Looking to shed some pounds

[CoopsDad]

I have a DPMS SASS that is an absolute beast; I love shooting it and I used to take it on long walks on a farm east of SLO to shoot pigs. It weighs in at just under 16 pounds with 10-round mag, scope, sling and bipod and I could lug that thing around from 5:00AM to 4:00 PM for three days straight. Unfortunately, I was injured and it doesn't look good for me going on long walks anytime soon- especially with a 16 pound rifle. On top of that, I can shoulder an AR15 but the DPMS is just too heavy. My shoulders and back can't handle it, and I start to shake pretty badly almost immediately.

I haven't been able to shoot since the injury but, when I'm cleared to have fun again, I want to be able to take this rifle out again only it's gotta shed some weight. From what I can tell, the thing carries a significant portion of its weight in the 20" bull barrel. I'd rather just buy another thin profile barrel but I don't know if the weight difference is enough to make it worth it, or if I should simply sell this and buy a lighter AR pattern .308, like an LR-308 or similar.

I really appreciate any help or advice.

[ElvenSoul]

A super light AR actually kicks pretty good.

Go cheap and get a High Point 9mm Carbine

[k1dude]

You might was well start over because you'll basically change out everything except the upper and lower receiver. If you're going through all that, you might as well buy another lower and start over.

Even with lightweight components, it'll likely come in around 8.5 pounds before an optic. I heard of one that came in at 6 pounds, but I'd hate to see the cost and hoops they had to jump through to get there.

DPMS has their new GII line which they created simply to address the problem of weight in .308 AR's. But, IIRC, they still weigh right around 8 pounds before an optic.

If you're looking for a good pig gun in a lightweight AR, I'd consider building a 6.8 SPC II or a 6.5 Grendel. Both use the AR-15 platform which is much lighter than the .308 AR platform. I don't think it'd be that difficult to build one in the 6 pound range.

[kcheung2]

Have you thought about getting rid of the bipod and switching to a lighter scope mount. Don't know what kind of handguard you have but there's some potential weight savings there.

[71MUSTY]

Just don't get a divorce. It's a very expensive way to loose weight.

[Munny$hot]

Moving to an AR15 platform would be a good option. If weight was a problem, you wanted to carry a decent amount of ammo, have a .30 bullet, and use standard AR15 components consider.300 Blackout which is good to @ 600-700m but for hunting @ 100m. Im sure you can build a 6-7 lb rig without optics easily. You can always switch to a light weight bolt. My buddy bought a Savage .308, accutrigger, and a cheap Kaspa scope package from Big5 for 279.00 on sale. It shot sub 1/2 moa with store bought ammo. I was very surprised at the accuracy.

[supermario]

If you have the $ and can find one, perhaps look into the SCAR17. It a light well balanced 308 rifle..

[G38xOC]

How about just sell the upper and build a light weight with the money ?

[CoopsDad]

The last pig I killed was at 330 yards, so I'm kinda stuck with the .308 if I stay with a .30 cal. As far as the handguard, scope mount and bipod are concerned, the handguard will be swapped out for a carbon fiber piece if I decide to build a new upper or change to a thin profile barrel. The difference between the current scope mounts and any other is negligible, unless I'm building an all-out featherweight, and I use the bipod a lot. I've only fired this gun offhand at an animal once.

Anyone know the weight difference between the 20" stainless bull barrel and an 18" or 20" thin profile barrel?

I may just end up sticking this one in the back of a safe and build up an AR15 in one of the 6.5 or 6.8 cartridges. I just didn't want to get into another caliber if I didn't have to.

[nate76239]

The SASS barrel is almost an inch thick underneath the hand guard, changing to a government profile barrel will help. The Magpul PRS stock is also heavy swap it out for a magpul moe or A2 stock.

[SMarquez]

I think you will struggle to get that rifle under 12 lbs. It's a purpose made rifle, not really a walking around gun. I wouldn't sell it though, I think you should go with something lighter and easier to lug around.

[BucDan]

Get a 16" mid profile barrel. They can reach out to 300 easily. Then use a light telescoping stock.

Have you considered trying a bolt action? A bolt action in 16" or 18" would serve well unless you depend on the quick follow up shot. A ruger gunsite scout comes to mind or a custom R700.

[CenCalHobbist]

Personally I would just build a complete new upper with a lighter barrel and slim handguard, then change the PSR for a lighter MOE or A2 stock.

That way you can still have the bull barrel with a sighted in scope for target shooting.