How Heavy is your AR?

[abnartyguy]

Gents,

In a class I recently took there was a discussion about how a drop leg holster all the way down on your knee added so many ounces of weight to your leg, and therefore added to the amount of weight you were carrying.

Along the same lines, if my AR is 12 pounds, how much extra weight am I carrying?

As a comparison and contrast I took a couple photos of my own AR's I use the most. Using my highly calibrated bathroom scale I put each rifle on it and snapped a picture with my iphone. All three have a Vickers/Blue Force sling wrapped around it to stay on the scale.

First, as a control, I pulled out my M4 clone. A Colt 6920 with a pinned 14 1/2" barrel, knights rail, surefire flashlight and Sopmod stock. It is a 'clone', so it has a couple of different items on there not to spec, like a Larue mount for my Aimpoint and the LMT rear sight. But for all intents and purposes it is as close as I am going to get to an issue M4.
http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg295/abnartyguy/IMG_1682.jpg

Second, is a purpose built lite weight AR I took to a 5-Day TigerSwan class I just went to: AAR 5-Day TigerSwan Pistol/Carbine (https://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=99696). It is a 'Frankien-gun' with a Stag lower and a RRA upper. The purpose behind this rifle was weighing things before I added them. I had the DD M4 12" FSP rail added because it was the lightest of the DD 12" FSP rails. I used a Larue hand-stop instead of a fore grip of any kind. I mounted a Surefire pistol light and a mini Aimpoint because they were the lightest I owned.
http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg295/abnartyguy/IMG_1680.jpg

Finally, is my 3-Gun rifle. A Colt 6721 with a 16" HB, DD Lite 12" FSP, and a Trijicon 1-4x. This rifle has seen numerous changes, modifications, and upgrades. From the Chip McCormick 1-Stage trigger, to the Surefire Muzzle Break. This rifle is a pure game gun, it has no rear back up sight, it has no flashlight, and the flash that comes out of the Surefire comp is blinding at night.
http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg295/abnartyguy/IMG_1684.jpg

As you can see, my M4 clone weights in at 8.5 lbs. My light weight build is a skinny 8 lbs. And finally my 3-Gun rifle is a chunky 8.5lbs.

Did I gain anything by cutting off a 1/2 lb from the other two rifles, hard to tell. I know that after 5 days of carrying it around I did not notice anything significant. Did I do a 12 mile road march with it, no.

If I look at the M4 and the lite weight build, I can do the same thing with either weapon and have the same capabilities with either. I have a red dot and a surefire flash light on both. But on my light weight build I can get a more aggressive hold of the weapon and brace it against different objects. Is it worth the 1/2 lb? I say yes.

How heavy is your AR? It is your duty weapon, your plinker, your 3-Gun rifle, your class rifle or ? Post a pic, I dare you! lol

Thank you.

[Guns-up.50]

I guess to me it wouldnt be worth the hassle to save a 1/2lb. My m&p with colt barrel and bcg is a heavy dog and my dd v5 is a little lighter but its difficult to tell the difference. 1 handed is the true test of weight to me, how well can I sholder and fire the rifle 1 handed.

[Ratfink]

I have a DD M4V7 LW that is 5.7 lb without anything on it my other rifle is a noveske afghan now my DD rifle is way lighter that my noveske much much more than a half pound my DD right around 7 and a quarter lbs with t1 dd irons and light blah blah my noveske is more around 9 to 9.5 pounds both weights depending on if i have dbals on them and nv gear so theirs a lot of variables in exact weight even different ammo types make a change

i think lw rifles make a big difference

[TX Rancher]

My go to weighs in a little under 8 lbs (6.8SPC 16in).

My night hunter weighs in at 10.5 lbs, which includes a D-740 night scope. The night scope is rather heavy.

I have a 5.56 that I use primarily as a training gun that weighs in at ~8 lbs (set up basically the same as the go-to 6.8SPC)

Would 1/2 pound make a difference to me? If it was a carry all day weapon, you bet it would!

[a1fabweld]

I have no idea how much my rifle weighs. If I found my 16" gov't contour middy to be too heavy, I'd go to the gym.

I do have some white collar friends who get winded taking the trash out. Maybe shaving ounces would be beneficial to them.

[Guns-up.50]

I have no idea how much my rifle weighs. If I found my 16" gov't contour middy to be too heavy, I'd go to the gym.

I do have some white collar friends who get winded taking the trash out. Maybe shaving ounces would be beneficial to them.

+1 IF you cant carry a 9 lb rifle :confused:. Before we know it 7lb will be too much. I carried machine guns for a long time so a 9 lb rifle is a relief.

"The day a man cant carry a 10lb battle rifle is the day a stronger breed of man comes into our houses takes our land and breeds with our women. "

[CNZ302]

I would guess mine at about 8lbs or so.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v641/zdogg/DSC_0207.jpg

[Wake27]

Mine's about 9.8 pounds.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7187/6904412553_79de5be8e6_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/58801550@N02/6904412553/)
photo (6) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/58801550@N02/6904412553/) by Wake27 (http://www.flickr.com/people/58801550@N02/), on Flickr

I want to change the TLR to an Inforce WML and I have a GS Handstop that should be here in a few days. That chrome lined 249 barrel is hefty.

[AO520]

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7188/6781426710_541ab3bfc8.jpg

Colt 6940 with a t-1, bfg sling, x300 light, and a few extras in the grip and buttstock. Doesn't feel heavy to me, but when my friend picked it up for the first time a couple days ago the first thing he commented on was how heavy it was. He has almost zero experience around firearms though.

