User Panel
User Panel
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WI, USA
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Posted: 6/4/2019 9:29:32 AM EST
[#1]
I imagine the 14.5" slim pencil barrels are just such a popular barrel option that they are not able to keep up with demand.
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WI, USA
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Posted: 6/4/2019 11:07:34 AM EST
[#2]
Has anyone noticed Smoke Composites has added to and revised a bunch of products.
They now have a CF grip weighing 32.5 g / 1.14 oz Some CF buffer tubes, not just stocks, including pistol tubes. Looks like they've also revamped their design and selection of hand-guardstoo. Looks like they may have a lighter barrel nut now, 1.3 oz vs the listed 1.6 oz on the Database, but I don't know if that also includes the mounting screws. Based on the picture it seems like it would take 6 screws at the 3, 6, and 9 o'clock positions. There are PCC and Large Frame (assuming AR-10) hand guards listed. |
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Posted: 6/4/2019 1:25:58 PM EST
[#3]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By j_cobbers:
Has anyone noticed Smoke Composites has added to and revised a bunch of products. They now have a CF grip weighing 32.5 g / 1.14 oz Some CF buffer tubes, not just stocks, including pistol tubes. Looks like they've also revamped their design and selection of hand-guardstoo. Looks like they may have a lighter barrel nut now, 1.3 oz vs the listed 1.6 oz on the Database, but I don't know if that also includes the mounting screws. Based on the picture it seems like it would take 6 screws at the 3, 6, and 9 o'clock positions. There are PCC and Large Frame (assuming AR-10) hand guards listed. |
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Posted: 6/4/2019 3:42:57 PM EST
[#4]
I had NOT noticed that. Looks like a PWD update is in order...
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USA
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Posted: 6/4/2019 5:49:35 PM EST
[#5]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By j_cobbers:
Has anyone noticed Smoke Composites has added to and revised a bunch of products. They now have a CF grip weighing 32.5 g / 1.14 oz Some CF buffer tubes, not just stocks, including pistol tubes. Looks like they've also revamped their design and selection of hand-guardstoo. Looks like they may have a lighter barrel nut now, 1.3 oz vs the listed 1.6 oz on the Database, but I don't know if that also includes the mounting screws. Based on the picture it seems like it would take 6 screws at the 3, 6, and 9 o'clock positions. There are PCC and Large Frame (assuming AR-10) hand guards listed. The grip... 179 is 80 bucks more than the 3d printed titanium one. Still down for the butt stocks though... |
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SC, USA
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Posted: 6/5/2019 11:30:29 AM EST
[#6]
The price of that grip is ridiculous!
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NV, USA
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Posted: 6/6/2019 9:32:27 PM EST
[Last Edit: breastroker]
[#7]
I just looked, the CF grip looks a lot nicer than I thought it would. But Jon states it is the lightest grip available @ 1.14 ounces. Not even close to 3D titanium.
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WI, USA
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Posted: 6/10/2019 2:14:26 PM EST
[#8]
Funny thing, I didn't even look at the price! Holy cow that's a bit rich!
I was looking at the weight while surfing around on there for the first time in a long time. Yeah, that's a bit steep for a pistol grip. I have one of their old rifle length stocks, a couple castle nuts and endplates and really like them but there are limits. |
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TX, USA
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Posted: 6/11/2019 5:32:18 PM EST
[Last Edit: JasonblkZ06]
[#9]
Took a long time, but finally done. It is just at 2.5lbs with the optic and mount and 2.360lbs without. 5.56 Rifle w/ 16" barrel.
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NV, USA
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Posted: 6/11/2019 11:33:16 PM EST
[Last Edit: breastroker]
[#10]
Complete parts list please. That's almost 2.24 ounces less than my 556, I know all the parts weights and wonder where the 2.24 ounces went from?
