AR Sponsor
Posted: 12/5/2013 8:42:09 AM EDT
An aluminum stripped lower is ~8.5 oz. Magnesium lowers are 5.875 oz.
Also, what are some possible drawbacks? |
|
Possible drawbacks include misfeeds due to unstable magazine. Would certainly need to be sure you leave enough to support your magazine, especially if you you 30 rounders. 10 rounders might be inherently more stable.
BTW, I just picked up a MAG Tactical lower reciever from. goldenstatetactical.com for only $145. Good price! 
|
|
Quoted:
Possible drawbacks include misfeeds due to unstable magazine. Would certainly need to be sure you leave enough to support your magazine, especially if you you 30 rounders. 10 rounders might be inherently more stable. BTW, I just picked up a MAG Tactical lower reciever from. goldenstatetactical.com for only $145. Good price! I have been paying a lot of attention to mag tactical lately. One of the reasons I posted this is because the mag tactical lower only nets just a little under 3 oz of weight savings. If you could lose a couple ounces doing something like this to a $50 lower it might be worth it. |
|
Quoted:
An aluminum stripped lower is ~8.5 oz. Magnesium lowers are 5.875 oz. http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l262/wesmerc/cutlower_zps97039d52.jpg Also, what are some possible drawbacks? The cut represents ~11.25% of the total mass. Assuming that the stripped lower is 8.5 oz, a cut aluminum lower receiver would weigh ~7.5 oz. |
|
I'm not sure if you're asking about whether magnesium lowers should be made or are saying that they already are....
Having said that, I would want to keep magnesium away from heat, fire, and explosions as much as possible. Once magnesium catches on fire, it is very hard to put out; to the point that it will burn under water. I understand that it is lighter, but I would also think it was too soft of a metal compared to the aluminum alloys commonly used. Both of those reasons are why magnesium is used in most fire starters.... |
|
Quoted:
I'm not sure if you're asking about whether magnesium lowers should be made or are saying that they already are.... Having said that, I would want to keep magnesium away from heat, fire, and explosions as much as possible. Once magnesium catches on fire, it is very hard to put out; to the point that it will burn under water. I understand that it is lighter, but I would also think it was too soft of a metal compared to the aluminum alloys commonly used. Both of those reasons are why magnesium is used in most fire starters.... Perhaps true for pure magnesium, but I believe the magnesuim in the MAG Tactical lower is an alloy. I'm thinking I'm going to other things to worry about if my rifle is getting so damn hot that its going to catch fire. Seriously. |
|
Every time I see another post about lighter weights wanted I just wonder how big are these guys, why can't they handle an already very light fighting rifle. I can shoot these rifles like a handgun, one handed with ease, same exact questions about muzzle breaks, flash suppressors are understood, although the flash out of our typical 223/556 rifle is not really that major, try an M1A or my old M98 sporter in 308 for a serious muzzle blast and boom. Ok I'm a big guy, 6'6" at 295, the old Ruger ranch rifle I owned used to be my smallest bore and lightest rifle and was mostly used for training my kids and just plain fun shooting.
I'm not trying to be rude and not trying to start something, I'm really just trying to understand the Why's and what for. Sure, some do things just to do it, fluting has a reason, although expensive, cooling only, not for looks even though they do look cool. See if you guys can come up with some positive comments to enlighten me. PUN intended. Really now, I'm just curious. Ps, If you’re thinking of going magnesium, think expensive, not worth the extra cost for an ounce savings. And it takes a pretty hot fire to set it off, The aircraft engines that I build, have lot's of magnesium type alloy's and they only burn if involved in hitting the ground fairly hard, they won't burn for just an engine compartment fire. Same with our wheel rims, lighter weight at a higher cost. I must have been half asleep when typing magnesium versus titanium. At least I got the nium part right. Enjoy. |
|
Quoted:
Every time I see another post about lighter weights wanted I just wonder how big are these guys, why can't they handle an already very light fighting rifle. I can shoot these rifles like a handgun, one handed with ease, same exact questions about muzzle breaks, flash suppressors are understood, although the flash out of our typical 223/556 rifle is not really that major, try an M1A or my old M98 sporter in 308 for a serious muzzle blast and boom. Ok I'm a big guy, 6'6" at 295, the old Ruger ranch rifle I owned used to be my smallest bore and lightest rifle and was mostly used for training my kids and just plain fun shooting. I'm not trying to be rude and not trying to start something, I'm really just trying to understand the Why's and what for. Sure, some do things just to do it, fluting has a reason, although expensive, cooling only, not for looks even though they do look cool. See if you guys can come up with some positive comments to enlighten me. PUN intended. Really now, I'm just curious. Ps, If you’re thinking of going titanium, think expensive, not worth the extra cost for an ounce savings. And it takes a pretty hot fire to set it off, The aircraft engines that I build, have lot's of Titanium type alloy's and they only burn if involved in hitting the ground fairly hard, they won't burn for just an engine compartment fire. Same with our wheel rims, lighter weight at a higher cost. . Enjoy. Ounces = Pounds, Pounds = PAIN! As I have pointed out to previous posters, when it is 95 degrees and with a humidity of 90%, you are looking for a suspect in a wooded area (no breeze). You are in uniform wearing a threat level III vest, have a sidearm, back-up pistol, spare magazines, an X26 Taser, a portable radio, an asp, a flashlight, mace, two pairs of cuffs, AND carrying a carbine you want it as light as possible after three hours. PLUS you are in your fifties, NOW tell me I need to go hit the Gym sometime between my two jobs. 