On a side note I just weighed my AK which has a ultimak rail and trs-25 red dot set up. Only 7.4... haha!

[lifebreath]

Four ARs with optics, respectively:

1. 8 lbs 12.6 oz - Main HD weapon - BCM 14.5 middy upper w/ permed A2, DD Lite Rail 9.0, DD VFG, Aimpoint Comp M3, Surefire M951, Sabre Defense lower, UBR stock and Geissele SSF

2. 7 lbs 13.0 oz - KISS #1 - Colt LE 6920 w/ CTR stock and ACOG TA 11J, Geissele SSA-E

3. 6 lbs 15.2 oz - KISS #2 - Colt Lightweight LE Carbine w/ CTR stock, KAC rails, KAC VFG and A2 carry handle sights, Geissele SSA

4. 7 lbs 14.6 oz - 3-gun/sporting AR - KAC SR-15 w/ Trijicon TR24

FWIW - I wouldn't put too much stock in a "finely calibrated" bathroom scale ... my digital bathroom scale won't even register the ARs, and your going to be at the extreme end of any bathroom scale's range. To "pseudo calibrate" it, put a few known weights on if you have them: 5lbs, 10lbs, 7.5lbs, and see what variance the readout shows vs. actual weight. Do it multiple times to see if it's reproducible. Then you can correlate your gun weights and adjust accordingly. Please disregard if you already know this ...

http://www.lincolndiagnostics.com/public/doug/guns/AR15%20weights-1.jpg

http://www.lincolndiagnostics.com/public/doug/guns/AR15%20weights-2.jpg

http://www.lincolndiagnostics.com/public/doug/guns/AR15%20weights-3.jpg

http://www.lincolndiagnostics.com/public/doug/guns/AR15%20weights-4.jpg

[lifebreath]

Deleted

[TacticalSledgehammer]

I think mine is still lighter than my ak.

[bsmith_shoot]

8.4 with a loaded mag of 28.
http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu224/bsmith_shoot/2012-02-24013224.jpg

[!Nvasi0n]

Looks like I'm the fattie McFat****...10#'s!!! Unloaded...Shit that's crazy how will I ever save my life and my families life with a weapon so heavy?

It's an M&P-15 w/ the following
YHM 2 Pc. Quad rail carbine length.
Magpul MOE
EoTech XPS2
EoTech G23 3X FTS magnifier
Magpul BUIS
MFT E-VOLV stock adapter...basically a bolt on SOPMOD style stock...stocked with ear pro and 6 CR123's
Cheap single point sling...got a VCAS on the way.
Magpul Bad Lever
Magpul AFG
Streamlight scorpion w/ MFT rail clamp
Brownells oversized charging handle

[SteveL]

http://i365.photobucket.com/albums/oo98/fireman325/DSC03801.jpg

[Todd00000]

My 6920 with USGI plastics, KAC rail, ACOG/Docter, BlueForce sling, and very lite Inforce light is less than 8lbs. The green DPMS with half the barrel being heavy is almost 10lbs, and the A1 is just under 5 all on the same inaccurate scale. I believe the real weight of an A1 is 6.4lbs so add 1.5lbs to these weights.
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e130/toddgriffin00/006-5.jpg
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e130/toddgriffin00/001-7.jpg

[bullittmcqueen]

My #1 tips the scale at 8.6 pounds.
BCM 16" carbine m4 profile
Daniel defense omega X 12.0 FSP
Magpul AFG
Streamlight LED in Viking mount
Aimpoint M2 in Larue LT150
Magpul rear BUIS
Daniel defense lower with Magpul STR and MOE+
VTAC sling


I hope to get my SBR build right around 7#

[glocktogo]

Noveske/BCM pinned 14.5" LW with CTR & MOE furniture, 600 Scout light mounted on an IWC mount, DD A1.5 fixed rear BUIS, Aimpoint H1 on a DD mount, Vickers VCAS QD sling, small bottle of oil and rag in the MOE grip and a P-Mag loaded with 30 rounds. Total weight: 8 pounds 5 ounces. It's a quality setup and an absolute delight to carry.

It's the one in the middle. On the left is my precision/game gun, a Noveske Rogue Hunter 18". On the right is a RR Colt M16A1 with a 6933 upper and an M42K suppressor.

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s157/Glocktogo/DSC_1114.jpg

[SpaceWrangler]

My previous go-to rifle was an Armscorp National Match M-14 with a bull barrel... 13 pounds loaded.

My AR (11.5" Colt 6933) isn't heavy at all. :D

[thopkins22]

+1 IF you cant carry a 9 lb rifle :confused:. Before we know it 7lb will be too much. I carried machine guns for a long time so a 9 lb rifle is a relief.

"The day a man cant carry a 10lb battle rifle is the day a stronger breed of man comes into our houses takes our land and breeds with our women. "

I'm not saying you're wrong...IF there's a reason for the weight. It's patently silly to imply that there is anything wrong with getting lighter if whatever was making it heavy didn't do anything worth missing.

Your argument can be taken to the extreme(just like the lightweight argument can be.) The X300 is for pussies, mount a spotlight. The M4 profile gives up too much when it's hot, mount a bull barrel and man up. Plastic stocks break too easily, mount a ****ing metal one and grow balls.

If you're strong enough to shoot a ten pound rifle all day, and nobody is doubting that you are, imagine how much more energy and strength you'll be able to bring to the fight when you haven't carried extra weight all day.

Let's say you've shaved three pounds off of your rifle. If you've walked a mile your legs have more than three thousand pounds more gas in them now for when you need it.