Please also check your scale, 200 to 400 grams would tell you if it is still accurate. |
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TX, USA
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Posted: 6/12/2019 9:21:48 AM EST
[Last Edit: JasonblkZ06]
[#11]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By breastroker:
Complete parts list please. That's almost 2.24 ounces less than my 556, I know all the parts weights and wonder where the 2.24 ounces went from? Please also check your scale, 200 to 400 grams would tell you if it is still accurate. |
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NV, USA
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Posted: 6/12/2019 12:50:18 PM EST
[Last Edit: breastroker]
[#12]
I congratulate you on building the worlds lightest AR15.
My mind is having a hard time finding where the 2.4 ounces went, that is a HUGE amount when this light. Can you photo the upper and lower separate on the scale? My barrel is at 18 ounces, yours? My handguard and barrel nut @ 1.8 ounces, how long is yours? I suppose a 8 inch with holes drilled could be lighter? My buffer weighs 0.5 ounces, yours? My buffer tube stock is 1.6 ounces, Yours? I know one that weighs only 1.28 ounces. My BCG bolt+ titanium firing pin+ cam pin + 2.04 ounces (BCG 5.35 oz.) Your carrier is probably much lighter? My gas block weighs 0.41 ounces, yours? Complete with gas tube and pin was 1.1515 ounces or 32.650 grams I know my aluminum bolt catch is lighter than your V7 tool steel My pistol grip looks the same @ 0.74 ounces My Blackthorne Polymer upper receiver @ 4.10 ounces Taccom light weight spring @ 1.13 oz, doubt yours could be any lighter than 1 ounce. The only thing I can think of is your barrel must be really light weight? Maybe a couple of tenths from the carrier? I just can't see the missing 2.24 ounces, where did you cut so much? It's been a long time since I weighed mine, need to get it out of the safe and weigh again. Really haven't put any effort for almost a year as my ultra light weight 308 AR @3.9 pounds was my priority. I am probably under 2.50 pounds, just not sure since adding the 3D grip and cutting the stock to 1.69 ounces. But no way can I cut another 2.2 ounces. |
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SC, USA
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Posted: 6/13/2019 9:53:28 AM EST
[Last Edit: pscot468]
[#13]
Only weight I see that you could ditch is the bolt catch like breastroker said, I have a spare aluminum bolt catch if you'd like to try it out. I'm using a Nemo 300 blk subsonic spring and a taccom buffer with mine so it has held up fine. You didn't find a hesse upper did you??? 🤤 If so then I'm jealous! Please tell us your secrets! Did you use the triangle ch with the tripwire kit? https://mi-tac.net/sintercore-tripwire-xrs-ambidextrous-charging-handle-retrofit-system/ they're discontinued but still floating around. Breastroker did you ever get the ds arms sand cut aluminum bolt carrier?
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TX, USA
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Posted: 6/13/2019 11:08:57 AM EST
[Last Edit: JasonblkZ06]
[#14]
Like I said every part is different or custom made. My bolt catch is aluminum actually. My stock / buffer tube is lighter. The BCG is 4.89 ounces. I wanted to get that down to 4.85 but decided to go this direction for strength. My handguard is 10" long and is 1.63 ounces, so mine is actually heavier. The most dramatic difference is my barrel it is at least an ounce lighter than yours. I have looked at your HG stroker and don't see a way to make mine lighter unless I cut it back. But then it would look weird. My gas block is .39 ounces. Even the gas tube is lighter. I am sure I will share more later and have some pictures on the scale.
Can we see your handguard and barrel nut? |
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Posted: 6/13/2019 12:17:46 PM EST
[Last Edit: jekbrown]
[#15]
Yeah, I'm not sure we've reached the Pinnacle on handguards yet. I think the CF could be thinner tube and the length should be such that it just barely covers the gas tube on a carbine system. The end could definitely be cut at an angle, since the sides/bottom don't need to be so long. Friction fit + a tiny amount of adhesive would be better than hardware of just about any kind.