|
|
Quoted:
AWESOME IDEA! Ask and ye shall receive Proto.
http://i887.photobucket.com/albums/ac73/pestess/holyARlower_zps899c192b.jpg Quoted:
Quoted:
Instead of just chopping it off, I would either drill holes or cut out "windows" so that you still leave somewhat of a structural frame to support the magazine... AWESOME IDEA! Ask and ye shall receive Proto.
http://i887.photobucket.com/albums/ac73/pestess/holyARlower_zps899c192b.jpg WOW, a lower a guy from Wisconsin could really appreciate! 
|
|
If the guy wants the lightest rifle he can build, what's it to anybody else? Pushing the limits on how light a rifle will be made is up to the op. Op, I just ordered a mag tactical lower from PSA for $120. They had fde & black. Interesting idea you had. Keep us updated if you follow through.
Added url http://palmettostatearmory.com/index.php/firearms/receivers.html |
|
PursuitSS, Good point in your application, been there done that, also used to carry an M14 but no cuffs, just an old flack jacket, with early chest plates, that looked like a giant diaper or tampon. My former MIL LE cuff days were 20 years ago, plus in the tropics, just get out of the cruiser, and we'd be sweating. I swear I could lose 10 lbs on day shifts running around in the boonies. We'd be loaded with 1911's, an M16 and or a Rem 870.
You did see part of my comment about not trying to start a pissing match here, was just curious about some of the posts I read. I see some have a real reason and some are doing it for the cool factor, you can never tell.. Good points. Now for some others ?... |
|
Quoted:
Every time I see another post about lighter weights wanted I just wonder how big are these guys, why can't they handle an already very light fighting rifle. I can shoot these rifles like a handgun, one handed with ease, same exact questions about muzzle breaks, flash suppressors are understood, although the flash out of our typical 223/556 rifle is not really that major, try an M1A or my old M98 sporter in 308 for a serious muzzle blast and boom. Ok I'm a big guy, 6'6" at 295, the old Ruger ranch rifle I owned used to be my smallest bore and lightest rifle and was mostly used for training my kids and just plain fun shooting. I'm not trying to be rude and not trying to start something, I'm really just trying to understand the Why's and what for. Sure, some do things just to do it, fluting has a reason, although expensive, cooling only, not for looks even though they do look cool. See if you guys can come up with some positive comments to enlighten me. PUN intended. Really now, I'm just curious. Ps, If you’re thinking of going titanium, think expensive, not worth the extra cost for an ounce savings. And it takes a pretty hot fire to set it off, The aircraft engines that I build, have lot's of Titanium type alloy's and they only burn if involved in hitting the ground fairly hard, they won't burn for just an engine compartment fire. Same with our wheel rims, lighter weight at a higher cost. . Enjoy. After the first of the year I am putting a rifle together that should be under 5 pounds, but my primary hunting rifle for over 20 years is 12.8 pounds. I am building an ultra-light AR15 for my stepdaughter to shoot easily now and also for my youngest son to use in a few years. He can start big-game hunting in Texas at the age of 8 and I doubt he would do well with a 48" rifle weighing almost thirteen pounds. What I want out of my weapons doesn't necessarily relate to what you all are doing, and vise versa. But I sure enjoy seeing and reading about everyone’s projects. To each their own . . . |
|
Nice idea, build them light for the kids. I know what your saying about the heavy weights.
