As attempted in another thread, I've been on the quest to build a basic, lightweight KISS carbine that emphasizes light weight as long as properly accessorized, and without resorting to an obsessive search for any and every part that might save a few ounces.
Bottom line: I want to take a stock, off-the-rack rifle, and modify or accessorize it to save weight without going nuts over every little ounce.
The actual purpose of this thread is to list my basic setup, then to read about other setups that might suggest a "tweak" or two for my own rifle.
My result:
1. Basic Rifle: Colt 6720 pencil barrel carbine (although in my case I had an HBAR 6721 rebarrelled to the pencil weight barrel).
I personally prefer a barrel with the military FSB, but admittedly a pencil barrel with sight-less gas block would save a few ounces if you
would rather run with no fixed sights.
2. Stock: Standard mil-spec stock or one with similarly light weight (your preference). I also use the Magpul CTR stock because it has the QD sling
swivel socket, and seems to be not too much heavier than the standard stock unit.
3. Handguards: I tried many handguard/rail/flashlight/VFG combos and finally settled on the MagPul MOE handguards with polymer rail sections, QD sling socket, and TangoDown stubby VFG. Yes, there are lighter VFG's that I tried, but I decided I liked the feel and greater perceived durability of the TangoDown grip. I don't necessarily want to go gripless because the MOE handguards in my perception tend to heat up faster than standard ribbed milspec handguards. I'm a little concerned about the durability of the Magpul handguards, but for now they seemed to be the lightest, but most functional alternative.
4. Flashlight: I mounted the flashlight to the MOE handguard slots instead of using the Midwest Industries FSB mount because the FSB mount sort of shifts the rifle's balance a little too far forward for my taste. For the light itself I chose a Surefire G2 in a VLTOR mount (old school I know: that's 2010 calling to say it wants its light back). I started with a Streamlight TLR-3 due to it being almost weightless. While I look for a better solution, I opted the G2 because I think it's more durable than the Streamlight. The TLR-3 seems like it might be more breakable.
5. Optic: YMMV but I chose an Aimpoint T1 and for everyday use a Vortex Crossfire micro RDS. Either uses an American Defense quick detach mount appropriate for the T1. The only way I can see to save weight here is to use a skeletonized mount, like the one that comes with the Vortex, but I don't think you're saving that much weight. At some point I might try a Trijicon RMR in a tall mount, but I like the Aimpoint/Crossfire.
6. BUIS: Magpul folding MBUS. Polymer and adequately durable for a backup since I don't do the cowitness thing.
7. Magazines: The cherry on top is that I use USGI twenty round mags instead of thirty rounders.
8. Muzzle device: Your preference, but the Smith Enterprises Vortex G6A3 seemed to be just as light as the A2 hider but with better performance.
So that's it.
What's your lightweight KISS setup?
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