View Full Version : Lightweight complete uppers
I have in my mind what "my" perfect rifle is and have to test it out. I am going to use one of the KE polymer lowers and am going for a lightweight Recce build. I've been saving for a BCM lightweight upper for a while, but are there others? I really like BCM, but who else makes a factory lightweight upper? And why should I or shouldn't go with the BCM?
On a side note I am looking into triggers too. Single stage and quick reset, I know nothing about the triggers. Recommendations?
Thanks
I have in my mind what "my" perfect rifle is and have to test it out. I am going to use one of the KE polymer lowers and am going for a lightweight Recce build. I've been saving for a BCM lightweight upper for a while, but are there others? I really like BCM, but who else makes a factory lightweight upper? And why should I or shouldn't go with the BCM?
On a side note I am looking into triggers too. Single stage and quick reset, I know nothing about the triggers. Recommendations?
Thanks
I have a KE 300BO build I just completed. I also have a BCM 16" ELW upper on another rifle. Later today I'll swap uppers and weigh the BCM/K&E combo and put up a picture. Triggers... I am a big fan of The Wilson TTU single stage. I ordered the K&E ambi lower that shipped with their SLT-1 single stage trigger. It isn't terrible but it isn't a $200 trigger either.
Look forward to the pic
Weight complete with RDS/mount, light, sling hard ware, and sights on the K&E lower is 6# 1-1/2oz. The lower without upper mounted is 1#-11 1/2oz. The lower the ELW upper came off of weighs 2#-
2 1/3oz (full ambi Mega billet).
https://i.imgur.com/vucP4I7.jpg
For reference.. The K&E lower 300 build.
https://i.imgur.com/vd5mqC8.jpg
titsonritz
10-24-21, 16:12
I would like to pick up on of those KE polymer lowers for a KISS LW build. I'd probably put one of my 14.5" LW uppers on it.
titsonritz
10-24-21, 16:22
As far as alternatives to BCM...
Sionics upper receiver groups (https://sionicsweaponsystems.com/upper-receiver-groups/) currently in stock
Centurion Arms Complete Upper (https://centurionarms.com/cm4-complete-upper/) currently out of stock but worth a call/email
I’ve got a nice BCM ELW in the classifieds
I saw that, was thinking about throwing you an offer but I really wanted a 16”. Let me sleep on it.
That build looks great! I am doing a LPVO with mine. The hole behind the pistol grip on the lower, is that for a QD point?
That build looks great! I am doing a LPVO with mine. The hole behind the pistol grip on the lower, is that for a QD point?
Yea but I will never use it. I wouldn't get my hopes up if trying to build an accurate rifle on the K&E lower. It's pretty flimsy. In my case it doesn't matter much.. With iron sights I don't expect better than 4 MOA and will never shoot it past 100 yards.
That’s a bummer to hear, I didn’t think the lower would effect accuracy that much
That’s a bummer to hear, I didn’t think the lower would effect accuracy that much
Think about it this way.... Why do they bed the action on precision rifles?? To keep the action from moving within the stock. The same reason precision guys bitch about the movement between the upper and lower of an AR and/or glue the barrel extension into the upper. To be honest with you.. If I could get my money back from K&E with no questions ask I would. IMO it's a good idea but not anywhere near a viable replacement for a conventional aluminum lower receiver.
As far as alternatives to BCM...
Sionics upper receiver groups (https://sionicsweaponsystems.com/upper-receiver-groups/) currently in stock
Centurion Arms Complete Upper (https://centurionarms.com/cm4-complete-upper/) currently out of stock but worth a call/email
I would also throw the Midwest in here as well.
https://www.brownells.com/rifle-parts/receiver-parts/receivers/upper-receivers/ar-15-lightweight-upper-receiver-w-slim-line-handguards-prod123845.aspx?cm_sp=Landing%20Links-_-Landing%20Page-_-Great_AR_Upper_Receivers&avs|Manufacturer_1=midwest%20industries,%20inc.&avad=221461_f24871471&aid=173397&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=Avantlink&utm_content=NA&utm_campaign=173397
Honestly, I would buy the BCM and be done with it, mainly because I have one and I love it.
I have a BCM lightweight upper and it has been great. Go for it. For a good trigger, you cant beat Larue BTM. Under $100 and is great.
PB
My second and still favorite AR upper is my BCM 14.5” pinned lightweight mid length.
At the time it was the only pencil profile option that was also chrome lined with a 14.5” pinned FH. Wanted to keep it light & simple, fixed FSB with a KNS crosshairs post, reflex sight and Troy rear DOA flipup. The white marks on the diamond DOA and the crosshairs makes for fast irons.
If on a budget, PSA makes a nice lightweight upper as well. But you’ll probably wait for one to come in stock.
I’ve run two polymer lowers in the past, Plum Crazy and New Frontier. IMHO not worth it, and saving an ounce forward of the barrel nut feels like a pound. If you want internet bragging rights for lightest rifle, that’s fine, but a std. lower is a more versatile option. I ran both a polymer lower and RRA lower on my BCM and felt no difference.
I'll look into that trigger for sure.
BCM ELW-F uppers are stupid light and handy. I have an ELW BFH that's about a 1.5 MOA gun and I need to really test my ELW-F but its been pretty accurate IME.
My BCM LW upper is 1/2 of my favorite/most trusted AR. Mine is "old school" pencil but I would recommend the ELW profile because it just makes sense.
Andy
So if the KE lowers arent going to be that accurate, what other lightweight lowers are there? I wouldnt want cut outs or anything.
So if the KE lowers arent going to be that accurate, what other lightweight lowers are there? I wouldnt want cut outs or anything.
Just get a standard forged quality lower; to me the fit of the grip and stock is far more important than a couple of oz.
BCM ELW-F uppers are stupid light and handy. I have an ELW BFH that's about a 1.5 MOA gun and I need to really test my ELW-F but its been pretty accurate IME.
Is there a noticeable weight difference between the ELW and ELW-Fluted? I have an ELW-BFH that is not fluted (had the gas block pinned by ADCO) and it balances well. Definitely a first choice in LW barrel designs. Yeah, the traditional "pencil" profile is more common, but the ELW and it's taper is IMHO the way to design a LW barrel.
Is there a noticeable weight difference between the ELW and ELW-Fluted? I have an ELW-BFH that is not fluted (had the gas block pinned by ADCO) and it balances well. Definitely a first choice in LW barrel designs. Yeah, the traditional "pencil" profile is more common, but the ELW and it's taper is IMHO the way to design a LW barrel.
I can’t really say, I have one of each but one has an MCMR and the other a MK16 so not apples to apples.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Is there a noticeable weight difference between the ELW and ELW-Fluted? I have an ELW-BFH that is not fluted (had the gas block pinned by ADCO) and it balances well. Definitely a first choice in LW barrel designs. Yeah, the traditional "pencil" profile is more common, but the ELW and it's taper is IMHO the way to design a LW barrel.
BCM says the fluted barrels are 1/2 ounce lighter. When I got mine the fluted barrel only cost 25 bucks more. If you are chasing ounces, 30 bucks for 1/2 oz is cheap compared to Ti bits and pieces. In the real world it means nothing. My watch weighs 6 ounces.
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