There's a balance. Do capabilities lost equal or outweigh the benefits of losing weight? Not worth it. Have you lost a little capability but gained more in mobility and ability to deploy the rifle? Worth it.

[Axcelea]

Goes down from 11LBS (rounded up a little). Basically that is it with a fully loaded magazine, bi-pod, light, spare batteries, rail covers, sling, and well everything.

Goes down to like 9.5 w/o bi-pod though the greater benefit is just having less weight on the muzzle end which greatly improves handling. From there 8.5 unloaded. Don't know what the flashlight and batteries add on...

I find it acceptable, bi-pod is an on/off item though.

[Matt-man]

Here's mine. It's a BCM lightweight mid-length upper with an H1 on an ADM mount, DD rear sight, and a Surefire G2 in a VLTOR ring on a Midwest Industries FSB mount. 7 pounds, 5.3 ounces.

http://www.icantping.com/~mmasuda/images/boom/ar_on_scale.jpg

[texag]

http://i785.photobucket.com/albums/yy138/TexAg10/Firearms/IMAG0174.jpg

I don't remember the exact weight, but I think it comes in between 7.1-7.3 as pictured, just minus the loaded mag. The stock and grip have batteries to replace a the x300, aimpoint, and my handheld surefire 2x.

[kwelz]

My 14.5 Noveske with H-1, 12'' Omega Rail and light is 7lbs 4oz without a Mag. Not sure what my 10.5 weighs. But it is configured identical except it has a 9 inch rail and a DD lightweight barrel.

[kest_01]

Never weighed either of mine, and couldn't really care, I've humped way heavier for many days up mountains in RC-East. If the weight ever became an issue for me than maybe I would start paying attention to it.

[pruitt0212]

I don't even wanna know what my 10.5" M6A2 weighs when its in full gear queer mode with the PVS-14, M4-2000 and Surefire M720V, but now I'm curious. Gonna have to buy a scale and weigh it in the next couple days. I'll let y'all know.

[Sticks]

Centurion CHF LW 16" Middy, 12" C4 rails
2 KAC rail covers
Magpul AFG
Vltor MUR-A1
PSA Auto BCG
PSA lower w/PSA LPK & ambi safety
Troy Ambi bolt and mag release
Vltor A5 Emod
Aimpoint PRO
Troy BUIS
VCAS padded sling
Streamlight TLRS-1





9.36#

1.75 pounds heavier than average and I suddenly feel fat.

[Duffy]

10.8 Lbs :fie:

[kwelz]

10.8 Lbs :fie:

Ouch. What do you have on it?

[aaron_c]

8.4 pounds

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l13/aaron_c_2006/photo-22.jpg

[Duffy]

Lots of things but I use all of them. The MRP's barrel is the major culprit of its weight :blink:

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i314/Duffypoo/MRPwithnewadditions.jpg


Ouch. What do you have on it?

[ForTehNguyen]

16" DD LW midlength
DD 12" OmegaX Rail
MOE stock, ASAP, BAD, MIAD, AFG
Eotech 512

~7lbs 9oz

[jonconsiglio]

The 14.5" is somewhere in the neighborhood of 8 pounds unloaded. The 10.5" I haven't weighed, but I'd guess it's about 10 ounces lighter.

Oh, I typically run an Aimpoint and magnifier mount on my 14.5".

http://i534.photobucket.com/albums/ee343/jonconsiglio/DSCN0176-Edit.jpg

[pruitt0212]

Threw my AR's on the scale today. The LMT lower with LWRC M6A2 10.5" upper without the can or PVS-14 comes in at 8 lbs 5 oz. With the can only she comes in at 9 lbs 7 oz and with the PVS-14 she comes it at 10 lbs 4 oz. The PWS Diablo on Black Rain Lower comes in at 6 lbs 13 oz.

http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z128/Pruitt0212/001-3.jpg

http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z128/Pruitt0212/003.jpg

[Tzook]

I feel like my rifle is a little on the husky side too. 9 pounds 2 ounces. The only thing I have hanging on it is a Solarforce light, in a GG&G mount. I think my problem is the Adams Arms piston kit, or potentially government profile barrel

[3 AE]

16" BCM Carbine LW URG
BCM LRG w/M4 Buttstock
Magpul MOE Carbine Handguard
IWC 1" TMC Light Mount w/ G2 LED Nitrolon
Troy Fixed Rear Battlesight
Magpul 20 Rnd. PMag Fully Loaded
Since it's my go to rifle at home, I don't bother keeping a sling on it. All up weight is 7 lbs. 3 oz.

[Canonshooter]

The older I get, the more I appreciate things I carry being lighter.

Using a postal scale, my last "precision" build below was nearly 10 pounds. It shot well (just under 1 MOA) but IMO it was just too damned heavy for anything other than bench work or shooting prone;

http://www.canonshooter.com/photos2/recce-1.jpg

I sold the upper and UBR stock and using the same lower, am now building a lightweight KISS rifle using a BCM 14.5" lightweight middy with MOE handguards, a CTR stock and iron sights. It should come in under 6.5 pounds and based on what others have stated about similar builds, be a joy to handle!

My Krebs is no lightweight either, coming in at 8 pounds 10 ounces with the Aimpoint/mount and folding stock conversion (unloaded, no mag);

http://www.canonshooter.com/photos2/aceconversion-11.jpg

I am building another precision rifle that will also weigh about 10 pounds when finished, but it should be around .5 MOA, have higher power optics and be .308. For those credentials, I can justify the weight.

[GeorgiaBoy]

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7168/6664250281_3a4e924146_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/73307770@N04/6664250281/)

Back when it was still clean and lightweight. I believe at the time it was about 6 pounds, 4 ounces. With the H1 and Streamlight, its probably closer to 6 pounds 11 ounces now.