Also, so long as we have bolt catches/pins, we're not as light as we could be! Printed Ti grip could be shorter too. My next UL project is going jack Ruby grip style. |
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Posted: 6/13/2019 2:34:32 PM EST
[#16]
Needing a little weight cutting help, will move to a new thread if needed but the experts are here.
Not dealing with my ultralight, rather my favorite gun. A Noveske Ghetto Blaster (Q Honey Badger licensed copy). I miss my mp5sd, so went with an AR based homage, using an old YHM forend (discontinued) of 7" length and the right OD for the mp5sd shroud to slip over. Want to cut some weight, not a lot of choices as to where. Not trying to get this to catch up to my 3.9 lb 14.5" gun, but want to slim up. Gun 
Forend without SD shroud (top) 
Have changed to a V7 TI bcg, but options there are tough as most bcg's seem to have a smaller than mil-spec ID in the tail end, not allowing the proprietary buffer spring cover to fit inside Have a titanium suppressor, which is yay. Need to switch to the TI muzzle brake/mount to shave a couple ounces. The forend is where I can see room for improvement. The barrel nut is huge. The 7" forend itself is pretty heavy. 
Looking at carbon fiber forends. Any 7" ones have a top rail or just enough at the front to mount a front buis? Am looking at the cooltubz ones discussed on here a while ago, though just the plain 7" one not any of the zombie, operator business. 2mm higher front rail is a no-go. My questions, never having had a CF forend before: does drilling a couple small holes (for a 1" rail section) cause issues? can i mill out a couple slots alongside the top rail (if any) for cooling and weight or will the CF unravel? I've looked at a few ebay CF tubes, whats the barrel nut/forend attachment point the ultralighters are using? and finally any other areas you see where some easy weight can come off? Thanks! |
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NV, USA
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Posted: 6/13/2019 2:42:27 PM EST
[#17]
The 3D titanium has an inner shell that most of which could be cut out. So maybe cut 0.2 ounces cut. And the grip is long, could slice off 1/4 to 1/2 inch.
CF could be thinner tube and the length should be such that it just barely covers the gas tube on a carbine system
So far I see: Barrel -1.0 ounces Carrier -.46 ounces Gas Block -0.1 ounces Upper? -0.1 ounces Buffer Spring -0.1 ounces |
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NV, USA
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Posted: 6/13/2019 2:53:48 PM EST
[#18]
Remorse, there is a lot of ways to cut weight.
Your pistol grip weighs over 2.4 ounces, a $19 Hogue grip is only 1.5 ounces. The 3D titanium grip black is 1.0 ounces. Add a titanium grip screw $5 Most CF hand guards are good to go, some now include top rails. The Smoke Composites is a very good one. Cut another 4 to 5 ounces. Titanium takedown pins and an aluminum V7 dust cover will cut over an ounce. There are a lot of titanium muzzle brakes now, most will cut almost 2 ounces from your steel one. There are much lighter forward assists, cut another ounce Go with a titanium gas block, another one or two ounces. Poof, you have cut half a pound or more. |
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Posted: 6/13/2019 3:22:05 PM EST
[#19]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By breastroker:
Remorse, there is a lot of ways to cut weight. Your pistol grip weighs over 2.4 ounces, a $19 Hogue grip is only 1.5 ounces. The 3D titanium grip black is 1.0 ounces. Add a titanium grip screw $5 Most CF hand guards are good to go, some now include top rails. The Smoke Composites is a very good one. Cut another 4 to 5 ounces. Titanium takedown pins and an aluminum V7 dust cover will cut over an ounce. There are a lot of titanium muzzle brakes now, most will cut almost 2 ounces from your steel one. There are much lighter forward assists, cut another ounce Go with a titanium gas block, another one or two ounces. Poof, you have cut half a pound or more. Hadn't checked Smoke Composites out, am looking now Thanks! |
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NV, USA
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Posted: 6/13/2019 3:46:55 PM EST
[#20]
OK, just ordered the sand cut aluminum carrier, have an extra titanium cam pin and titanium firing pin. Any one know the weight of that configuration?
