JJ109 Posted October 7, 2016 Report Share Posted October 7, 2016 (edited) So guys starting a new AR 15 build. I know this is about 308 here but i value the opinions or abuse here LOL. Im building a 16" carbine with it needing to be very light. Has to be 5lbs something without optics. I want 16" barrel with the flexibility of shooting 0-300 yards being max. Leaning towards another BHW barrel cause they build any profile with fluting done and cerakote finish, but open to any suggestions. It will have a fixed magnification light weight scope or a red dot sight. Will have back up flip up sights. The barrel will be fluted. The stock im looking for light weight but also some comfort, so willing to sacrifice a little here . Definitely going Giessele for my FCG. Thinking of SLR adjustable gas block. Like that they have a locking detent. This is going to be my SHTF gun. So any thoughts and ideas on this matter? Edited October 7, 2016 by JJ109 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beantown Posted October 7, 2016 Report Share Posted October 7, 2016 The lightest AR15 I have ever owned was a Bushmaster Carbon-15. 5.5 pounds with a 20 round magazine and a red dot on it. Some don't like the carbon fiber uppers and lowers, I never had an issue with it. It wasn't something I'd be diving into a foxhole with. But it was a great light weight home defense hunting rifle and it was damn accurate! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
98Z5V Posted October 7, 2016 Report Share Posted October 7, 2016 I built one that tips the scales at 5.2lbs total, with a mini red dot on it - on it. No back up sights. 16" pencil barrel by Faxon Firearms, and that's a damn great barrel. Geissele rail. Battle Arms Sabertube and BAD-LBS stock combination. I'll get pics in here by Sunday... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JJ109 Posted October 7, 2016 Author Report Share Posted October 7, 2016 26 minutes ago, 98Z5V said: I built one that tips the scales at 5.2lbs total, with a mini red dot on it - on it. No back up sights. 16" pencil barrel by Faxon Firearms, and that's a damn great barrel. Geissele rail. Battle Arms Sabertube and BAD-LBS stock combination. I'll get pics in here by Sunday... Nice. Very interested Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robocop1051 Posted October 7, 2016 Report Share Posted October 7, 2016 Farkle (hasn't been on in a while) built 16" rifle that was 4.9 lbs with an Aimpoint H1 on top. I believe he uses a KSP receiver set: https://www.kaiserus.com/x-7-fusion-stripped-receiver-set/ I know he had a Ti BCG too. Last I heard he was selling the Ti BCG to invest in one of those new adjustable BCGs. With a polymer receiver, 14.5 pencil barrel, and lightweight handguard (BCM or Midwest Ind), you should be right on target for your 5 lbs build. Definitely take advantage of N7's TI parts list. Watch out for some of the polymer receivers. They may only cost $40-$50 but they weigh more than a standard aluminum version. Taccom3G makes a delrin buffer too. If you're adjusting the gas, no need for the extra weight there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JJ109 Posted October 7, 2016 Author Report Share Posted October 7, 2016 1 hour ago, beantown said: The lightest AR15 I have ever owned was a Bushmaster Carbon-15. 5.5 pounds with a 20 round magazine and a red dot on it. Some don't like the carbon fiber uppers and lowers, I never had an issue with it. It wasn't something I'd be diving into a foxhole with. But it was a great light weight home defense hunting rifle and it was damn accurate! If i can build a 5.5lb with standard 6061 or 7075 receivers ill go that route. Carbon fiber might be out of the budget Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
98Z5V Posted October 7, 2016 Report Share Posted October 7, 2016 (edited) My 5.2lb version uses standard, forged receivers and a standard BCG. Wanted to see how far I could get one down with regular, real, tough parts Forgot this part - runs Spike's Shorty Dynacomp on the end of the barrel, that is included in the weight number. Edited October 7, 2016 by 98Z5V Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ARTrooper Posted October 7, 2016 Report Share Posted October 7, 2016 go 7075 aluminum, though most people wont notice the difference between 6061 and 7075, there is a big difference in strength if you talk to metallurgists. and if it is budget you are worried about that keeps you from carbon fiber, I suggest using some light weight furniture from magpul or similar products. 7 minutes ago, Robocop1051 said: I believe he uses a KSP receiver set: https://www.kaiserus.com/x-7-fusion-stripped-receiver-set/ definitely the way to go if you want a light weight rifle. and price is not bad at all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JJ109 Posted October 7, 2016 Author Report Share Posted October 7, 2016 34 minutes ago, 98Z5V said: My 5.2lb version uses standard, forged receivers and a standard BCG. Wanted to see how far I could get one down with regular, real, tough parts Forgot this part - runs Spike's Shorty Dynacomp on the end of the barrel, that is included in the weight number. I agree with you 98. I want it to be light is #2 . #1 is it must be reliable or its useless. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
