[Thx-1138]

My wife and I went shooting with some friends a while back.

She got her hands on a couple of ARs - and you know how it is... they look big, they look scary, but they're really a pleasure to shoot.

Now she wants one.

This is not a bad thing - it'll mean that I can get one, too.

I've only barely scratched the surface of the AR world, and am completely overwhelmed by the options available.

Those two will probably be all we buy over the next 10+ years, so they need to be all-around guns - home defense, bug-out, plinking, use any ammo available (reliability concerns, rifling concerns?)... We're not hunters, but in the event of an emergency, these would be our only long guns (other than a Ruger 10/22), so I'd want something with a flat top to put optics on.

OK, my wife has Fibromyalgia, and if I can reduce the weight of her AR without impacting reliability, it would be a very good thing; whenever she exerts herself more than normal, she pays for it later in pain and suffering - all too often to the point of being bedridden for a day or more.

While I LOVE the idea of building my own, I've done enough building of my own computers, bicycles, and furniture to know that I don't need another build-your-own project where, with a little ingenuity, a lot of research, and two-months' supply of Tylenol and Zantac, I can build my own item for just under twice the cost of buying it new.

So, with reliability as my #1 concern, weight being #2, and a lack of desire to build my own as #3, what would y'all recommend for an AR for her? I'm fine with an off-the shelf Colt or an exact duplicate of what she gets.

[Glockdude1]

http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/w...4_757784_image

[MrMurphy]

An off the shelf Colt 6920 with an Aimpoint H-1 Micro and a backup iron sight is going to weigh around 7.5 lbs. It's about as stupid proof as you can get.

Alternatively a Bravo Company Model 1 or similar (near identical to a Colt) would do the same.

In her case, avoid rail systems, keep a basic (standard or MagPul MOE) stock on there, and a decent sling.

[samuse]

I'd go with a 6920 if you have to have a fully built gun.

If you're not opposed to buying a complete lower (BCM, Colt, LMT) and a separate upper, BCM complete uppers can't be beat.

All of my ARs are factory Colt lowers with BCM uppers.

A lightweight 14.5" mid-length with a Battle Comp is about the softest shooting AR out there and is going to as light as possible.

I'm a Colt fanboy, but BCM just has better uppers when you want more than a Mil-Spec.

[Thx-1138]

Originally Posted by samuse

If you're not opposed to buying a complete lower (BCM, Colt, LMT) and a separate upper, BCM complete uppers can't be beat.

I suppose that even I would have a hard time screwing up the mating of a complete upper with a complete lower.

Hadn't even considered that possibility.

[BenjiEDF]

If super lightweight is the goal I'd go with the Colt 6720 (6.12 lbs) and it comes with the Matech rear flip sight so it's optic ready. They cost just a little over a grand. I picked up a windham weaponry MPC and I really like it ($850 and 6.7lbs). They are great ARs for a little less money.

[mjkeat]

I was going to say the 6720 as well. I believe DSG Arms has them for just under $1k.

http://dsgarms.com/ProductInfo/COAR6720.aspx

[NeverMore1701]

6720 and an H1 sounds like just what you need.

[Thx-1138]

Originally Posted by NeverMore1701

6720 and an H1 sounds like just what you need.

H1? Err... I'm lost, now.

Wait... (google google google).... Buffer something or another?

IF, for some godforsaken reason, I decided to go with a not-quite-complete upper and marry it with a complete lower, AND I decided to go with a 14.5" barrel with some sort of pinned barrel thing on the end... would the H1 still be the right choice?

OMG.... I can feel myself slipping into the abyss...

[mvician]

Aimpoint H1

[Trey83]

Originally Posted by Thx-1138

H1? Err... I'm lost, now.

Wait... (google google google).... Buffer something or another?

IF, for some godforsaken reason, I decided to go with a not-quite-complete upper and marry it with a complete lower, AND I decided to go with a 14.5" barrel with some sort of pinned barrel thing on the end... would the H1 still be the right choice?

OMG.... I can feel myself slipping into the abyss...

He is referring to the Aimpoint H1. It's the most compact and lightest Aimpoint available.

[Thx-1138]

Originally Posted by mvician

Aimpoint H1

OK, see, so this is why I wanted to avoid 'rolling my own'....

Absolute information overload. I could make researching information a full time job - 40+ hours a week, spend, literally*, a year on it, and STILL not have all the information I think I need to actually build something exactly how I want it.

The LE6720 is, quite possibly, at least 95% toward perfection - maybe more. Good enough for my purposes, and a hell of a lot less time spent.


Thank you all for your help. I'm sure I'll have other questions later, but for now I'm more than satisfied.

* - I mean 'literally' in the literal sense of the word.

[Calvin9x19]

Colt 6720.

[WoodenPlank]

6720 + Aimpoint Micro on a LaRue mount. Add a VCAS or VTAC sling, and call it a day.

[Calvin9x19]

I like it

[XDRoX]

I just finished this AR the other night. I haven't weighed it yet but it's probably under 7lbs.

Bought a lower at my local gun store, ordered the parks kit online along with the butt stock and grip, and then ordered a complete upper from BCM. Went together like Legos.

[samuse]

Here's one I snapped together for a friend. Very lightweight, very reliable, right under $1K.

-Palmetto lower
-Daniel Defense LPK
-Colt carry handle and plastic (Noveske handguard)
-Colt BCG
-BCM 16" light midlength upper.

[cyphertext]

Smith and Wesson M&P 15 Sport is another option. Less than 6.5 pounds and can be had for around $650 or less. Not a "mil-spec" rifle, so if that is what you want then nevermind.

http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/w...layErrorView_Y

[michael_b]

Right at 7lbs with 20rds in the mag.