Lighter weight AR upper

[Elkfitness]

Hey all,

I'm looking for a lightweight upper for my AR. I have a 20 inch stainless bull barrel currently. Looking for something that is a little more carry friendly, but is still accurate. Thoughts? Mike

 

[JWP58]

Alexander arms claims their 18" lightweight upper 6.5 grendel is 4.3lbs. Are you looking at only 223/556?

 

[Elkfitness]

Just 223/556

 

[Johnson27]

Elkfitness

Try a RRA 18" ATH upper. It's a lot lighter than my RRA 20" SS bull barrel and it will be a tack driver - mine is.
Sorry. Partial to RRA since they are a few miles away.

 

[husky390]

I bought this kit awhile ago. I'm pretty happy with it.


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[husky390]

Just a thought, but if you're just looking for a plinker, you can buy the Ruger AR556 or S&W for less than what I paid for that kit.


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[Elkfitness]

Thanks for the replies. Looking to not go much over $600 for the upper. I think I can sell my 20" upper for 450ish and want to stay within $200 net for a lighter upper. I'll check out the rock river upper and see what they have on sale, and the PSA ones too.

 

[duchntr]

Have you thought of just building one yourself? Should be able to piece one together pretty cheap

 

[Elkfitness]

I've thought about it a few times , but haven't ever done an upper.

 

[Roy68]

Sent you a pm

I'll vouch for RRA as well but mine are not their lightweights so no experience with those.

 

[husky390]

Here's another option and check out Rainier Arms too.

Troy Industries 16" 5.56 Complete Upper - with 13" M-LOK Rail and Flip Up BattleSights - Flat Dark Earth SUPG-5MF-16FT-00

 

[matthewmt]

Just go 16" maybe a BCM enhanced​ light weight upper.

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[sdfuller]

If you want a lightweight upper get a lightweight barrel from any brand that fits your budget and use a magpul handguard instead of a rail. Those two items account for pretty much all of the actual and felt (swinging barrel) weight. Like a stabilizer, the farther away from the pivot point (your shoulder) the weight is the more you'll feel it.

I would personally recommend building one yourself if you have access to a torque wrench for the barrel nut. The rest of the upper can be assembled with a crescent wrench and something to drive the pins in (punch/channel locks). If you get a gas block that uses set screws or is clamped by socket head screws they usually provide the needed allen key. There's tons of how to videos online and it's a fun afternoon project!

 

[Raven22]

just keep the upper you have and replace the barrel with a carbon barrel.