98Z5V Posted October 7, 2016 Report Share Posted October 7, 2016 If you want to get into lightweight trinkets, check out VSeven Weapon Systems - overall, you can take a chunk of weight out by using that stuff. Eventually, I'll start adding their stuff, but for right now, it's all just standard parts. http://www.vsevenweaponsystems.com/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beantown Posted October 7, 2016 Report Share Posted October 7, 2016 98 has you on the right track. If you can do it low weight with aluminum, I would certainly do the same. The carbon fiber, like I said, was not something I would be jumping in a fox hole with. The Carbon15s were known to break at the receive extension. Other manufacturers have molded in a steel insert to stiffen it, but I still say they don't have the strength an aluminum lower does. I'm subscribing to this thread, it's going to be fun to see what you come up with. Picture, picture and more pictures please!!! Shane Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JJ109 Posted October 7, 2016 Author Report Share Posted October 7, 2016 3 hours ago, beantown said: 98 has you on the right track. If you can do it low weight with aluminum, I would certainly do the same. The carbon fiber, like I said, was not something I would be jumping in a fox hole with. The Carbon15s were known to break at the receive extension. Other manufacturers have molded in a steel insert to stiffen it, but I still say they don't have the strength an aluminum lower does. I'm subscribing to this thread, it's going to be fun to see what you come up with. Picture, picture and more pictures please!!! Shane Ha lol. Well we will see what the wallet can afford.I will definitely have some pictures as the build come along. I think 98 gave me a really nice option to start with. I might go with standard upper/ lower but Cerakoted. Im thinking of doing majority of the gun in OD green. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JJ109 Posted October 7, 2016 Author Report Share Posted October 7, 2016 So im thinking with 223 wylde chamber. Not sure if i should go mid length gas system or carbine gas system. I want to run from 55 grain up to 77 grain ammo. I know some will shoot better then other in my build but want to leave some options. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JJ109 Posted October 7, 2016 Author Report Share Posted October 7, 2016 Might have the whole inside of upper and BCG treated with R85 or micro slick. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
98Z5V Posted October 7, 2016 Report Share Posted October 7, 2016 1 hour ago, JJ109 said: So im thinking with 223 wylde chamber. Not sure if i should go mid length gas system or carbine gas system. I want to run from 55 grain up to 77 grain ammo. I know some will shoot better then other in my build but want to leave some options. Faxon Firearms pencil barrel for you, then. 16", midlength gas, 1:8" twist. That twist will run the ammo you describe very well. This one right here: http://faxonfirearms.com/16-pencil-5-56-nato-mid-length-4150-qpq/ No matter what you go with, if you plan on a 16" barrel, make sure it's midlength gas. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JJ109 Posted October 7, 2016 Author Report Share Posted October 7, 2016 1 hour ago, 98Z5V said: Faxon Firearms pencil barrel for you, then. 16", midlength gas, 1:8" twist. That twist will run the ammo you describe very well. This one right here: http://faxonfirearms.com/16-pencil-5-56-nato-mid-length-4150-qpq/ No matter what you go with, if you plan on a 16" barrel, make sure it's midlength gas. 98 you think pencil barrel might not get rid of heat with extended shooting? If so you think a slim profile with some fluting might be better? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
planeflyer21 Posted October 7, 2016 Report Share Posted October 7, 2016 15 minutes ago, JJ109 said: 98 you think pencil barrel might not get rid of heat with extended shooting? If so you think a slim profile with some fluting might be better? I have a BCM pencil barrel upper 98 recommended and it does get rather hot with prolonged firing. A great handguard makes a LOT of difference! I believe I have the YHM handguard on that one. Or a MWI. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JJ109 Posted October 7, 2016 Author Report Share Posted October 7, 2016 4 minutes ago, planeflyer21 said: I have a BCM pencil barrel upper 98 recommended and it does get rather hot with prolonged firing. A great handguard makes a LOT of difference! I believe I have the YHM handguard on that one. Or a MWI. Yea thats what im worried about but more worried about burning the barrel up. I dont plan on doing back to back mag dumps out of it nor is that accurate shooting. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
planeflyer21 Posted October 7, 2016 Report Share Posted October 7, 2016 6 minutes ago, JJ109 said: Yea thats what im worried about but more worried about burning the barrel up. I dont plan on doing back to back mag dumps out of it nor is that accurate shooting. I do. Regularly. Thus far the chrome-lined barrel is holding up well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jtallen83 Posted October 8, 2016 Report Share Posted October 8, 2016 33 minutes ago, JJ109 said: Yea thats what im worried about but more worried about burning the barrel up. Why worry, in the scheme of things these pencil barrels are cheap, burn it up and change it out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ARTrooper Posted October 8, 2016 Report Share Posted October 8, 2016 hey guys, wasn't there a lightweight lower that had some cutouts in some locations such as the magwell to make things lighter? trying to think who made that, but it's not coming to me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JJ109 Posted October 8, 2016 Author Report Share Posted October 8, 2016 http://columbiariverarms.com/custom-barrel-configurator/configure/20455/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ARTrooper Posted October 8, 2016 Report Share Posted October 8, 2016 JJ, and if you are worried about burning up a pencil barrel, don't. look at the m4s the military uses. they don't have thick barrels and an infantryman has no problem sending a few thousand rounds down range in a few hours. trust me, it may hurt accuracy after it warms up, but within 300 yards you have nothing to worry about. besides, if you have the money to shoot enough rounds to do damage to these barrels, you got enough money to buy a new one. and enough money for me to be your new best friend. :P Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JJ109 Posted October 8, 2016 Author Report Share Posted October 8, 2016 Pencil barrel with cerakoting and fluting $335 polygonal rifling Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JJ109 Posted October 8, 2016 Author Report Share Posted October 8, 2016 Yea what the heck . barrels are wear item and needs to be replaced after so long anyway. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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