Now that hysteria has abounded in both directions...

For those that have the XCRs, is there reason for the missing sections of rail? Is it strictly a weight saving measure? If so what is the number of oz. saved over doing it the "right" way? Or is it just an aesthetic treatment to try and make the gun stand out?

On a side note, saw some pictures on another forum of what appeared to be welded (or at least aggressively staked) bolts on the extractor and what is captioned as being a better one-piece bolt catch. Moves in the right direction for sure.