Be aware Mike is super nice, and got a 5% discount for being in the military, and AR15 members get FREE shipping. I can cut the gas block some more, and a titanium set screw would be nice. Not sure what gas tube is lighter at mid length. A carbine length would be lighter Going to finally get the barrel cut down some more. Not sure if I can cut another ounce though. |
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NV, USA
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Posted: 6/13/2019 8:13:24 PM EST
[#21]
Going to work on the AR15 for a while, hey it's only money that wife would waste on Bingo.
Pretty sure I can cut another 1.5 ounces, not sure about 2.3 ounces though. Anyone have an extra titanium BAD style gas block set screw? Only need one. Am I the only one who can't get the PWD to work? Just comes up with empty cells. |
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Posted: 6/13/2019 8:31:57 PM EST
[#22]
You can always skip the forward assist & put a plastic cover on it, and you can glue the pistol grip on.
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NV, USA
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Posted: 6/13/2019 8:43:46 PM EST
[#23]
OK got the PWD working through Edge, IE11 doesn't work.
PWD has the Form 3D Ti grip labeled TYR, I haven't seen anyone post a weight for the TYR Ti grip. The raw Ti Form 3D weighed 0.749 ounces, their painted black one 1.0 ounces. Called Oregon Rifle works, their 16" doesn't weigh 15.4 ounces, she weighed it @ 23.4 ounces. |
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Posted: 6/13/2019 9:40:57 PM EST
[#24]
Paladin Machine Works, of South Carolina, will turn down a barrel blank to your specifications.
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NV, USA
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Posted: 6/13/2019 11:14:55 PM EST
[#25]
Looks like I might be able to get the polymer lower down to 6.6 ounces without buffer and spring. Add another 1.1oz and 0.5 ounces so total of 8.2 ounces
Hoping to get the upper down to 30.5 ounces |
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USA
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Posted: 6/14/2019 3:48:20 PM EST
[#26]
Anybody with the TYR 3D printed ti grip able to give an impression on feel compared to the other small grips?
Also anybody able to confirm the PWS enhanced buffer tube mod 2 (buffer tube only w/o ratchet castle nut/end plate) only weighs 3.05oz? Material? Guessing 6061 if true. Thanks dudes. |
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NV, USA
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Posted: 6/14/2019 9:37:48 PM EST
[Last Edit: breastroker]
[#27]
Yes, 3.05 on my tested scale.
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USA
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Posted: 6/15/2019 9:24:11 AM EST
[#28]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By breastroker:
Yes, 3.05 on my tested scale. https://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff464/brasse/PWS3.05_zpsldpxjwxw.jpg |
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Posted: 6/15/2019 1:57:46 PM EST
[#29]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By breastroker:
OK got the PWD working through Edge, IE11 doesn't work. PWD has the Form 3D Ti grip labeled TYR, I haven't seen anyone post a weight for the TYR Ti grip. The raw Ti Form 3D weighed 0.749 ounces, their painted black one 1.0 ounces. Called Oregon Rifle works, their 16" doesn't weigh 15.4 ounces, she weighed it @ 23.4 ounces. |
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Posted: 6/15/2019 3:06:58 PM EST
[#30]
PWD updated...with Smoke Comp and everything else from this page of the thread. Also folded in the user submitted data. Let me know if you guys come up with anything else!
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Posted: 6/15/2019 6:42:02 PM EST
[#31]
Can't remember if I submitted this one:
https://www.ar15shop.us/products/knives-2685-517a25f5-c3cd-453b-83ff-168d74e1f375 Commercial diameter, claimed weight of 2.5 oz. $4 plastic buffer tube, likely the best cost/weight loss part in this thread. |
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IN, USA
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Posted: 6/16/2019 8:37:14 AM EST
[#32]
Tactical advantage armory
I had these made custom. I still have the black one laying around as a spare  " />
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TX, USA
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Posted: 6/16/2019 3:50:34 PM EST
[#33]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By breastroker:
Looks like I might be able to get the polymer lower down to 6.6 ounces without buffer and spring. Add another 1.1oz and 0.5 ounces so total of 8.2 ounces Hoping to get the upper down to 30.5 ounces What does your barrel nut look like? That is really light for a handguard and barrel nut. |
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IN, USA
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Posted: 6/16/2019 10:03:13 PM EST
[#34]
4.54lb with the monster on top
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NV, USA
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Posted: 6/17/2019 4:11:34 PM EST
[Last Edit: breastroker]
[#35]
Got my DSA Sand Cut BCG today.
