Lightest 223 Wylde Complete Upper for <$1k

[SteveHamn]

I'm thinking of doing a lightweight build, focusing on the upper to start. I've never built an upper before, thinking of trying it but before going down that path I want to see if there are any good lightweight complete uppers out there already. I'm thinking 16" barrel or 14" that could have a pinned/welded muzzle device added if it's reliable. I know there is some crazy titanium/carbon fiber things for people with infinite money and want the lightest thing on earth, but I'd like to keep the upper under $1000, what are the options out there?

[highpower790]

Too bad having a light weight upper is the goal,WOA has some great uppers under $1k.

[SteveHamn]

Too bad having a light weight upper is the goal,WOA has some great uppers under $1k.

Oh I know, I already have one haha! Great tack driver, but yeah it's a bit on the heavy side, I'm looking for a lightweight one to complement it.

[k1dude]

Palmetto State Armory usually has a good supply of lightweight Wylde uppers. I'd check there first.

But your definition of lightweight might not be their definition of lightweight. The only way to get what you really want is to build your own upper from the components you want.

[God Bless America]

Fostech blem LW Upper from classic 60
V7 Ti MB 50
Faxon Pencil barrel 175
Ti adj gas block 150
LW BCG 125 (AIM) 250 (Faxon)
CF HG 300 (Brigand midlength)

There ya go. $985 or less. Very LW.

[WHH]

I’ve got the Ballistic Advantage Hanson profile .223 Wylde 16” barrel on an Aero Precision upper, and I was shooting 1” groups at 50 yards with an unmagnified red dot, which is frankly the best I’ve ever shot any gun, as I’m hardly an expert marksman. It’s got a sub MOA guarantee with match ammo, is light, and not too expensive. I would definitely buy another one unless I thought I needed something heavier to deal with the heat of higher volume shooting.

Edit: I should add that this is the premium stainless steel version.

Edit 2: The shooting described above was with cheap American Eagle 55 gr FMJ.

[BarrettM99]

Just don’t get something that looks like Swiss cheese. Those things may be light weight but they’re pretty dang ugly.

[God Bless America]

Haha yes that is a concern, there is real weight saving to be had, but the look does not have universal appeal.

[caliguy93]

Upper - 4.6oz - $60

https://www.classicfirearms.com/fostech-tactical-systems-stripped-ar15-upper-receiver-ultra-light-6100-ft-liteupper/

Barrel - 18.4oz - $170

https://faxonfirearms.com/14-5-pencil-5-56-nato-mid-length-4150-qpq/

Gas block - .6oz - $145

https://www.tacticallink.com/Next-Intent-Tactical-Adjustable-Titanium-625-Clamp-On-Gas-Block-For-AR15-Style-Rifles-Raw-Bead-Blast-Titanium-Finish.html

Muzzle device - 1.8oz - $120

https://slrrifleworks.com/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=701

Hand guard - 8.1oz - $200

https://www.primaryarms.com/fortis-rev-ii-free-float-rail-system-12-m-lok-handguard-fortis-rev-ii-12-mlok

Barrel nut - .8oz - $55

https://www.rainierarms.com/v7-titanium-gi-barrel-nut-ion-bond-black/

Dust cover - .3oz - $16

https://www.strikeindustries.com/shop/products/ar/upper-parts/ar-enhanced-ultimate-dust-cover-223.html

Bcg - 5.8oz - $177

http://www.makereadyproshop.com/surmount-defense-lyte-aluminum-bolt-carrier-group-223-5-56/

Charging handle - 1oz - $39

https://www.vsevenweaponsystems.com/charging-handle/

Total weight - 41.4 oz - 2.59lbs

Total cost - $992 plus shipping

[SteveHamn]

I checked PSA, looked like all the lightweight stuff is sold out.

It sounds like the answer is no, there isn't any good lightweight complete uppers out there and building one is really the only way to go. Thank you for the parts lists that was going to be my next question.

[God Bless America]

OP in choosing between the 14.5 and the 16" barrel, keep in mind that the muzzle device must be permanently installed on the 14.5". Faxon does make a skinny MB, but it will be fixed on.

Something to consider.

And DSA has some Ti parts too.

[sigstroker]

The easiest way is to just get a Windham Weaponry Carbon Fiber SRC that weighs 5.85 pounds for the whole rifle for $846.

If you must build one, the heaviest part is the barrel, and Ranier Arms has a 16.5 inch carbon fiber wrapped one that weighs 26.9 oz, for $569.

Don't need a muzzle brake, a thread cover at most.

The Tac Star carbon fiber handguard weighs 4 oz and is around a hundred bucks.

A titanium gas block seems like a cost ineffective way to save an ounce or two.

A steel barrel nut is a heavy part but I don't know if another material might make it less reliable.

[God Bless America]

If you must build one, the heaviest part is the barrel, and Ranier Arms has a 16.5 inch carbon fiber wrapped one that weighs 26.9 oz, for $569.

It better weigh less than that, my 16" Faxon is 19.something oz.

[k1dude]

I checked PSA, looked like all the lightweight stuff is sold out.

It sounds like the answer is no, there isn't any good lightweight complete uppers out there and building one is really the only way to go. Thank you for the parts lists that was going to be my next question.

Bummer. They've been blowing them out for the past couple months for dirt cheap. I guess they finally ran out.

Building is always better though. You get exactly what you want. Just like when building a gaming computer.

[AregularGuy]

I checked PSA, looked like all the lightweight stuff is sold out.

It sounds like the answer is no, there isn't any good lightweight complete uppers out there and building one is really the only way to go. Thank you for the parts lists that was going to be my next question.

You could check with these guys:

https://trojanfirearms.com/#store

They sell a complete lightweight rifle, 5 lbs 6oz. They used to sell just uppers but also sell all of the parts for their uppers. They might be willing to put one together for you if you contact them.