Ultralight Ultralight Rifles

[BREAKCONTACT]

In regards to the lightest possible (non AR) bolt action rifle build... theoretically with a titanium or skeletonized action, 17oz including bolt and trigger is possible. A 13oz stock is possible. And if a 17oz 16 inch pencil barrel works for an AR15... maybe someone could make one that lightweight for a kimber or Rem700 style action. So...

Theoretically:
17 oz bolt/action/trigger
17 oz Barrel
13 oz stock

That would be a 47oz (sub 3lb) bare bolt 223rem action rifle.

However, I think the bottom end of the 223rem AR15 bolt rifle ULUL possibilities is under 2.5lbs, maybe even 2.25lbs with a full 16 inch barrel. So, I doubt it would realistically be possible to beat (weightwise) the AR15 platform with a traditional bolt action rifle.

So after combing through the parts weight database, just looking at the posted numbers, a 37 oz build is possible just buying off the shelf stuff, but that begs the question, is sub 2lbs possible?

 

[grappling_hook]

Well, the Shaw portless barrel certainly shot Sierra Tipped Matchkings well-- better than such a tiny barrel should be expected to shoot on an AR platform. Shot the 10-shot group below yesterday. Probably capable of an even tighter group if I used a finer reticled and heavier scope (center dot of the Nightforce 1-8 I used is larger than the sticker I used for point of aim). I was hoping for a 2 MOA group; this will do nicely.

 

[ezwy]

X caliber 20% off right now.

 

[KyleR1985]

Mine didn’t shoot any different than my Shaw. Five minutes with a 2-64 tap and cap screw and rocksett and the port is closed. You could buy 4 of these for price of the Shaw.

And it’s lighter.

Yeh the Shaw is the answer. But this is stupid cheap.

 

[Trackselk]

@KyleR1985
Thanks to you, I now have 4 barrels for one gun, and I appreciate it!
-kept chasing lighter & better...

Will these "tapped" ports still work with standard gas blocks if we want to later remove the plug and make it a gas gun?

Another edit: from the looks of it the 5.56 can be loaded longer, as I wanted to run at least 2.36, but the Shaw and green mountain are barely longer than 2.25.

Does anyone know if you ream a 5.56 longer for heavies, does it remove the throat, so you can then choose 223 or wylde throat? Of course tons of people have gone the other direction, but I can't find anyone even asking the question anywhere. I wouldn't do this unless it shot poorly and my Smith said it was because of the throat/he could fix it...

 

[Thegman]

View attachment 808570

Mine didn’t shoot any different than my Shaw. Five minutes with a 2-64 tap and cap screw and rocksett and the port is closed. You could buy 4 of these for price of the Shaw.

And it’s lighter.

Yeh the Shaw is the answer. But this is stupid cheap.

Buy 4, pick the best shooter, sell the other 3 for 35 apiece?

 

[4090Sharps]

I found this stock last night and had to share--4.1 oz and $125. A lighter castle nut or redesigned part with no castle nut could drop that weight lower.

CP Buttstock - CPFIREARMS LLC

CP Buttstock is 3 way adjustable for all none buffer tube systems.

cpfirearmsllc.com

It has me thinking I need to get a 3D printer. I've long been on the fence, and this might be the item that pushes me over.

 

[Trackselk]

I found this stock last night and had to share--4.1 oz and $125. A lighter castle nut or redesigned part with no castle nut could drop that weight lower.

View attachment 808847

CP Buttstock - CPFIREARMS LLC

CP Buttstock is 3 way adjustable for all none buffer tube systems.

cpfirearmsllc.com

It has me thinking I need to get a 3D printer. I've long been on the fence, and this might be the item that pushes me over.

I'd like to know where it's out without the nut, foam pad, and if you want to get really crazy I bet you could use glue instead of the top 2 screws.
Pretty easy to get the carbon tube+farrowtech to 3-3.2oz, but this might have much better ergonomics. I wish they listed a LOP!

 

[ezwy]

I'd like to know where it's out without the nut, foam pad, and if you want to get really crazy I bet you could use glue instead of the top 2 screws.
Pretty easy to get the carbon tube+farrowtech to 3-3.2oz, but this might have much better ergonomics. I wish they listed a LOP!

LOP is 13.5 but he said on the video you just cut it to what you want.

 

[passinggas33]

So I’m trying to catch up on this and have to admit my experience with ARs is the same as the number of deer I killed this year —> ZERO. So please pardon my naiveness regarding terminology and understanding.

What is the verdict on the 6ARC with the Solo300 upper? Sucks or okay to go? This is the chamber I really wanted to do.