Changed to a titanium cam pin, titanium firing pin, and added a RCA adjustable carrier key with titanium set screws, blue Loctite. I weighed 6 different 556 bolts, all weighed the same. Final weight 139 grams which converts to 4.90 ounces. Not the lightest but close and no aluminum was harmed by a Dremil tool. Close enough to be within scale limits to Jasons 4.89 ounces. Sending my spare Faxon barrel out to be cut down, hopefully under 18 ounces. Going to cut my spare BAD 0.625" titanium gas block down a little more than the last one. I have 5 of the 300 BO springs, 4 weigh 1.15 ounces, one weighs 1.13 ounces. Not much difference but as we say grams add up. Got to trim my Taccom buffers (2 pieces) weighs 0.55 ounces hoping to get below 0.45 ounces like a previous version. I stole one piece for my AR308. Anyone know what the lightest mid length gas tube is? I have tried several and none were even close to the weight listed. |
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Posted: 6/17/2019 5:28:56 PM EST
[#36]
Very excited, just got off the phone with John at Smoke Composites. Have a CF handguard coming for a review article, will see how things go after that for more follow-up articles.
I've enjoyed diving into magnesium, lithium-aluminum and titanium parts, this should be just as much fun. |
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TX, USA
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Posted: 6/18/2019 7:06:57 PM EST
[Last Edit: JasonblkZ06]
[#37]
Finished a part I had been working on for awhile and replacing that dropped another .25 ounces off the total weight. Then I worked on a few other things I had been brainstorming on to get another .07 ounces off bringing the weight from 2.36 to 2.340 lbs. Getting almost impossible at this point to make it any lighter but 2.338 is realistic and I would like to make it to 2 1/3 lb eventually. The total weight with optic and mount is now at 2.48 lbs. I am going to work on the mount and finding titanium hardware for that. You can't aim without an optic.
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USA
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Posted: 6/18/2019 7:50:09 PM EST
[#38]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By JasonblkZ06:
Finished a part I had been working on for awhile and replacing that dropped another .25 ounces off the total weight. Then I worked on a few other things I had been brainstorming on to get another .07 ounces off bringing the weight from 2.36 to 2.340 lbs. Getting almost impossible at this point to make it any lighter but 2.338 is realistic and I would like to make it to 2 1/3 lb eventually. The total weight with optic and mount is now at 2.48 lbs. I am going to work on the mount and finding titanium hardware for that. You can't aim without an optic. Kind of the deal here... |
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TX, USA
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Posted: 6/18/2019 8:10:23 PM EST
[#39]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Nada-Nada: Can you post more pictures and a parts list with weights? Kind of the deal here. |
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SC, USA
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Posted: 6/18/2019 11:28:31 PM EST
[Last Edit: pscot468]
[#40]
I haven't dived into custom parts yet, all my stuff is factory. I think the only way to drop weight off my ultra light rifles anymore would be switching from magnesium to carbon fiber handguards and ditching optional parts like the dust covers altogether. I don't want to do that so I guess I'm stuck! Lol, I'm very happy with 3.2 lbs for 556 and 4.5 lbs for 308. I would like to see a polymer 308 port door that's designed with weight savings in mind. The strike industries one is heavier than v7 aluminum. Polymer door rods would be nice too. Hera doors come with an enlarged end polymer rod but it's too short for other doors! And the blackthorne upper doesn't work with any port door with an adjustable detent like the mako or hera 🙄
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NV, USA
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Posted: 6/19/2019 12:51:24 AM EST
[#41]
Some photos of the upper and lower separately being weighed would be nice.