I've seen a few around 5 lbs, metal sights. Have fun teaching those little ones how to do it right. I got both of mine shooting fairly well, Daughter never did figure out the trick of how to do the slide on the 1911's. Also tried getting them into reloading. No luck, to much work, to much texting on the cell phones lol... |
|
I'm not a small guy I'm 6'1" and 215 pounds. I have no problem carrying a heavy rifle and my go to Carbine has a heavy barrel. Infantry types aside, I've probably rucked more weight longer distances than most people. I don't think most of the guys that are after the super lightweight builds are building them for their only rifle. For me it would be almost exclusively a novelty but for others it would be a perfect rifle for something that is carried a lot and shot very little like for hunting
|
|
Quoted:
I'm not sure if you're asking about whether magnesium lowers should be made or are saying that they already are.... Having said that, I would want to keep magnesium away from heat, fire, and explosions as much as possible. Once magnesium catches on fire, it is very hard to put out; to the point that it will burn under water. I understand that it is lighter, but I would also think it was too soft of a metal compared to the aluminum alloys commonly used. Both of those reasons are why magnesium is used in most fire starters.... Automobile manufacturers have been using magnesium in engines for decades. |
|
I don't know about the particular magnesium in question. I do know however, that magnesium in general although very light, can be very brittle.
Former MX racer. Clutch and engine covers were magnesium for years and still can be found. However after taking a rock due to roost they crack easily. I know it's apples and oranges in a way, and surely they have thought this through. But that's what I know about mag. |
|
Quoted:
Every time I see another post about lighter weights wanted I just wonder how big are these guys, why can't they handle an already very light fighting rifle. I can shoot these rifles like a handgun, one handed with ease, same exact questions about muzzle breaks, flash suppressors are understood, although the flash out of our typical 223/556 rifle is not really that major, try an M1A or my old M98 sporter in 308 for a serious muzzle blast and boom. Ok I'm a big guy, 6'6" at 295, the old Ruger ranch rifle I owned used to be my smallest bore and lightest rifle and was mostly used for training my kids and just plain fun shooting. I'm not trying to be rude and not trying to start something, I'm really just trying to understand the Why's and what for. Sure, some do things just to do it, fluting has a reason, although expensive, cooling only, not for looks even though they do look cool. See if you guys can come up with some positive comments to enlighten me. PUN intended. Really now, I'm just curious. Ps, If you’re thinking of going titanium, think expensive, not worth the extra cost for an ounce savings. And it takes a pretty hot fire to set it off, The aircraft engines that I build, have lot's of Titanium type alloy's and they only burn if involved in hitting the ground fairly hard, they won't burn for just an engine compartment fire. Same with our wheel rims, lighter weight at a higher cost. . Enjoy. Quoted:
Every time I see another post about lighter weights wanted I just wonder how big are these guys, why can't they handle an already very light fighting rifle. I can shoot these rifles like a handgun, one handed with ease, same exact questions about muzzle breaks, flash suppressors are understood, although the flash out of our typical 223/556 rifle is not really that major, try an M1A or my old M98 sporter in 308 for a serious muzzle blast and boom. Ok I'm a big guy, 6'6" at 295, the old Ruger ranch rifle I owned used to be my smallest bore and lightest rifle and was mostly used for training my kids and just plain fun shooting. I'm not trying to be rude and not trying to start something, I'm really just trying to understand the Why's and what for. Sure, some do things just to do it, fluting has a reason, although expensive, cooling only, not for looks even though they do look cool. See if you guys can come up with some positive comments to enlighten me. PUN intended. Really now, I'm just curious. Ps, If you’re thinking of going titanium, think expensive, not worth the extra cost for an ounce savings. And it takes a pretty hot fire to set it off, The aircraft engines that I build, have lot's of Titanium type alloy's and they only burn if involved in hitting the ground fairly hard, they won't burn for just an engine compartment fire. Same with our wheel rims, lighter weight at a higher cost. . Enjoy. I built my lightweight blackout to be as light as possible, while still giving me certain features. I wanted a suppressor, I wanted optics, and I wanted an AR. This gun is my deer hunting rifle, in which I have hiked 11 miles in a single day with, carrying it for about 6 hours of that day. It's pretty awesome. I got it to 7.5# with everything, loaded with 5 rounds. It has also killed three deer, so there is that too. Quoted:
Automobile manufacturers have been using magnesium in engines for decades. They have? 
I can think of many automobile parts that are made of magnesium, but only one single engine part by one manufacturer. I'm saying this as a guy who spent four fairly recent years working in an engine machine shop. Other than VW making air cooled engine blocks out of it.... What are you thinking of? |
AR Sponsor