400 yards max, folding stock, and goal was right around 3 pounds preoptic and suppressor…

Tell me what I’m missing from my theoretical parts list.

- Faxon 6ARC barrel (is there something I would have to do with this or just screw it on?) - $250 and 26oz.

Faxon Match Series 16", Gunner, 6mm ARC, Mid-Length, 416R, Nitride, 5R, Nickel Teflon Extension, 1/7.5 Twist AR-15 Barrel

This 16" .350 Legend Barrel is made from 4150 CMV Mil-Spec steel with a nitride finish. All our barrels are made and fully tested in-house, right here in the USA.

faxonfirearms.com

- JAG Precision Handguard - $275 and 4oz (OUCH)

Ultralight AR-15 Handguard System – JAG Composites

(Could somebody 3D print something like this for a similar weight)

- Solo 300 Upper and Barrel Nut - $360 and 14oz

Gen II Solo 300 upper (no barrel)

• Manually operated, straight pull • Stainless steel bolt handle • Includes bolt carrier assembly • 5.56/300 Blk sized bolt head • Mil-spec Ejection Port Cover • Accepts AR-15 barrel extensions • Weight: 13oz

solo300.com

Solo 300 Barrel Nut

• Low profile • 7075 T6 Alloy • Weighs just .6oz • Matte black anodized • Fits standard AR-15 barrel extensions • Made in USA

solo300.com

- Tennessee Armory Lower -$50 and 4oz

Tennessee Arms Company, LLC/TNARMS-15 Carbon Fiber

Lighter Stronger and Unreal Performance this AR15 Stripped Receiver is our best yet

www.tnarmsco.com

- New Frontier Armory Lower Parts Kit - $40 and 2oz?

Lightweight Polymer LPK

Upgrade your AR-15 with the New Frontier Armory Polymer LPK. Complete your lower receiver build with this lightweight and reliable polymer parts kit. Made in the USA.

www.newfrontierarmory.com

- MDT Carbon Fiber Grip - $140 and 1oz

https://mdttac.com/mdt-pistol-grip-carbon-fiber/

- Kidon Folding Stock Adapter - $100 and 12oz

Kidon® - Folding Stock Adapter | Kidon® Accessories, Pistol Conversion Kit – Kidon® | IMI Defense

Shop for Kidon® - Folding Stock Adapter now with worldwide shipping from IMI Defense - Your home for top tactical design of gun accessories

imidefense.com

So I come out at ~$1200 for the gun and 63oz. (Barely sub 4)

I’m not as concerned about price (but want to be still sane about all of this) as I am about a good product. So please help me understand what I’m missing or should change for a better value. Would love to cut weight and cost if anybody has some suggestions…

This thread is awesome and is inspiring!!

 

[The Guide]

So I’m trying to catch up on this and have to admit my experience with ARs is the same as the number of deer I killed this year —> ZERO. So please pardon my naiveness regarding terminology and understanding.

What is the verdict on the 6ARC with the Solo300 upper? Sucks or okay to go? This is the chamber I really wanted to do.

400 yards max, folding stock, and goal was right around 3 pounds preoptic and suppressor…

Tell me what I’m missing from my theoretical parts list.

- Faxon 6ARC barrel (is there something I would have to do with this or just screw it on?) - $250 and 26oz.

Faxon Match Series 16", Gunner, 6mm ARC, Mid-Length, 416R, Nitride, 5R, Nickel Teflon Extension, 1/7.5 Twist AR-15 Barrel

This 16" .350 Legend Barrel is made from 4150 CMV Mil-Spec steel with a nitride finish. All our barrels are made and fully tested in-house, right here in the USA.

faxonfirearms.com

- JAG Precision Handguard - $275 and 4oz (OUCH)

Ultralight AR-15 Handguard System – JAG Composites

(Could somebody 3D print something like this for a similar weight)

- Solo 300 Upper and Barrel Nut - $360 and 14oz

Gen II Solo 300 upper (no barrel)

• Manually operated, straight pull • Stainless steel bolt handle • Includes bolt carrier assembly • 5.56/300 Blk sized bolt head • Mil-spec Ejection Port Cover • Accepts AR-15 barrel extensions • Weight: 13oz

solo300.com

Solo 300 Barrel Nut

• Low profile • 7075 T6 Alloy • Weighs just .6oz • Matte black anodized • Fits standard AR-15 barrel extensions • Made in USA

solo300.com

- Tennessee Armory Lower -$50 and 4oz

Tennessee Arms Company, LLC/TNARMS-15 Carbon Fiber

Lighter Stronger and Unreal Performance this AR15 Stripped Receiver is our best yet

www.tnarmsco.com

- New Frontier Armory Lower Parts Kit - $40 and 2oz?