[Mjolnir]

"The day a man can't carry a 10lb battle rifle is the day a stronger breed of man comes into our houses takes our land and breeds with our women. "

Ouch!

[Canonshooter]

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7168/6664250281_3a4e924146_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/73307770@N04/6664250281/)

Back when it was still clean and lightweight. I believe at the time it was about 6 pounds, 4 ounces. With the H1 and Streamlight, its probably closer to 6 pounds 11 ounces now.

GB, this is exactly what I'm building - I'll be running black furniture but will otherwise be identical. My BCM order was placed today so hopefully by next weekend I'll be ready to roll.

After having several rifles that slowly grew into metric ton bitches, I plan on keeping this one light and simple!

[N8rfastback]

This one is north of 15 lbs for sure. It was last time I put it on the bathroom scale anyway.

Nate

Sent from my A500 using Tapatalk

[GeorgiaBoy]

GB, this is exactly what I'm building - I'll be running black furniture but will otherwise be identical. My BCM order was placed today so hopefully by next weekend I'll be ready to roll.

After having several rifles that slowly grew into metric ton bitches, I plan on keeping this one light and simple!

Can't go wrong with it. When I first picked it up after I slapped it on a lower I was like "whoa". Its perfectly balanced. If I play around with the other heavier carbines or the M16 and come back to this, it almost feels weightless. Did you get BFH or standard?

Welcome to the lightweight homo crowd! :D

Just weighed it: 6 pounds, 12 ounces unloaded

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7059/6787334520_3edd101df3_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/73307770@N04/6787334520/)

[Kfgk14]

7.25 pounds unloaded, somewhat more with a sling.

[MidwestRookie]

My BCM SS410 w/ MI SS-15 guard is pushing every bit of 9.5-10 lbs with the Eotech 555 and unloaded mag.

http://i855.photobucket.com/albums/ab114/futuristichandgun/1a.png

The weight isn't a problem at all to me personally, but if I get another upper it'll be a BFH LW 16" upper w/ MOE just for diversity's sake (from BCM of course). A couple pounds means nothing to me, I'm just a range shooter..but it's not like 10 pounds is heavy anyway. (hit the gym folks!)

[Mauser KAR98K]

Mine is a hefty 10.5 lbs. with loaded magazine.

LMT MRP upper with 14.5" barrel.
BCM full-auto BCG
Mod 3 gunfighter charging handle.
Off set light with Surefire G series light (the one that drains the battery faster than you can fart).
Noveske Flared lower
Magul UBR stock
Aimpoint M2 on a military mount
Magul AFG

One beefy weapon.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7206/6788286926_ca256877d3_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/29467239@N04/6788286926/)
2012-02-09_16-51-26_647 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/29467239@N04/6788286926/)

[rob_s]

http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q111/rob_s/gun%20stuff/LWSBRScale.jpg

[Canonshooter]

Did you get BFH or standard?

Welcome to the lightweight homo crowd! :D



GB, the standard barrel. For it's intended/anticipated use, I did not feel compelled to spend the extra $90.

Thanks for the welcome into the LWH Club. After 33 years of marriage and putting three kids through college, it may not be such a bad thing.

Nice job by Rob_S getting it down to under 6 pounds! I would have to guess that along with the LW barrel, the lightweight handguard and shaved gas block accounts for a big part of it.

Rob, a question on the sights - do you find having to look over the top of the rear sight to use the Aimpoint better than an absolute co-witness arrangement where you would look through it?

If I do a RDS at all, it will be the same as you did - though I'm inclined to go with the absolute co-witness arrangment for consistency of cheek weld. Your thoughts on this are appreciated!

[glocktogo]

GB, the standard barrel. For it's intended/anticipated use, I did not feel compelled to spend the extra $90.

Thanks for the welcome into the LWH Club. After 33 years of marriage and putting three kids through college, it may not be such a bad thing.

Nice job by Rob_S getting it down to under 6 pounds! I would have to guess that along with the LW barrel, the lightweight handguard and shaved gas block accounts for a big part of it.

Rob, a question on the sights - do you find having to look over the top of the rear sight to use the Aimpoint better than an absolute co-witness arrangement where you would look through it?

If I do a RDS at all, it will be the same as you did - though I'm inclined to go with the absolute co-witness arrangment for consistency of cheek weld. Your thoughts on this are appreciated!

Not Rob, but I prefer a lower 1/3rd co-witness. What you loose in consistent cheek weld is more than made up for with a less cluttered field of view in the tube, which translates to more speed on follow up shots and transitions.

[Canonshooter]

Not Rob, but I prefer a lower 1/3rd co-witness. What you loose in consistent cheek weld is more than made up for with a less cluttered field of view in the tube, which translates to more speed on follow up shots and transitions.

Thanks for your feedback! I only ran fixed sights with a RDS once (absolute), and only for a single sight-in session at the range as the new upper was FUBAR and had to be sent back. The next upper had folding BUIS.

My impression from the extremely limited use was that the "clutter" wasn't an issue for me with both eyes open, but having to acquire the rear iron first was a touch slower than just going straight for the RDS. I did like the consistency of using the same hold/cheek weld though.

[rob_s]

Rob, a question on the sights - do you find having to look over the top of the rear sight to use the Aimpoint better than an absolute co-witness arrangement where you would look through it?

If I do a RDS at all, it will be the same as you did - though I'm inclined to go with the absolute co-witness arrangment for consistency of cheek weld. Your thoughts on this are appreciated!


with a 1/3 mount I use fixed irons front and rear, and with absolute mounts I have at least the rear as a folding sight. If the front is a standard FSB then I deal with it, but if I'm installing clamp-on sights onto a rail anyway I use a folding front as well.

