Looking for lightweight AR-15 recommendations

260_Rifleman

New member
I have got a couple of AR-15 rifles. One is a 28" barreled target rifle and the other is heavy barreled 16" varmint model.

For my next AR I want a real lightweight 16" carbine. While looking at websites I have found some uppers that are called lightweight configurations but nobody seems to give actual weights.

Anybody have some solid information and recommendation? Definitely want a 16" barrel, nothing shorter.
Are their any specific lightweight lower components? I have a Rock River lower with a 6 position stock that I was figuring on utilizing for the build but am open to suggestions.
Also, what would be a good recommendation for a light weight dot sight?

I would not have any problem buying specific components and assembling it myself if that ends up being the best way to go.
 
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and the other is heavy barreled 16" varmint model.




Did you consider having that fluted? A deep fluting job like D-Tech does knocks a LOT of weight off. I have an EOTech sight, it's pretty light weight and low profile, plus the center dot is only 1 MOA. I have a 20 inch heavy barrel that D-Tech built for me (fluted) and it's weighing in at 9.2 lbs. empty w/sight, sling and an Ace skeleton stock. D-Tech could tell you how much the weight reduction would be if he fluted it for you. I have another 20 inch upper with the same barrel unfluted, and it's noticeably heavier.
If you're set on building an entire new upper, look for a "featherweight" configuration like this:

Oly 16" SS featherweight

I can't think of any way to save weight in a lower, but the ACE skeleton buttstock is lighter than an A2 and probably lighter than a 6-position.

Carbon fibre handguards are lighter than anything else available (I believe) but they cost a fortune. Lose the flash hider and get a target crown. I'm out of ideas. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif
 
260,

check this out, www.bushmaster.com



Bushmaster Carbon 15 Type 21 Rifle Suggested Retail Price: $ 970.00

Quantity:
Part #: AZ-C15R21
Options:
Shipping: $16.50




If you're looking for high tech and economy, look at Bushmaster's Carbon 15 Type 21 Rifle. Another feather-weight in the Bushmaster Carbon 15 line, this rifle scales at 4* pounds and features a Stainless Steel Match Grade Barrel. The Upper and Lower Receivers, Buttstock and Forend are all molded of state of the art Carbon Fiber material that offers incredible durability, strength and ultra-light weight. Carbon 15 material is an advanced form of non-corrosive carbon fiber that combines excellent wear resistance, great strength and extremely light weight. The rifle's highly accurate, stainless steel, match grade barrel is chambered for the powerful 5.56mm NATO Cartridge and readily accepts the .223 Remington cartridge. The muzzle end is fitted with a unique Quick Detachable Compensator that reduces muzzle rise and felt recoil. The compensator is easily removed by means of its spring loaded locking collar to allow easy cleanup of powder residue. The Bushmaster quality steel bolt and carrier will provide long wear and commonality of ejector/extractor parts with AR15 type rifles makes for simple maintenance. The bolt carrier is finished in manganese phosphate on the C15 Type 21.

Firing controls on the Type 21 Rifle will be familiar to anyone acquainted with the standard AR15 type rifle. A shell deflector keeps hot brass away from the shooter's face. The magazine release button, Carbon Fiber charging handle and takedown and pivot pins are all in standard AR15 positions. For additional safety, the Safety Selector Lever markings are color-coded on both sides of the Lower Receiver to quickly determine the firing status of the rifle.

Mounted to the Upper Receiver of the Type 21 is an anodized aluminum Picatinny rail that allows installation of the operator's choice of sighting systems: scopes, red dots, holographic or laser sights. No iron sights are supplied with the rifle. Unique to the Bushmaster C15 family is the removable Carbon Fiber buttstock. A lever on the Lower Receiver's left side releases the light weight stock for ease of storage and carrying convenience. The forend - molded of Carbon 15 - is an oval shape that is comfortable to hold and offers a non-slip stipple finish.

Completely designed and manufactured in the U.S.A., the Bushmaster C15 Type 21 Rifle is shipped complete with Operator's Manual, Warranty Card and 30 Round Magazine in Bushmaster's hard plastic, lockable carrying case.

Caliber

Magazine Capacity

Overall Length
Barrel Length

Rifling


Weight of Rifle*
w/o magazine or compensator
Weight of empty magazine
Weight of loaded magazine
Weight of compensator

Operation

Mode of Operation

Bushmaster C15 Type 21
5.56mm or .223 Rem.

10 Rounds (accepts all M16 type)

35" [88.9 cm]
16" [40.6 cm]

1 turn in 9" [22.8 cm]
R.H. twist / 6 grooves & lands


4 lbs. [1.81 kg]
.25 lbs. [.11 kg]
1.0 lbs. [.45 kg]
.15 lbs. [.07 kg]

Gas Operated

Semi-Automatic
Rifle is Part #AZ-C15R21

Available through your FFL Dealer
 
That Carbon 15 type 21 is barely 4 pounds empty.
Who would have thought you could get an AR that light.

A bit out of my price range for the time being but definitely something for me to save towards in the future. One of the $200 barrels just might do the job in the short term if I could just switch out my 16" heavy barrel for a 16" lightweight barrel and still use the same aluminum hand guard.

Anybody have any feedback on long term reliability of the Carbon 15 rifles?
 
260_Rifleman,

That is suggested retail on Carbon 15, street price will probably be couple hundred less. My varminter was $1325.00 S.R.P., I got it for $979.00 couple years ago at Sportsman's Warehouse. The retail price is still the same as it was when I bought it, $1325.00.

BoomSplat
 
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