My goal with this build was to get something as light as possible, without sacrificing function or otherwise resorting to what I would consider a significant compromise. I know that I could trim more weight off of this build if weight was my only goal, but it wasn't. That means I still went with a RDS and a white light.
Parts:
- LMT complete lower
- BCM middy upper
- BCM BCG
- Noveske QD socket end plate
- DD Omega
- Magpul MOE stock, grip, and trigger guard
- Magpul MBUS front and rear
- Magpul XTM panels
- Aimpoint T1 on Larue
- Phantom FH
- VLTOR scout light mount with the plastic shim from a VTAC light mount
- Nitecore EX10 light
The Nitecore was one of my secrets for shaving weight: it's only 1.2 ounces without a battery but it pumps out 130 lumens. I've carried the AA version (D10) for over a year now every day (since it came out) and am satisfied that one of these lights can handle whatever I throw at it. I like the fact that the switch is a piston system: I don't have to worry about a tailcap going tits up on me.
The major way I shaved weight, however, was that I took this BCM middy upper to Robb at VA Arms Co and had him re-profile the bbl down to 0.625" as well as cut the length and permanently install the Phantom for total non-NFA length. Also, when I told him that I was cutting weight, he suggested shaving the FSB down to a low-pro style gas block. I said, "go for it" and am quite pleased with what he made for me.
Total unloaded weight of this 16" middy is approximately 6.7 lbs. Like I said, I could shave more weight if I ditched the optic/light, or if I used ladders instead of panels, or if I used a crappier stock. I didn't want to do any of these things however. It is plenty light as it is. While standard hand guards would have saved me a few ounces (although then I'd have the weight of the FSB back) my personal preference was for a free-float option with a bbl this skinny.
Oh, and once it was all put together, I just had to hit it with Krylon. It's not a great job, but I'm pleased enough with how it came out. I wonder how many ounces I could have saved if I had avoided the paint
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