Lightest AR for hunting.....without sacrifice!!!

Gudfshn3

New member
Ok, Im looking to custom build an AR for hunting coyotes. I want something lightweight, but don't want to sacrifice much reliability or accuracy. Im not very far along, but so far I am looking into buyin a Fortis Rev 14 receiver and a MagTactical stripped lower receiver. I guess the next main thing is the barrel. Any recommendations? My stock, buffer components and trigger system will be from Magpul and MagTactical. What else should I look into?? Any info is greatly appreciated!!!!
 
I wanted the same rig. I built a carbine with: a slick sided flattop receiver, a M4 barrel, a free float hand guard, and a plastic carbine stock. I love it. I hump it from blind to blind in Wisconsin, in cold weather. Avoid plastic components, when it's -15 F, you don't want a polymer receiver, IMHO.
I hunt in bottom land max shot is 250 yds, this rig is minute of coyote all day long.
 
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I saved a lot of weight on my 300 Blackout build using a 16 inch lightweight profile barrel and the Midwest Industries Gen 2 SS free float rail. The MI Gen 2 SS is the lightest and slimmest good quality FF rail that I have found. My carbine with a Leupold MK 4 scope, Magpul STR stock, and ADM mount is right around 7 lbs. Additional weight savings could be gained by using the Magpul MOE or CTR stock. All other parts are high quality Spikes Tactical or Bravo company, no polymer except for stock and pistol grip.
 
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I think the best thing you can do for lightweight without compromise in a coyote AR is to use a light weight 16" barrel, say an M-4 or Recon profile, and stay away from fully railed handguards. Just use a simple aluminum free float tube. Top the rifle with a lightweight variable scope such as a Leupold VX II, and a stock such as a Magpul MOE. This will give you a nice functional predator AR that is easy to carry all day.
 
I think that you can build a light one but sometimes the economy will be lost for those last few oz. I have a lightweight barrel on a 16 in carbine, al free float tube, 3x9 scope. It comes in at 7# unloaded. To shave another pound might cost another $500 in lightweight parts.

The Ace stock should shave some weight over the Magpul. MI handguards or Carbon Fiber will shave some more.

Mag tac lower listed at 5.8 oz is a good start.
Many recommend the slick sided upper to save weight.
 
Thx for the input!! I already have the MagTac lower, and just ordered a Fortis Rev rail. All my parts are magpul MOE. All I need now is an upper and barrel.
 
Bet you could get a nice lightweight rig with an ACE skeleton stock and a Carbon fiber free float tube. Light weight barrel low pro gas block and depending on the upper/lower I think you would come in at around 5-6 pounds before optics.
 
Originally Posted By: Gudfshn3Thx for the input!! I already have the MagTac lower, and just ordered a Fortis Rev rail. All my parts are magpul MOE. All I need now is an upper and barrel.

This match stainless lightweight barrel profile is real similar to my 300 BLK. It's Wilson Combat so quality should be good and the price is definitely good.

Midway Wilson Combat Match Barrel
 
Do a search back a year or two ago - there was a fella on here that built, and maybe even sold, a couple AR's that I remember being at around 5 1/2# w/ a forged lower. A poly lower like New Frontier Armory's would lessen that some also. There was some discussion on this at the time also here.
 
Originally Posted By: NightvisionaryOriginally Posted By: Gudfshn3Thx for the input!! I already have the MagTac lower, and just ordered a Fortis Rev rail. All my parts are magpul MOE. All I need now is an upper and barrel.

This match stainless lightweight barrel profile is real similar to my 300 BLK. It's Wilson Combat so quality should be good and the price is definitely good.

Midway Wilson Combat Match Barrel

definitely looking into this!! Thanks!!!
 
Originally Posted By: RonBMy Daniel Defense DDM4 V7 weighs 6lbs 4 oz before optics


I was just getting ready to buy this last week, but I feel I can build something lighter, and cheaper. Its a great upper, but a bit over my price range.......but.....if I cant build one lighter and cheaper, this is what I will probably buy!!!! Do you have one?!!?
 
Yes, I love mine. Haven't done much to it yet. Added a Blackhawk grip, 10 round PMag, Burris Extreme tactical 30mm rings and MIllet TRS1 4-16x50mm scope.
Trigger is heavy, going to swap that out next. Was able to get some sub MOA groups last weekend before the 25-30 mph winds. I was very happy with the groups considering the 16 inch barrel and the factory trigger. If i can figure it out, I'll post a pic.
 


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