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Thread: Lightest Quality AR Configuration

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    Question Lightest Quality AR Configuration

    What is the lightest way to go?

    I presume it's either a Colt 6920 or Noveske N4 Light to start.

    Rail/VIS would add significant weight I imagine.

    No need for anything other than a micro optic and a light.
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    Quote Originally Posted by Gutshot John View Post
    I presume it's either a Colt 6920 or Noveske N4 Light to start.

    Rail/VIS would add significant weight I imagine.
    Factory built or custom built?

    With a semi custom/factory build I'd say start with a Colt 6520, replace the upper receiver with a flat top, and install a Daniel Defense Lite Rail or a VLTOR VIS carbine length rail. If you wanted it even lighter get the midlength VIS and 'shave' gas FSB into a low-pro gas block or install LaRue .625" low-pro gas block on it and pin it. Use a Magpul CTR stock. Use a LaRue BUIS. Use a Colt non-shrouded 1/2 circle carrier and instead of using a heavier buffer use a Wolff +10% buffer spring or a Tubb/ISMI extra power buffer spring. If you're making a SBR start with a Colt 6933 (thin 11.5" barrel).
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    Quote Originally Posted by gotm4 View Post
    Factory built or custom built?

    With a semi custom/factory build I'd say start with a Colt 6520, replace the upper receiver with a flat top, and install a Daniel Defense Lite Rail or a VLTOR VIS carbine length rail. If you wanted it even lighter get the midlength VIS and 'shave' gas FSB into a low-pro gas block or install LaRue .625" low-pro gas block on it and pin it. Use a Magpul CTR stock. Use a LaRue BUIS. Use a Colt non-shrouded 1/2 circle carrier and instead of using a heavier buffer use a Wolff +10% buffer spring or a Tubb/ISMI extra power buffer spring. If you're making a SBR start with a Colt 6933 (thin 11.5" barrel).
    I was primarily thinking factory built with minor mods (i.e. adding rail or BUIS, CTR, changing BCG/Buffer etc.). I would not feel very confident in shaving metal. Initial quality would be my primary interest over any modifications.

    The only thing I'd want to mount is a micro optic and MAYBE a light.
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    Like I said if you don't want to 'shave' the FSB, just buy a .625" LaRue gas block and pin it. It's more expensive in the long run.

    FWIW the Lite Rail is lighter than a set of hanguards, bbl nut, delta ring, weld spring and handguard cap.........
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    Quote Originally Posted by gotm4 View Post
    Like I said if you don't want to 'shave' the FSB, just buy a .625" LaRue gas block and pin it. It's more expensive in the long run.

    FWIW the Lite Rail is lighter than a set of hanguards, bbl nut, delta ring, weld spring and handguard cap.........
    Thanks for the input.

    Light rails in general are less weight? or specifically the VIS Receiver/Rail Combination is?

    Currently I have a MI mid-length FF rail on my Stag and though I've not weighed it, it just seemed a lot heavier than the handguards.

    Given the setup you mentioned above (with LaRue block), what is the ballpark price I'm looking at? Would I buy the 6520 as a lower? or would I have to buy the whole rifle to replace the upper?
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    Quote Originally Posted by Gutshot John View Post
    Thanks for the input.

    Light rails in general are less weight? YES, they truly live up to their name or specifically the VIS Receiver/Rail Combination is? I find the VIS a few ounces heavier than a forged receiver w/Lite Rail.

    Currently I have a MI mid-length FF rail on my Stag and though I've not weighed it, it just seemed a lot heavier than the handguards. MI rails are heavier and bigger. One of the things you get with higher end rails is much lighter, more compact, more rigid and held to much better dimensions/tolerances.

    Given the setup you mentioned above (with LaRue block), what is the ballpark price I'm looking at? Would I buy the 6520 as a lower? or would I have to buy the whole rifle to replace the upper?
    The LT202-2: LaRue Low Profile Gas Block - 0.625" is $69.00 on their website, I don't know what pinning costs probably another $25-40 which is why I would 'shave' it and refinish it myself if it were me.

    Lower receiver doesn't matter unless you want a much lighter Cav Arms lower, the only downfall it is that it has a rifle length stock (read: too big for me and many). I mentioned 6520 because of the .625" lightweight barrel 16" barrel. Any 16" .625" barrel will be approximately the same weight, Bushmaster and CMMG make one too. Places like www.AR15barrels.com, www.ADCOfirearms.com and www.kurtskustomfirearms.citymax.com could reprofile a .750" standard barrel to .625" as well.

    Cost? Basically it's like the old racing saying I heard growing up with my mechanic uncles who raced cars as a hobby "Speed costs money, how fast do you want to go?"
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    Quote Originally Posted by gotm4 View Post
    Cost? Basically it's like the old racing saying I heard growing up with my mechanic uncles who raced cars as a hobby "Speed costs money, how fast do you want to go?"
    Sorry I should have been clear.

    I was asking how much I should be prepared to spend for the configuration you laid out:

    start with a Colt 6520, replace the upper receiver with a VLTOR VIS carbine length rail. LaRue .625" low-pro gas block on it and pin it.
    I'm guessing about $2k not including optic.

    The 6520 light barrel is chrome-lined correct?
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    Quote Originally Posted by Gutshot John View Post

    The 6520 light barrel is chrome-lined correct?

    yes it is: chrome lined 1/7
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    Quote Originally Posted by Gutshot John View Post
    What is the lightest way to go? I presume it's either a Colt 6920 or Noveske N4 Light to start. Rail/VIS would add significant weight I imagine. No need for anything other than a micro optic and a light.
    Convert a 6520 to a railed upper receiver, installing Aimpoint T1, and Surefire G2 in scout mount. Very light and handy.

    A reprofiled 6721 upper would work as well, at negligibly less cost.

    The 6920 or N4 upper isn't that heavy, but could also be reprofiled to shave ounces.
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    Can I assume that the 6520 is the most efficient way to procure lightweight Colt parts?

    Does the 6520 lower give particular weight savings over other Colt lowers? or any other advantages?

    Why change the upper receiver? Weight savings with the VIS? or is there another issue?
    It is bad policy to fear the resentment of an enemy. -Ethan Allen

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