Lightweight AR Upper: Ideas?

[a1c]

I'd like to put together a lightweight upper for my better half. She's 5'2 and yesterday complained a bit about the weight of the AR we took out. I had replaced a wobbly plastic handguard on her upper with a DD rail, and with the Eotech on top it was a lot of fun, but also a bit heavy for her. I'm thinking about getting her a nice lightweight setup.

So far I'm thinking about assembling a Bushmaster Carbon 15 Flat-top Upper Receiver with a 16" Bushmaster SuperLight Barrel Assembly.

Already have a rear sight for the thing. Lower has a CTR, so balance should be decent.

Anyone have any experience with any of these upper parts? Any alternative suggestions?

[HK Dave]

When it comes to lightweight for your wife, since it's not just about weight but also about recoil and other factors... i'd suggest factoring in the gas length and muzzle device.

http://www.aimsurplus.com/product.aspx?item=XSTU5050MLSDC&name=Spikes+Tactical+14.5%22+Lightweight+5.56%2f.223+DynaComp+Upper+Receiver&groupid=301&search=spikes

Check that out. It's ULTRA light, but not just ultra light... it's medium length gas and has a comp attached to make it softer shooting and a lightweight 14.5" barrel.

My far the lightest rifle I built was using this upper.

[jasonnorcal]

Both bcm and daniel defense sell lightweight uppers with mid length gas systems. I'd use a magpul moe handguard to save weight but still allow you to use a light if u want. Also an aimpoint ml2 weighs about half as much as an eotec.

[C_1]

I would also suggest a BCM, DD, or Spikes 14.5" lightweight, mid length upper, with a pinned muzzle device. PWS FSC and the DynaComp are some options. Also check out the Aimpoint H1/T1.

[evidens83]

I use a BCM lightweight mid with plastic handguards. A2 FSB coupled with the DD A1.5 fixed rear. Not wobbly. Very light. LOVE IT!!!

[gemini1]

I use a BCM lightweight mid with plastic handguards. A2 FSB coupled with the DD A1.5 fixed rear. Not wobbly. Very light. LOVE IT!!!

How much does your AR weight? I'm thinking of buying the .625 FSB and have ARDO reprofile my 16" govt profiled BCM. But the idea of losing only around 4-5 oz is whats holding me back. My set up with a chopped A1 stock (carbine tube) and MOE handguard and wilson combat rear is around 7 lbs empty.

[Jwood562]

I used a BCM midength 14.5" LW upper for my last build. I said it once and I will say it again. a MOE handguard does not necessarilly save weight on an upper.

most nice 9" free float rail systems will weigh less than a delta nut,MOE and FSB

I weighed all my parts and found my 11" Larue gooseneck with lopro gas block weighed nearly the same as the FSB, delta ring and MOE handguard.

Just take your time, do research and plan accordingly. weigh every single part out and you will be sureprised where you can save weight

[evidens83]

How much does your AR weight? I'm thinking of buying the .625 FSB and have ARDO reprofile my 16" govt profiled BCM. But the idea of losing only around 4-5 oz is whats holding me back. My set up with a chopped A1 stock (carbine tube) and MOE handguard and wilson combat rear is around 7 lbs empty.

Honestly I'm not really sure but I'm guessing around the 6-7 pound range. There's definitely a noticeable difference between this build and my first AR (carbine upper, A2 FSB, YHM carbine length rail, EOTech). Also when slung it feels like its barely there! If you plan on doing drills and classes I would keep it as light as possible YMMV

[RONIN.]

Since it is for your wife, I would like to remind you this.. as you drop the weight of the weapon, the recoil impulse will be harder.. so I would suggest adding a comp, and you did not say which eotech you currently have, but going for a lighter weight aimpoint like the t1 or h1 or a vortex sparc, primary arms micro would also help with the weight.

things i would go for..
mid-length gas system
a comp of some sort
lite-weight profile barrel
lighter weight optic
ALUM upper.. the carbon uppers are not as durable as the alum.. have been known to crack if dropped..

ronin.

[John Browning]

Carbine length gas systems tend to beat the rifle up a little more and their is a little more recoil, but in reality we're talking about so little recoil and a wear difference that takes 20k rounds to notice. The major benefit of carbine length systems is that they will eat underpowered .223 much more reliably than a mid-length. 14.5in barrels are perfect for a carbine system, they tend to have a lot more problems in a mid-length due to improperly sized gas-ports. A 16in Carbine system tends to over-gas the rifle which is great for reliability, but does make it a little dirtier and very unpleasant with a suppressor.

If you're building a full-auto that you plan to wear the barrel out on, get a mid-length.

If you're building a rifle you plan to shoot once a month and would like to run cheapo Wolf, get a carbine.

Del-Ton lightweight kits are excellent value for the money.

[762.DEFENSE]

BCM Lightweight gets my vote.

[pharazon]

BCM/DD lightweight middy 14.5 with a permanently attached comp. I am partial to the Battlecomp, but there are plenty that work as well.

Also, be careful about how much weight you save in the back. Even with a lightweight profile barrel, the gun may tend to "dip" if you couple it with a feather weight stock.