Everything has its place...
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The slim troy rails are sort of like the AR15 equivalent of an ultimak, not a bad way to save weight and reduce bulk.
Lighter barrels with a constant contour are better way to do things also.
Be nice if they started putting .308 AR uppers/lowers/barrels on a severe diet.
I have posted pictures of this rifle before but I am going to again here to point out that we do have outstanding options that allow for all the goodies in the world to be employed without weighing the gun down.
This rifle sports all the goodness in the world yet is very light. I want to change out the stock for a CTR and the light for the new mini-scout. Other than that it is wonderful. With the GG&G QD mount I can throw on a 3X magnifier or the PVS-14 when needed but the bulk stays off the gun until needed.
http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/medium/z2.jpg
http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/medium/z11.jpg
I don't have near the experience of many on this forum and I can't really comment on trends. To me light weight is a goal so long as the weapon's purpose is not compromised. Quite often less is more.
I've had a few different AR's over the years. Their use has always been home defense and having fun at the range. My Colt 6920 is lightweight now primarily because I can't afford some of the options I want. So far I've added a Magpul MOE grip and their enhanced trigger guard, a BFG Vickers padded sling, a BCM Mod 4 charging handle and I removed the carry handle and mounted a Troy folding BUIS.
This rig is nice and simple, I like shooting it and it handles well. I plan to add a RDS and a light. I do like the factory hand guards and don't plan on adding a rail. I'm going to mount a light on the front sight post, probably a Surefire G2 which I have... and that's it. Seems simple to me and I want to keep it as light as possible. :)
The AR15 has always been light, even with a light and optic when compared to other designs.
The problem was HBAR's, early bulky rail designs, VFG's and useless lasers that populated the market a few years ago.
It's not a trend, it's the return to sanity.
i dont know what the trends are these days but, my ar's are all light weight in my book....kiss system....all i have extra is a gg&g sling adapter on buffer tube and a mi picatinny rail in front handguard for light or grip.......im done....