I cannot use a fixed rear sight and an absolute mount. While the fixed front will ghost out a fixed rear is just too close to my eye to ghost and becomes an obstruction.

[Ridge_Runner_5]

9.8lbs with a loaded 30rd Pmag

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b100/89Sunbird/Shooting/IMAG0524.jpg

But I just sold off the bayonet and Surefire, so I'll have to weigh it again.

[rsxr22]

My sr-15 is 7.1 w/ t1 and mini scout

[strojo]

When I first started with AR's, I felt like I had to add every cool gadget and toy on the gun that I could find. I soon discovered that a flashlight, laser, optic, irons, vertical grip and redi-mag added a LOT of weight to the gun. I think I'm a bit wiser now in that I really work hard to only add the items that I really need on the gun for its intended purpose. Wasted a lot of money in that process...

[Canonshooter]

When I first started with AR's, I felt like I had to add every cool gadget and toy on the gun that I could find. I soon discovered that a flashlight, laser, optic, irons, vertical grip and redi-mag added a LOT of weight to the gun. I think I'm a bit wiser now in that I really work hard to only add the items that I really need on the gun for its intended purpose. Wasted a lot of money in that process...

^^^The Truth^^^

We've all fallen victim to the "what should I add to my AR next?" trap without giving due consideration to the intended use of the rifle - or how those additions change the handling properties of the rifle. Once you place one of those railed handguards on the rifle, they become a magnet for every device immaginable.

A basic, lightweight carbine with good iron sights - and perhaps a micro RDS - is where I'm at now.

For long-range precision shooting, I'll use a bolt gun.

For investigating in-home "bump in the night" events, a 9mm pistol with an attached weapon light (or a good hand-held light) are my preferred tools.

For flushing out the Taliban or kicking down the doors of drug dealers, I'll leave that up to those who serve in uniform.

All of that said, being able to become knowledgeable on what constitutues a quality build is priceless and in itself saves a ton of money and aggrevation. Read, learn and decide what pertains to your situation!

[Wake27]

When I first started with AR's, I felt like I had to add every cool gadget and toy on the gun that I could find. I soon discovered that a flashlight, laser, optic, irons, vertical grip and redi-mag added a LOT of weight to the gun. I think I'm a bit wiser now in that I really work hard to only add the items that I really need on the gun for its intended purpose. Wasted a lot of money in that process...

I know what that's like and its hard to say I'm not like that now, but I try.


^^^The Truth^^^

We've all fallen victim to the "what should I add to my AR next?" trap without giving due consideration to the intended use of the rifle - or how those additions change the handling properties of the rifle. Once you place one of those railed handguards on the rifle, they become a magnet for every device immaginable.

A basic, lightweight carbine with good iron sights - and perhaps a micro RDS - is where I'm at now.

For long-range precision shooting, I'll use a bolt gun.

For investigating in-home "bump in the night" events, a 9mm pistol with an attached weapon light (or a good hand-held light) are my preferred tools.

For flushing out the Taliban or kicking down the doors of drug dealers, I'll leave that up to those who serve in uniform.

All of that said, being able to become knowledgeable on what constitutues a quality build is priceless and in itself saves a ton of money and aggrevation. Read, learn and decide what pertains to your situation!

I'm adapting to that now, since my Noveske is so heavy. Its not completely tricked out, but I want to get a 1911 that will serve as my primary HD and I'll put the TLR on that. The AR is kinda overkill for the apartment I'm in now.

[Kokopelli]

There-ya go... My one is now three... Cheers.. Ron

[trucksndogs]

I'm new here, and just trying to find my way around. I just finished building a lightweight AR. Mine weighs in at 3Lb. 15 and 2/3 oz. I had a target weight of 4 lbs, and I just made it. I have a pic on the scale, but I don't have a clue how to post one here.

[eternal24k]

I'm afraid to weigh my go-to AR, the 10.5" SS Noveske CQB and Elcan really add up..

[dustburn]

7 pounds on the dot for my Block 1 with an unloaded mag.

My previous rifle was 9 pounds unloaded and yeah, 2 pounds doesn't sound like much but 7 pounds is a dream compared lol

[m4gery]

I'm new here, and just trying to find my way around. I just finished building a lightweight AR. Mine weighs in at 3Lb. 15 and 2/3 oz. I had a target weight of 4 lbs, and I just made it. I have a pic on the scale, but I don't have a clue how to post one here.

I think I'm going to have to see that to believe it.

[MidwestRookie]

I'm new here, and just trying to find my way around. I just finished building a lightweight AR. Mine weighs in at 3Lb. 15 and 2/3 oz. I had a target weight of 4 lbs, and I just made it. I have a pic on the scale, but I don't have a clue how to post one here.

Doesn't even sound possible..

[eternal24k]

Doesn't even sound possible..

+1,

Post pics and specs and I might eat crow

[J_Dub_503]

I just finished building a lightweight AR. Mine weighs in at 3Lb. 15 and 2/3 oz

This isn't air soft is it? You couldn't build an AR that lightweight even with a polymer lower. Pics or it didn't happen.

[dustburn]

This isn't air soft is it? You couldn't build an AR that lightweight even with a polymer lower. Pics or it didn't happen.

hahaha this may be true :P or he has an awesome scale.

[Wake27]

Maybe one of you guys should tell him how to upload the pics since he said he doesn't know how... just saying.

