Carbon Composite uppers and lowers

Originally Posted By: BAYSTATE YOTEMy health issue is arthritis in my shoulders and hands...

If you let a handicap keep you from doing the things you love to do, then what is the point?

Amen brother. I have back problems. I can either stay at home and hurt or enjoy doing what I like to do and hurt. I choose the latter.
 
Have you looked at the MAG Tactical Systems stuff? They have complete rifles that weight 4.8lbs, or you can buy a complete lower, stripped lower, and a stripped upper and then put your own parts into it. The receivers are made out of magnesium so they are lighter, if you did them with a standard barrel low profile gas block and carbon hand guard should be a farely light rifle. What are your plans for optics? That can make a difference in weight also.
 
As JoeBob says, the diff in weight between poly and alum is a few ounces each, but ounces = pounds eventually. Do a search for lightweight ar's over at ar15.com. They have some ongoing "contests" to see how light they can build them. Some guys were down around 5# with alum upper and lowers and lite bbl, forearm, BCG, stock, etc. If we could hunt with ar's in this state, I'd have a poly set-up for carrying back in the bush.
 
Have a one of the earlier carbon fiber Bushmasters with a stainless fluted barrel and a chrome bolt carrier. Didn't make them that way for to long and it shoots a 1" group at 100yds. with factory 55gr psp. It's a carbon 15 and weighed about 4lbs. without the scope. Replaced their comp/flashhider with a surefire comp. and you have a super light rifle that you can almost keep totally on target for fast follow up shots. They still have carbon fiber rifles but have narrowed up the choices alot and are somewhat heavier. Might be able to find one on gunbroker.( There is one on gunbroker like I have without the chome bolt carrier. Stainless barrel and fixed stock.)
 
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To expand upon my earlier "junk" comment;

I have seen far too many of them break to even consider owning one. The only exception would be the old CavArms setup. The plastic direct copies of a standard lower are far too weak. I have seen a large number of them break at the buffer tube junction and the front pin. When you are only saving a couple of ounces over aluminum, and they aren't any cheaper, I do not see any sort of attraction.
 
A stripped poly weighs 3oz less.
I built the lightest Ar I could with a 20 " barrel a couple of years ago.
The key to light weight is first the barrel, but I also selected every one of the parts for weight.
Completed gun weighs 5lbs 15 oz.
Shoots sub 1" 3 shot groups with a NV scope.




New Frontier Poly Lower (there are better ones now)
AP Custom handguard http://www.joeboboutfitters.com/AP_Custom_Carbon_Fiber_Handguard_p/ap-cf.htm
Fulton Armory 20" pencil barrel http://www.fulton-armory.com/barrelfa16m4gicontourcm1x9threadedchromelined-1.aspx
Syrac Ordance adjustable gas block .625
Timney Skeleton 3lb trigger
Ace stock
JP reduced recoil spring
Standard buffer, but I removed the weight out of it.
 
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Originally Posted By: family guyA stripped poly weighs 3oz less.
I built the lightest Ar I could with a 20 " barrel a couple of years ago.
The key to light weight is first the barrel, but I also selected every one of the parts for weight.
Completed gun weighs 5lbs 15 oz.
Shoots sub 1" 3 shot groups with a NV scope.



Could you tell us what you used in your build it looks sweet nice rig yea got there..
 
Originally Posted By: family guyUpdated post with parts list.

I don't think I've seen a 20" pencil barrel like that. That's pretty slick for the guy who wants the 20" velocity without the weight. That's a light 20" rifle!
 
Originally Posted By: liliysdadTo expand upon my earlier "junk" comment;

I have seen far too many of them break to even consider owning one. The only exception would be the old CavArms setup. The plastic direct copies of a standard lower are far too weak. I have seen a large number of them break at the buffer tube junction and the front pin. When you are only saving a couple of ounces over aluminum, and they aren't any cheaper, I do not see any sort of attraction.

Where exactly are you seeing all these polymer lowers break? The internet? Or do you work a combat gun range where guys are using their butt stock to knock down doors?

When it comes specifically to the new frontier armory poly lowers, I think I've only heard of one case (on the internet) where someone broke one. And it was promptly warrantied and replaced.

In my opinion lots of people out there on sites like ar15.Com , guys who are "mil-spec junkies" like to spread misinformation about thE new poly stuff that has come out. I'm not saying there isn't bad polymer parts out there, because I'm sure there is, but there is also some stuff that is going to be strong and dependable enough for 99% of HUNTERS out there.
 
Originally Posted By: GLShooterTake a look at the Tennessee Arms Caompany lowers. They have a new fiber-filled lower with reinforced areas. I've been shooting two of them and am very impressed. They even have a Barbecue Gun clear lower that you can show off and shoot a bit. They come in various colors and the owner is a very helpful sort.

Greg

I have 2 TA lowers as well. I put a Del Ton 16" mid length light weight upper on it and it makes for a nicely portable rifle. I don't know the exact weight but it carries well with a single point sling.
kwg
http://tnarmsco.com/
 
Originally Posted By: kwg020Originally Posted By: GLShooterTake a look at the Tennessee Arms Caompany lowers. They have a new fiber-filled lower with reinforced areas. I've been shooting two of them and am very impressed. They even have a Barbecue Gun clear lower that you can show off and shoot a bit. They come in various colors and the owner is a very helpful sort.

Greg

I have 2 TA lowers as well. I put a Del Ton 16" mid length light weight upper on it and it makes for a nicely portable rifle. I don't know the exact weight but it carries well with a single point sling.
kwg
http://tnarmsco.com/

They pair I have weigh 5.4 ounces each. I have a clear and a gray. So far they are holding up well to my shooting.

Greg
 
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