Also a shot of the CF handguard, looks like some holes for less weight and additional heat dissipation. Heck some of us want to buy your special parts. You cutting more than a quarter ounce is HUGE. I am down to a gram here a gram there. |
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USA
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Posted: 6/19/2019 7:38:36 AM EST
[#42]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By JasonblkZ06:
I said I would in an earlier post, but I am looking into manufacturing some of these.. so only count on some items for the time being. I already posted the entire rifle at 2.360. I haven't seen certain items posted from other people as well I guess there is some kind of secrecy on certain things? Still, you can post pictures of the overall firearm, not the close up that shows basically nothing. Feel free to use masking tape to cover sensitive parts / features. List of parts weights is important. I mean, this is the lightest AR we know of, that's extraordinary, so data is needed. What parts do you intend to make? As others said, this thread is all about discovering ways to make the platform lighter and folks have a voracious appetite for details and will consume parts that are made available. |
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Posted: 6/19/2019 8:01:21 AM EST
[#43]
Considering that smoke composites can make pic rail out of CF, I wonder if they've considered making a monolithic upper...sorta like the mega machine MTS, but with a very high grade aluminum bbl nut. That would allow us to eliminate all the weight related to upper / handguard mating. I suppose it'd be stupid expensive also...but awesome.
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USA
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Posted: 6/19/2019 8:35:33 AM EST
[#44]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By jekbrown:
Considering that smoke composites can make pic rail out of CF, I wonder if they've considered making a monolithic upper...sorta like the mega machine MTS, but with a very high grade aluminum bbl nut. That would allow us to eliminate all the weight related to upper / handguard mating. I suppose it'd be stupid expensive also...but awesome. Same thing for V7. Would love to have a uber light mono-upper that saves weight over the combined components. |
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SC, USA
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Posted: 6/19/2019 9:35:53 AM EST
[#45]
I want a polymer 308 upper!!! Lol I'm brave enough to try it!!! 🤣 Or maybe just stupid enough.
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NV, USA
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Posted: 6/19/2019 12:42:29 PM EST
[#46]
I don't want a 308 polymer upper, but I would like a 2A Xanthos V2 with additional weight removed.
Like a center groove between the top rail. Maybe half an ounce from the upper and another half an ounce from the lower. They have had 3 years of great sales of the Xanthos, time to discount the original Xanthos and bring out that Version 2! And come on, some carrier manufacturer needs to come out with a steel carrier like the ultra lite AR15 carriers, price point between $100 and $150. Cut 4 ounces and they would sell out every batch they make. And 2A could make a "builders series" of Xanthos, under 18 ounces for about $300 and those would sell out quickly. Combine that with their 20 inch 6.5 Creedmoor barrel and you got the start of an under 5 pound AR 6.5Creed. Those of us who have built under 4.5 pound 308 ARs know how hard it is. |
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FL, USA
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Posted: 6/19/2019 5:01:37 PM EST
[#47]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By jekbrown:
Considering that smoke composites can make pic rail out of CF, I wonder if they've considered making a monolithic upper...sorta like the mega machine MTS, but with a very high grade aluminum bbl nut. That would allow us to eliminate all the weight related to upper / handguard mating. I suppose it'd be stupid expensive also...but awesome. |
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Posted: 6/19/2019 5:59:50 PM EST
[#48]
I don't think they do, but I could be wrong...
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NV, USA
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Posted: 6/20/2019 2:29:04 PM EST
[Last Edit: breastroker]
[#49]
Here are my barrel nuts, start at 38 grams and usually cut the extra material off and drill and tap for 3 M4 or M5 titanium button head screws.
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NV, USA
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Posted: 6/20/2019 2:31:36 PM EST
[#50]
Anyone know why the web site is putting the photos full size, I resized these photos to 30%, they should have been smaller?
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