[J_Dub_503]

Maybe one of you guys should tell him how to upload the pics since he said he doesn't know how... just saying.

1. Click the "Post Reply"
2. On the tool bar (In the Message box), next to the smiley face, click on the paper clip.
3. Choose your picture and click upload.
4. Hit submit reply.

[ssracer]

Only scale I have in the house is my digital bathroom scale that only reads to 1/2lb increments. So not perfect, but it's close.

Weighing myself with and without the rifle shows mine at 10.5lbs with a full 30rd PMAG.

My old "heavy" all wood and steel M1 Garand weighs in at 10lbs using the same method....

Makes me want a 6lb LW Middy....

[wingspar]

I don’t have a scale accurate enough, but the Colt literature lists my stock 6920 at 6.9 pounds. I hope to keep it as close to that as possible. Only thing I plan on doing to it is a 1-4 scope and maybe a rear BUIS.

Actually, this would have made a good poll. Lists the weights and let people choose their weights, and of course leave the thread open for discussion.

[trucksndogs]

I think I'm going to have to see that to believe it.

I have a pic of it on a scale, but I have no idea how to post them here. I will tell how I built it though. I started with a Plum Crazy lower, mated a Blackthorn composite upper, a 16" pencil barrel, I remover 2 oz. from the bolt carrier, and 1.5 oz. from the buffer. The secret is in the buttstock. It only weighs 5.5 oz. I made it from a rifle buffer tube that I cut the threads off of. I tig welded it to the front two inches of a 6-position tube. I then put it in an index head on a Bridgeport, and drilled 124 .250 holes in it. I then tig welded a .090 aluminum diamond plate heel to it, with a gusset, and then drilled them out with .375 holes. I used a reduced pressure buffer spring[carbine length], and used a piece of 3/4 sch.80 pvc as a spacer to maintain the original spring length. I drilled this out with a .250 drill to match the tube, then I removed it and drilled them out to .312, so it wouldn't be seen. After all this, I was 2.3 oz. over 4lbs. I had to remove the forward assist, and cut off half of the DPMS carbon fiber handgard, to reach the final weight. I have yet to tig weld up the gas tube, and drill smaller, as the extractor tears the rim off the casing when trying to extract it from the chamber. There are pics on my facebook, under the name Jim Paternoster, frankfort ny.

[trucksndogs]

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b289/trucksndogs/0316122032.jpg

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b289/trucksndogs/0316120642b.jpg

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b289/trucksndogs/0316122030.jpg



I think I figured it out. Lets see if it works.

[rero360]

Going by the chart on here of weight of components, I'm guessing mine is roughly 7.5 pounds, unloaded. I don't have a scale as its depressing to see how unable I am to gain weight (yes, I'm one of those guys)

[trucksndogs]

There. I'm waiting to find out how much a low mass bolt carrier weighs, to see if I can shave off any more weight. I don't believe that a carbon fiber reinforced barrel, weighs any less, and I don't know of any other weight reducing components. This being said, I don't think that anybody with an AR that has anymore than this; does not have a 4lb. gun.

[trucksndogs]

Another thing, when I first assembled the gun, with a 6-position stock, the forward assist, and carbon fiber handgard intact, it weighed 5lbs and 2 oz.

[trucksndogs]

This isn't air soft is it? You couldn't build an AR that lightweight even with a polymer lower. Pics or it didn't happen.

Well, the pics are up now, and the pic is on a state certified retail scale. There is no BS here. The scale surely reads 3.980 lbs., which converts to 3 lb. 15.66 oz., and no, it's not an airsoft, it's a .223!

[yellow50]

Sweet Jesus

[SicTransit]

That's ****ing impressive.

[J_Dub_503]

Well, the pics are up now, and the pic is on a state certified retail scale. There is no BS here. The scale surely reads 3.980 lbs., which converts to 3 lb. 15.66 oz., and no, it's not an airsoft, it's a .223!

:lol: Well, I'll give you that...

[m4gery]

Well, I saw it and I believe it. I do stand corrected.

How does it shoot?


I have a pic of it on a scale, but I have no idea how to post them here. I will tell how I built it though. I started with a Plum Crazy lower, mated a Blackthorn composite upper, a 16" pencil barrel, I remover 2 oz. from the bolt carrier, and 1.5 oz. from the buffer. The secret is in the buttstock. It only weighs 5.5 oz. I made it from a rifle buffer tube that I cut the threads off of. I tig welded it to the front two inches of a 6-position tube. I then put it in an index head on a Bridgeport, and drilled 124 .250 holes in it. I then tig welded a .090 aluminum diamond plate heel to it, with a gusset, and then drilled them out with .375 holes. I used a reduced pressure buffer spring[carbine length], and used a piece of 3/4 sch.80 pvc as a spacer to maintain the original spring length. I drilled this out with a .250 drill to match the tube, then I removed it and drilled them out to .312, so it wouldn't be seen. After all this, I was 2.3 oz. over 4lbs. I had to remove the forward assist, and cut off half of the DPMS carbon fiber handgard, to reach the final weight. I have yet to tig weld up the gas tube, and drill smaller, as the extractor tears the rim off the casing when trying to extract it from the chamber. There are pics on my facebook, under the name Jim Paternoster, frankfort ny.

[Failure2Stop]

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b289/trucksndogs/0316122030.jpg


http://g-cdn.apartmenttherapy.com/1831992/Slide19_rect540.jpg

[SteadyUp]

Mine weighs in at 8 lbs. on a bathroom scale, which really isn't accurate enough for my liking, but I don't have an alternative scale at this point:

http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l564/BME5101982/AR-15/Current%20Configuration%20of%20ARs/IMG_1679.jpg


because this one was too mean:

But the truth sometimes hurts.

