I was fascinated by @doctorjj 's featherweight build HERE, so I decided to build a lightweight myself. Now I don't have the budget he did for the sweet exotic parts, so I took a different aim: What can I do on a budget for a lightweight build, and still maintain low recoil? Sounds contradictory, but I thought if I use a LW buffer & BCG, along with an adjustable gas block and muzzle brake, that should keep it fun to shoot.
I will try and get some pictures of part weights up once I weigh them all, but my goal is 5lbs unloaded with optic (5.5lbs loaded with 20rd mag). I will also put up a detailed cost sheet.
Right now I have a standard AR-15 forged lower, and a PSA slick sided forged upper (one of the lightest uppers I've found). I plan on milling a groove down the length of the pic rail on top like some of the high end LW uppers. I also plan to use one of the Tennessee Arms hybrid polymer lowers, but I have the forged lower already.
The barrel is a Bear Creek Arsenal 16" mid lightweight with .750" gas block seat. I needed the .750" seat since I had a .750" adjustable lopro gas block in my parts bin.
For the stock I am using an rifle buffer system, with just the A2 buttplate screwed directly to the tube. I also removed the trap door. This means I will have to tap the hole for the takedown detent & spring since there will be no stock or plate to retain it. I also removed all of the tungsten weights from the buffer.
I snagged a super cheap M16 BCG from Primary Arms also (BCA for $60), and plan on milling on it to shed a couple ounces.
The handguard is this Delta Team Carbon Fiber 12" model. It is $60. I was going to grab the 9" for $50, but my buddy had bought this and didn't care for it in his application so I am trying it out for this. I'll keep this updated if I decide to ditch it also.
Before any "buy quality parts" or "this won't be reliable when shooting underwater in the sand while operating operationally in theatre"... I know, this is a fun project to be a range toy. If parts don't work for even that, I'll upgrade as necessary and update here. It also won't likely be a high round count gun.
I will try and get some pictures of part weights up once I weigh them all, but my goal is 5lbs unloaded with optic (5.5lbs loaded with 20rd mag). I will also put up a detailed cost sheet.
Right now I have a standard AR-15 forged lower, and a PSA slick sided forged upper (one of the lightest uppers I've found). I plan on milling a groove down the length of the pic rail on top like some of the high end LW uppers. I also plan to use one of the Tennessee Arms hybrid polymer lowers, but I have the forged lower already.
The barrel is a Bear Creek Arsenal 16" mid lightweight with .750" gas block seat. I needed the .750" seat since I had a .750" adjustable lopro gas block in my parts bin.
For the stock I am using an rifle buffer system, with just the A2 buttplate screwed directly to the tube. I also removed the trap door. This means I will have to tap the hole for the takedown detent & spring since there will be no stock or plate to retain it. I also removed all of the tungsten weights from the buffer.
I snagged a super cheap M16 BCG from Primary Arms also (BCA for $60), and plan on milling on it to shed a couple ounces.
The handguard is this Delta Team Carbon Fiber 12" model. It is $60. I was going to grab the 9" for $50, but my buddy had bought this and didn't care for it in his application so I am trying it out for this. I'll keep this updated if I decide to ditch it also.
Before any "buy quality parts" or "this won't be reliable when shooting underwater in the sand while operating operationally in theatre"... I know, this is a fun project to be a range toy. If parts don't work for even that, I'll upgrade as necessary and update here. It also won't likely be a high round count gun.