Ultralight builds

[MIKE G]

......

[BAC]

My list would include:

Have ADCO turn down any good 16" barrel to a 'pencil' profile. Flat-top receiver. Carbon fiber free float tube (Clark Custom, Hiperform, etc.). Midwest Industries MCTAR-01 FSB rail mount. Surefire X300 to attach to said mount (Mini Scout is a hair heavier). Aimpoint H1 or T1 in a LaRue mount. Magpul CTR.

You already covered MBUIS for irons. Everything else is ancillary, I guess, and I don't think can be made lighter without adversely effecting the rifle's function. I don't know anything about the Bushmaster "Carbon" uppers or Cav Arms polymer lowers, though they would be options to save weight.

Have you thought about an SBR?


-B

[Amicus]

You might want to take a look at:

https://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?p=470484

Also, if you want to go light, you should probably dump the free float rail and go for the plastic handguards by CavArms or Magpul.

Single point attachments for collapsible stocks are all over the place, including: GG&G, MI, YHM (but not if you're a snob), depending on whether you want a threaded sling attachment or for some type of hook (HK or Mash).

For a lightweight light, look at the Streamlight TLR-1 or -3 (2.32 oz. w/batt), or, Surefire X300 (3.7 oz w/batts.). They will attach securely to a short rail and will detach easily to become a handheld. If you go with plastic handguards, use the GG&G 2" rail for the CavArms, or, for the flat Magpul guards, the MI 1.5" rail with mounting screws and nuts from your hardware store or from here:

http://www.ergogrips.net/item-detail.cfm?ID=01-HP-4752&storeid=1&image=hwp_alumump.gif&CFID=38560557&CFTOKEN=29716441

Collapsible stocks are everywhere, with complete kits ranging from $85+ to $300. You might start here:

http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/AR15-Stocks-s/49.htm

[MIKE G]

.......

[lindertw]

DOC,

I don't think DD (or anyone else for that matter), makes a 12" FSP cutout rail for mid-length gas system.

[MIKE G]

......

[lindertw]

Actually they make two...

doh! that's what I get for only scrolling down enough to see the carbine FSP rail.

[Armati]

I am doing a lightweight build right now too.

Who has pencil bbls right now? The only place I can find is Bushmaster and they don't give any specs on their bbls. Are they any good?

[Amicus]

I am doing a lightweight build right now too.

Who has pencil bbls right now? The only place I can find is Bushmaster and they don't give any specs on their bbls. Are they any good?

You might want to look at:

RRA midlength lightweight bbls (blanks made by Wilson Arms?, looks like a pencil profile)
http://ar15barrels.com/profiles.shtml (see featherweight profile)

[rob_s]

Depending on how fast you need this, BCM is going to have lighweight 14.5" and 16" midlength barrels early next year. If that's not quick enough, ADCO can always turn down/cut down the current BCM midlength barrel but it's going to cost you $130 or so to do both.

The new Troy Extreme rails are very light, but they offer a rail on only the top (you can attach rails in other locations) and can obviously get hot. They also don't have an FSB model but it strikes me that it shouldn't be too hard to have a shop machine out a slot.

A new BCM lightweight midlength 14.5" upper with a 9" Extreme might serve your needs. IMHO though using standard handguards will get you a much lighter overall gun.