Here's my 2 cents. I've owned Nikon's ED50 with fixed 27X wide angle lens for the last 15 years. Superb optics, lightweight at maybe a pound, glorious field of view, and great to use. However, you need a tripod and can't use both eyes.
When I bought 15x56 Swaros, I carried the Nikon much less...
This year, I didn't try many new things, but the time I spent behind SIG Zulu6 HDX Pro 14x50s opened my eyes to how powerful image stabilization is for hunting. Nothing else comes close.
Personally, if I were doing this hunt, I'd do it one of two ways. If going guided, I'd book Patagonia, Argentina. According to the people I know who've done it, they said it was a blast.
If you're going DIY, NZ is where it's at. But keep in mind the free-range stags locals shoot are nothing...
In my experience with maybe 40 builds, sub par accuracy is the exception with ARs. Most shoot surprisingly well. The biggest variable I’ve found is a loose barrel extension in the upper receiver. If you have a hotdog-in-the-hallway fit, even great barrels won’t shoot well. Either try a new upper...
Yes, both should require similar extraction forces. I've only played with .300 BLK, 5.56, and 6mm ARC, but Thegman (our ULUL lord and savior who has much more experience) has a theory: the fatter the case, the harder it'll be to manually extract.
Depends what you plan to do with it, how far you shoot, and how strong you are for manually cycling a 6mm ARC. A .300 BLK, .350 Legend, or maybe even 6.8 SPC might work better.
My preference is the forged slick side uppers. They're strong and lightweight. It's easy to mill the slot for the charging handle on whatever side you prefer.
https://www.joeboboutfitters.com/Spike-s-Tactical-Slick-Side-Upper-Receiver-Forge-p/sp-sft56m4.htm
There are many advantages to a reaction rod for upper receivers. They slide through the upper and lock into the steel barrel extension, enabling you to rotate the upper to work on the sides, bottom, and top without ever stressing the aluminum receiver.
Trust me, if you do frequent AR work...
My apologies, but I don't have the answer to any of the weight questions. When Thegman and I do our unveiling, we'll share the weights of each and every modified part.
As for the Ti knob in the aluminum carrier, I've had no issues, and I threaded it myself with the titanium knob! It's held for...