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Budget Lightweight Build Parts

6K views 42 replies 15 participants last post by  mac66 
#1 · (Edited)
Okay, one more post about building a cheap lightweight AR.

I know some people like the best of the best. I just want a toy to play with and don't want to spend a lot of money to do it. Good enough is sometimes good enough.

For an upper here's a good way to get started

AIM Surplus has a light weight bolt/carrier for $90. 8.9 ozs That is about 2-3 ozs lighter that a standard one. Most bolts weigh 11-12 ozs.
https://www.aimsurplus.com/product....ail&utm_term=0_6870497a6a-16ff4df39a-17883481

AIM also has a Anderson Lightweight Sporter stripped upper. $40. 6.6 ozs. It does not have the forward assist or dust cover but does have the shell deflector. They are frequently out of stock but get them in regularly. (get on their notification list) I have couple of these and the are about 2.5 oz lighter than an A3 upper.

https://www.aimsurplus.com/product....htweight+Sport+AR+Upper+Receiver&groupid=4329

If you want a pure slick sided upper PSA has one in stock for $59. It may be fractionally lighter than the Anderson but It doesn't have the shell deflector bump. I can't find a weight for them. I'll let you know when mine gets delivered.
http://palmettostatearmory.com/psa-ar15-slick-sided-upper-receiver.html?utm_source=Back in Stock&utm_medium=email

Pencil Barrel, mid length stainless 1:7 $90. An M4 barrel weighs 28 ozs. An A1 govt profile carbine barrel weighs 22.96. The Faxon pencil bbl supposedly weighs 19 ozs. This bbl is supposed to weigh 20-21 ozs.
http://palmettostatearmory.com/psa-...7-ss-pencil-barrel-5-56-nato-1-7-freedom.html

You'll need a low pro gas block in .625" $19
http://palmettostatearmory.com/palmetto-state-armory-low-profile-gas-block-0-625-516444612.html

And a Mid length gas tube $13
http://palmettostatearmory.com/ar-15-gas-tube-midlength.html

You will of course need hand guards. Hand guards themselves tend to be light but the delta ring and barrel nut adds weight. Most free float hand guards are deceptively heavy comparatively. The cheapest light weight free float hand guards I've found are carbon fiber jobs from Delta Team Tactical for $47. I have one on my light weight build and they work fine. About 7 ozs with the barrel nut but without the metal rails and endcap (which come off).

https://www.deltateamtactical.com/Carbon-Fiber-Free-Float-Hand-Guard-7-Carbine-Length_p_4180.html

The lower is up to you but I weighed a bunch of combinations including some polymer ones. The lightest without going to titanium or plastic parts is the one piece Cav Arms, now known as the Cav 15 from GWACS Armory. I have three of the original Cav Arms lowers, built one sub 5lb AR with one and am building another lightweight with the above mentioned parts. Most metal lowers with standard parts weighs 28-30 ozs. The Cav weighs 23.7 ozs. Stripped they cost $130 but look for the blemished ones for $85.

http://www.gwacsarmory.com/lower-receivers-ar-15/
 
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