COMPLETED: My Sub-5lb lightweight AR build. Final weight: 79.2 ounces with sight!!

[GOLDEN GUN]

There are plenty of ways to save some weight but I haven't found anything that's worth the money..

Titanium gas block is about $100 more

Even if it saves me an ounce it's not worth it to me...

I definitely went adjustable..

[9kracing]

If you start doing cost vs weight, you'll end up with a 6+ pound rifle. Saving weight isn't cheap. At all.

I have a similar build, but I went with the B.A.D. lightweight setup, Sabertube, Taccom set, SLR titanium gas block, V7 titanium everything, Aimpoint H-1 ... I'm into it for over $3000 easy.

I didn't want to cheap out though and run things that were "almost as good"...

I figured I was only doing the lightweight thing once, better to go all out and cry once... At least, that's what I heard on CalGuns.

[GOLDEN GUN]

If you start doing cost vs weight, you'll end up with a 6+ pound rifle. Saving weight isn't cheap. At all.

I have a similar build, but I went with the B.A.D. lightweight setup, Sabertube, Taccom set, SLR titanium gas block, V7 titanium everything, Aimpoint H-1 ... I'm into it for over $3000 easy.

I didn't want to cheap out though and run things that were "almost as good"...

I figured I was only doing the lightweight thing once, better to go all out and cry once... At least, that's what I heard on CalGuns.

I understand... I ended up deciding on a price per ounce lost....which I think is about $40/ounce

Ultimately I decided would I rather have a 3.5 pound rifle for $3000 or a 4.75 pound rifle for $1000.

I went with the the heavier version... So far it looks like il be right at 5 pounds with a sight... Not bad

Not to mention that if I went all out on weight.. I'd end up with a rifle that I dont even like the look of it...

Post piks and weight of ur rifle

[joefrank64k]

My lightweight AR build 76.00 ounces (4.750 pounds) without sight

If you start doing cost vs weight, you'll end up with a 6+ pound rifle. Saving weight isn't cheap. At all.

I have a similar build, but I went with the B.A.D. lightweight setup, Sabertube, Taccom set, SLR titanium gas block, V7 titanium everything, Aimpoint H-1 ... I'm into it for over $3000 easy.

I didn't want to cheap out though and run things that were "almost as good"...

I figured I was only doing the lightweight thing once, better to go all out and cry once... At least, that's what I heard on CalGuns.

Great points....and I understand the whole "that's why it's great we all get to make our own choices" bit...but truly light costs $$.

My OIP carbine has all sorts of niche lightweight bits. The barrel is dimpled, the MB is Ti, the non-adjustable Ti gas block is almost non-existent, etc, etc.

It's a balanced system too...this is the softest shooting AR I own. But that's why I paid the $$.

OP, looking forward to your complete build and range report!!

[Flash68]

Not to mention that if I went all out on weight.. I'd end up with a rifle that I dont even like the look of it...

Totally agree. I am in parts collection mode for a very similar build as yours. We share many of the same parts and I've already learned a couple things from the good comments here on your thread. Nice timing. For me. LOL

Anxious to see the final numbers and what it looks like.

$157 Fortis Rev2 12" Rail - 7.8 ounces

This weight is without barrel nut?

[cindynles]

This weight is without barrel nut?

Take a look at the Clark Custom carbon fiber hand guard. Their 12" version is $100 at Brownells and weighs only 6 oz (including the barrel nut).

http://www.brownells.com/rifle-parts/forend-amp-handguard-parts/handguards-amp-rails/ar-15-m16-carbon-fiber-handguard-prod4998.aspx?avs%7cManufacturer_1=CLARK+CUSTOM

[GOLDEN GUN]

Totally agree. I am in parts collection mode for a very similar build as yours. We share many of the same parts and I've already learned a couple things from the good comments here on your thread. Nice timing. For me. LOL

Anxious to see the final numbers and what it looks like.



This weight is without barrel nut?

yea that weight is without a barrel nut.. i listed the projected barrel nut weight after it... based on other forums... il color code it in green after i actually weight it. I'm still waiting for it to come in the mail.. there are titanium options.. but not worth the weight savings just yet....

Take a look at the Clark Custom carbon fiber hand guard. Their 12" version is $100 at Brownells and weighs only 6 oz (including the barrel nut).

http://www.brownells.com/rifle-parts...1=CLARK+CUSTOM

yea i know clarks have some of the lightest possible hand guards... but i wanted metal... first thing i looked at was carbon fiber... i also may cerakote in the future. but most importantly.. i wanted a top rail..

[spfabrication]

Great points....and I understand the whole "that's why it's great we all get to make our own choices" bit...but truly light costs $$.

My OIP carbine has all sorts of niche lightweight bits. The barrel is dimpled, the MB is Ti, the non-adjustable Ti gas block is almost non-existent, etc, etc.

It's a balanced system too...this is the softest shooting AR I own. But that's why I paid the $$.

OP, looking forward to your complete build and range report!!

I like that you use a SI charging handle with all that high end amazingness! I have run the gamut from a 14$ stocker to a 100$ NiB Raptor and have to say the SI is GTG and relatively inexpensive.

[dvs762]

I\d like to see a Kaboom test with one of those receivers. I can imagine it being pretty bad with those slots turning into flying razor blades.

[GOLDEN GUN]

I\d like to see a Kaboom test with one of those receivers. I can imagine it being pretty bad with those slots turning into flying razor blades.

the metal is pretty thick... even with all that machining in the slots, the receivers are about the same weight of a standard mil spec receiver....

[Flash68]

Take a look at the Clark Custom carbon fiber hand guard. Their 12" version is $100 at Brownells and weighs only 6 oz (including the barrel nut).

http://www.brownells.com/rifle-parts...1=CLARK+CUSTOM

yea that weight is without a barrel nut.. i listed the projected barrel nut weight after it... based on other forums... il color code it in green after i actually weight it. I'm still waiting for it to come in the mail.. there are titanium options.. but not worth the weight savings just yet....



yea i know clarks have some of the lightest possible hand guards... but i wanted metal... first thing i looked at was carbon fiber... i also may cerakote in the future. but most importantly.. i wanted a top rail..

I am with you on the rail. I want metal too even with the weight penalty.

We think alike on many of these build decisions. I was going to post my build at the end but you've inspired me to post it up in progress as many insightful posts have already helped you out and maybe I'll catch some too and change course.

Thanks!

[GOLDEN GUN]

Definitely a good idea to post up progress

[Gene1986]

I can't wait to see the finishEd build. I like everything your doing. Hopefully you put a stainless steel Wyle fluted barrel on it! I really wanna get the upper and lower I'm not paying full price though too epensive.

[GOLDEN GUN]

No sure, it's getting a pencil barrel.. I would throw the barre that's on the OIP but I can't find it anywhere

[Flash68]

No sure, it's getting a pencil barrel.. I would throw the barre that's on the OIP but I can't find it anywhere

That's because it's made of unobtainium.