New Ultra Lite AR308 build

[brasse]

The goal is under 4.8 pounds using DPMS AR 308 pattern parts.

Just got my 2A Xanthos AR308 receiver set. I have a very low serial number!

The Xanthos receiver set weighs 16.25 ounces for both upper and lower. Consider the DPMS upper weighs 16 ounces! The Mega set weighs 29.6 ounces.

So far I have the lower done, complete @ 18.60 ounces. Waiting for the barrel.

Upper Parts:
2A Armament Xanthos Upper receiver 7075 T6 @ 9.00 ounces
X-Caliber 416R 16 inch fluted barrel @ 31.3 ounces
2A titanium gas block @ 0.60 ounces
Gas tube mid length @ 0.80 ounces
titanium muzzle brake @ 0.65 ounces
Clark Custom Aluminum barrel nut @ 1.18 ounces
AR 308 carbon fiber hand guard 1.60 ounces in mid length 10.5 inches
Toolcraft Titanium 308 BCG @ 11.80 ounces with ti firing pin
Vltor charging handle @ 1.25 ounces



Lower Parts: Total weight 18.60 ounces with SSA-E trigger

2A Armament Xanthos lower @ 7.30 ounces
Mag Pul K grip @ 1.7 ounces
V7 titanium grip screw 0.113 ounces
V7 Mag catch aluminum 0.173 ounces
V7 Aluminum/titanium selector 90 degree 0.293 ounces
V7 aluminum AR 308 takedown pins 0.26 ounces
V7 tool steel bolt catch 0.31 ounces
Smoke Composite stock 3.3 oz.
AR308 carbine buffer (no weights) 0.85 oz.
NF polymer trigger group 0.65 oz with titanium trigger pins
SSA-E trigger group 2.6 ounces with titanium trigger pins
DPMS carbine buffer spring @ 1.5 ounces
Titanium buffer retainer, mag catch plunger

[Potss]

Wow, that receiver looks great. Let us know how it shoots once it's all together, a video would be amazing!

[Benito]

That sounds cool.
I am looking at the receiver, and wondering if the shaved weight from the walls and rail compromise any significant structural strength.
A lightweight .308 AR must be a dream to shoot (with proper recoil/muzzle rise mitigation).

[Benito]

I've never heard of that barrel maker.
Since the barrel is the heart of the rifle, I would have opted for something else. Lots of good options out there. If cost isn't a limiting factor, Proof Research makes some very light and stiff carbon wrapped barrels.

[brasse]

My current AR308 weighs 5 pounds with a Juggernaut Tactical 33.8 ounce 18 inch 416R 5R 1:10 barrel. It is lighter than the Proof Research and more accurate too.
Juggernaut Tactical 36 ounce 20 inch 416R 5R 1:10 barrel out now, got to drool over it at Shot Show. All of my AR 308s shoot better than half inch groups at 100 yards.

Google X-Caliber, they make top tier barrels at very reasonable prices. It is a true match grade barrel.

[brasse]

We took the 36 ounce X-Caliber barrel and re-profiled down to 31.3 ounces

[brasse]

Semi final weight 4.8 pounds.

Just finished the upper, came in at 58.4 ounces. With the lower at 18.6 ounces total weight is 77 ounces or 4.8 pounds.

I have to shoot it ASSAP, just so many projects at home.

In order to get down to 4.5 pounds I would have to have a 16 inch barrel weighing 29 ounces. Also I can cut a tenth of a pound by using the polymer trigger group.

I know Salt Works has done a demonstration barrel at that weight. Maybe Faxon will produce a true pencil weight 308 barrel.

Also really want a lighter CF pistol grip. At 1.1 to 1.3 ounces it would cut 0.5 to 1.0 ounces over must grips.

They are now making titanium carrier pins for the AR15, logical to also make them for the 308.

[Flash68]

Incredible build.

Love my 2A Balios Lite AR15.

[jasonprox700]

How much would you say you have invested in this project?

[VooDoo6Actual]

Would like to see some targets w/ video of the actual accuracy. Steel hits in real time @ known ranged distances or paper punching @ known distances showing hits w/ accuracy verified would be great.

Receiver set looks great.

[mark5pt56]

Indeed, would like to see some info as well.

[Potss]

As would I! I'd love to see some groups/footage of the rifles mentioned ITT.

[jerrysimons]

Interesting. Do you have any specific use in mind for the build?
Anticipate experimental issues running that light of an action assembly with .308 no less

It does seem no one has done a truly pencil profile of .308 barrels.

If you like to have flesh on your middle finger I recommend replacing that grip or wearing a thick glove when shooting.Did you hone out the grip. Seems lighter than those usually run?

What muzzle brake?

The hand guard weighs 1.6oz?

[maximus83]

My current AR308 weighs 5 pounds with a Juggernaut Tactical 33.8 ounce 18 inch 416R 5R 1:10 barrel. It is lighter than the Proof Research and more accurate too.
Juggernaut Tactical 36 ounce 20 inch 416R 5R 1:10 barrel out now, got to drool over it at Shot Show. All of my AR 308s shoot better than half inch groups at 100 yards.


Sounds amazing. Do you any targets showing this level of accuracy with the ultralight build?

[M_Rapp]

Any update on this build? Thanks!