later and snap some pics. |
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