[trucksndogs]

Well, I saw it and I believe it. I do stand corrected.

How does it shoot?

It needs to be slowed down. The bolt unlocks before the pressure is out of the chamber, and the extractor tears off the rim of the case. I pulled it down today and the gas tube will be tig welded closed, and drilled out smaller. Hopefully this will solve the problem. The barrel will be going into a lathe, to remove the excess material where the A-frame front sight originally was. It looks like crap with the micro gas block installed. By the way, changing to the micro gas block saved me 3.25 oz.

[MrSmitty]

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b289/trucksndogs/0316122030.jpg

I don't even know what to think about that thing, my brain stopped working when I laid eyes on it :blink:

Was this created just to see how light you could make it and still have it function (term used very loosely)?


ETA: Reminds me of that backwoods Bushmaster that popped up on the custom builds forum not too long ago...

[yellow50]

[QUOTE=
ETA: Reminds me of that backwoods Bushmaster that popped up on the custom builds forum not too long ago...[/QUOTE]

Funny, I thought the same exact thing.

[3 AE]

Dude, I admire your sense of just doing it! I won't be the first one to think you're a bit off your game of doing this project, but WTF, it damn well impresses me that you're giving it a go. It kind of reminds me of those WWII paratroopers that jumped out of perfectly good airplanes to wreak havoc among their enemies with M-1 Garands, M-1 Carbines, Thompson SMG's, and that plain jane M-3 "Grease Gun". Your project reminds me of the latter. If you can somehow incorporate a collapsible stock with basic sights and maintain a minute of "paper plate" at 50-100 yards and can go thru a couple of thousand rounds without self destructing in your face and still keep it under 4 pounds. Well then you just might make a name for yourself. I definitely won't rain on your parade. You might as well give Kel-Tec a run for its money.

[trucksndogs]

I don't even know what to think about that thing, my brain stopped working when I laid eyes on it :blink:

Was this created just to see how light you could make it and still have it function (term used very loosely)?


ETA: Reminds me of that backwoods Bushmaster that popped up on the custom builds forum not too long ago...

Well, I wanted to build a lightweight, and picked a target weight of 4 lbs. I pulled that weight out of my backside, or a brain fart. Don't really know. Like I said, my first assembly was 5 lb. 2 oz. with a 6-position stock, then the second assembly was 4 lb. 2 oz., so I cut up the handgard to make it. I just wanted to see if it could be done. The buttstock was the key. The whole thing, weighs less than the scrap from the m-4 tube. I have a friend who made a similiar gun, with the composite upper and lower, lightweight barrel, a skeleton stock and a titanium bolt carrier. He put it through about 2 hours of drills along with a standard m-4, and they performed about the same. I will test it for proper operation with standard rounds, and subsonic, with a 100 yd. accuracy test as well, and see what happens. The manufacturers of the composite pieces, state that they are stronger than their aluminum counterparts. I am skeptical, but time will tell.

[Serpico1985]

First set up = 9.2 lbs

http://i40.tinypic.com/dgt4i1.jpg



Refined set up = 7.9lbs

http://i42.tinypic.com/4tkisx.jpg


Vast improvement.

[trucksndogs]

Well, I have reassembled this gun, after removing extra material for the A-frame sight, and I tig welded the gastube shut, then drilled it out at .0625 or 1/16 inch. I ran a mag through it of higher power loads, with no issues, and a low power mag, as well, with no issues. I have yet to run some sub sonics, but everything seems to be running as it should. Once I affix a scope, I will do some accuracy testing, and let you know from there. I do want to say, however, that there are some impressive rifles in the pics here.

[txf15crewchief]

Colt 6920 with Omega X 12.0 FSB, T-1 Micro and Surefire X300 is 8.1 lbs unloaded.
http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w67/icyaquarius86/IMAG1158.jpg

PSA LW Middy 6.8 lbs unloaded.
http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w67/icyaquarius86/IMAG1174.jpg

I wouldn't be surprised if I exchanged the carry handle rear sight for a DD A1.5 and T-1 on a DD mount that I actually lose a slight amount of weight.

[GunTotinRedneck]

8.75lbs fully loaded with the Aimpoint Micro-T1! :D

[BrigandTwoFour]

Colt 6920 with Omega X 12.0
PSA LW Middy 6.8 lbs unloaded.
http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w67/icyaquarius86/IMAG1174.jpg

I wouldn't be surprised if I exchanged the carry handle rear sight for a DD A1.5 and T-1 on a DD mount that I actually lose a slight amount of weight.

I have an almost exact copy of that using a BCM LW Middy, and it comes in at about the same weight with a Troy flip up rear. Weight with an EOTech XPS 2-0 is 7.2.

My other carbine:

Centurion CHF 16" LW Middy
Spikes 10" BAR (may become Troy Alpha in the near future)
Spikes ST-T2 (will become VLTOR A5)
Magpul ACS
Trijicon TR-24G
Elzetta ZFL-M60 in Gear Sector Mount
Troy QD Stubby

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-HWFeoP5s754/TpYOZo2AUZI/AAAAAAAAATg/i1uACq12XvI/s958/DSC_0004.JPG

[MidwestRookie]

According to the bathroom scale, 9.0 as it sits in this picture (unloaded)..

BCM 18" SS410, MI SS-15, Eotech 555, Emod
http://i855.photobucket.com/albums/ab114/futuristichandgun/bcm4c.jpg

[tx1021]

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c249/Tx1021/P1010250-1.jpg

6.64lbs

Unloaded and without a light

[Glock30]

http://i773.photobucket.com/albums/yy16/Upstar2009/11.jpg
http://i773.photobucket.com/albums/yy16/Upstar2009/12.jpg

[SW-Shooter]

I don't know if it's been discussed yet but I don't understand why people weigh their rifles without a fully loaded magazine. It's pointless to say "my M4 clone weighs 8 lbs", when it really doesn't. For me, I'd rather see total weight instead of the neutered version that is nothing but a decoration piece.

[BrigandTwoFour]

I don't know if it's been discussed yet but I don't understand why people weigh their rifles without a fully loaded magazine. It's pointless to say "my M4 clone weighs 8 lbs", when it really doesn't. For me, I'd rather see total weight instead of the neutered version that is nothing but a decoration piece.

Not everyone uses the same magazine size. Someone who loads up 30's won't show the same as someone who is forced to use 10s or 15s. Showing it without the magazine provides a standard baseline weight as configured, in the event someone else is interested in a similar configuration.

Is it that hard to add an extra pound to account for a magazine of your choosing?

[a0cake]

I don't know if it's been discussed yet but I don't understand why people weigh their rifles without a fully loaded magazine. It's pointless to say "my M4 clone weighs 8 lbs", when it really doesn't. For me, I'd rather see total weight instead of the neutered version that is nothing but a decoration piece.


If you're trying to precisely calculate the exact weight of your gear, obviously ammunition needs to be counted.

But for comparative analysis, no magazine or ammunition is a more useful metric, as the varying weight of different ammunition plays no part. Everyone carries different round counts in different ways (SF 60's, PMAG's, USGI 20 rounders etc.), so stripping away these variables and just weighing the rifle is probably the best way to standardize things. I would prefer manufacturers to list "non-loaded" weights as opposed to loaded. I know how much ammunition weighs. The only reason I want weight listed is for comparative purposes.

That's my take at least.

ETA: Didn't see the above post before writing this, which basically runs along these same lines.

[Guns-up.50]

I'm not saying you're wrong...IF there's a reason for the weight. It's patently silly to imply that there is anything wrong with getting lighter if whatever was making it heavy didn't do anything worth missing.

Your argument can be taken to the extreme(just like the lightweight argument can be.) The X300 is for pussies, mount a spotlight. The M4 profile gives up too much when it's hot, mount a bull barrel and man up. Plastic stocks break too easily, mount a ****ing metal one and grow balls.

If you're strong enough to shoot a ten pound rifle all day, and nobody is doubting that you are, imagine how much more energy and strength you'll be able to bring to the fight when you haven't carried extra weight all day.

Let's say you've shaved three pounds off of your rifle. If you've walked a mile your legs have more than three thousand pounds more gas in them now for when you need it.

There's a balance. Do capabilities lost equal or outweigh the benefits of losing weight? Not worth it. Have you lost a little capability but gained more in mobility and ability to deploy the rifle? Worth it.

I dont disagree with you at all, I hope I didnt come off cocky just because we can carry a heavy weapon doesent mean we should, bet your ass I wish they had made .50cal BMG recievers much lighter than 60lbs. I fully grasp the concept of onces = pounds, and pounds =pain..... Me PERSONALLY I dont really bother with weight to me a good heavy rifle helps me control them and feels better in my hands if I was climbing to the top of a mountain yes lighter is better.

[st33ve0]

My SBR comes in at about 8.5 lbs [I need a better scale]. I still plan on adding a scout light to this one, but a 9 lb rifle isn't a big deal to me.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7063/7078665157_d7b5ec9b23_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/st33ve0/7078665157/)
11.5" SBR with 416SD (http://www.flickr.com/photos/st33ve0/7078665157/) by st33ve0 (http://www.flickr.com/people/st33ve0/), on Flickr

[rob_s]

If you're trying to precisely calculate the exact weight of your gear, obviously ammunition needs to be counted.

But for comparative analysis, no magazine or ammunition is a more useful metric, as the varying weight of different ammunition plays no part. Everyone carries different round counts in different ways (SF 60's, PMAG's, USGI 20 rounders etc.), so stripping away these variables and just weighing the rifle is probably the best way to standardize things. I would prefer manufacturers to list "non-loaded" weights as opposed to loaded. I know how much ammunition weighs. The only reason I want weight listed is for comparative purposes.

That's my take at least.

ETA: Didn't see the above post before writing this, which basically runs along these same lines.

Agreed.

also, there's little to be done about magazine and ammo weight. Some, yes, but not much. So in terms of simly trying to get weight down on a personal gun mucking around with mag and ammo weight is pretty pointless outside of going from 30-round mags to 20-round.

http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q111/rob_s/weights/e8cbd4c8.jpg

http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q111/rob_s/weights/0a1e1e31.jpg



http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q111/rob_s/weights/1d1a9c2d.jpg

http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q111/rob_s/weights/6e933256.jpg



http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q111/rob_s/weights/f51261ce.jpg

http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q111/rob_s/weights/b0d9fa31.jpg



http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q111/rob_s/weights/d7539599.jpg

http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q111/rob_s/weights/b3489034.jpg



and just to show how little difference there is in steel-cased and brass-cased with same projectile weight

http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q111/rob_s/weights/b5d87cc6.jpg

http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q111/rob_s/weights/0fcb37a8.jpg

[hydro556]

The HCS RECCE on KAC SR15 lower, with NF glass is ~10.1 lbs.

The Spikes M4 with T1 and X300 light is ~8.2 lbs.

I use a bathroom scale, so it may be off a bit.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v229/jmt1271/weapons%20etc/2012-03-3106-11-11.jpg