Lightweight Polymer LPK

Upgrade your AR-15 with the New Frontier Armory Polymer LPK. Complete your lower receiver build with this lightweight and reliable polymer parts kit. Made in the USA.

www.newfrontierarmory.com

- MDT Carbon Fiber Grip - $140 and 1oz

https://mdttac.com/mdt-pistol-grip-carbon-fiber/

- Kidon Folding Stock Adapter - $100 and 12oz

Kidon® - Folding Stock Adapter | Kidon® Accessories, Pistol Conversion Kit – Kidon® | IMI Defense

Shop for Kidon® - Folding Stock Adapter now with worldwide shipping from IMI Defense - Your home for top tactical design of gun accessories

imidefense.com

So I come out at ~$1200 for the gun and 63oz. (Barely sub 4)

I’m not as concerned about price (but want to be still sane about all of this) as I am about a good product. So please help me understand what I’m missing or should change for a better value. Would love to cut weight and cost if anybody has some suggestions…

This thread is awesome and is inspiring!!

You will need a new bolt too. The Solo bolt is designed for 223 case head sized cases. Not as simple as putting a different barrel on it.

Jay

 

[BREAKCONTACT]

So I’m trying to catch up on this and have to admit my experience with ARs is the same as the number of deer I killed this year —> ZERO. So please pardon my naiveness regarding terminology and understanding.

What is the verdict on the 6ARC with the Solo300 upper? Sucks or okay to go? This is the chamber I really wanted to do.

400 yards max, folding stock, and goal was right around 3 pounds preoptic and suppressor…

Tell me what I’m missing from my theoretical parts list.

- Faxon 6ARC barrel (is there something I would have to do with this or just screw it on?) - $250 and 26oz.

Faxon Match Series 16", Gunner, 6mm ARC, Mid-Length, 416R, Nitride, 5R, Nickel Teflon Extension, 1/7.5 Twist AR-15 Barrel

This 16" .350 Legend Barrel is made from 4150 CMV Mil-Spec steel with a nitride finish. All our barrels are made and fully tested in-house, right here in the USA.

faxonfirearms.com

- JAG Precision Handguard - $275 and 4oz (OUCH)

Ultralight AR-15 Handguard System – JAG Composites

(Could somebody 3D print something like this for a similar weight)

- Solo 300 Upper and Barrel Nut - $360 and 14oz

Gen II Solo 300 upper (no barrel)

• Manually operated, straight pull • Stainless steel bolt handle • Includes bolt carrier assembly • 5.56/300 Blk sized bolt head • Mil-spec Ejection Port Cover • Accepts AR-15 barrel extensions • Weight: 13oz

solo300.com

Solo 300 Barrel Nut

• Low profile • 7075 T6 Alloy • Weighs just .6oz • Matte black anodized • Fits standard AR-15 barrel extensions • Made in USA

solo300.com

- Tennessee Armory Lower -$50 and 4oz

Tennessee Arms Company, LLC/TNARMS-15 Carbon Fiber

Lighter Stronger and Unreal Performance this AR15 Stripped Receiver is our best yet

www.tnarmsco.com

- New Frontier Armory Lower Parts Kit - $40 and 2oz?

Lightweight Polymer LPK

Upgrade your AR-15 with the New Frontier Armory Polymer LPK. Complete your lower receiver build with this lightweight and reliable polymer parts kit. Made in the USA.

www.newfrontierarmory.com

- MDT Carbon Fiber Grip - $140 and 1oz

https://mdttac.com/mdt-pistol-grip-carbon-fiber/

- Kidon Folding Stock Adapter - $100 and 12oz

Kidon® - Folding Stock Adapter | Kidon® Accessories, Pistol Conversion Kit – Kidon® | IMI Defense

Shop for Kidon® - Folding Stock Adapter now with worldwide shipping from IMI Defense - Your home for top tactical design of gun accessories

imidefense.com

So I come out at ~$1200 for the gun and 63oz. (Barely sub 4)

I’m not as concerned about price (but want to be still sane about all of this) as I am about a good product. So please help me understand what I’m missing or should change for a better value. Would love to cut weight and cost if anybody has some suggestions…

This thread is awesome and is inspiring!!

Skip the JAG handguard if you're doing a solo300 build. You don't need clearance for a gas system. A kaw valley PCC handguard will weigh the same and be 1/3 the price. If you don't need folding, skip that stock and get a rifle buffer tube and a farrow tech stock for like $70. MDT grip can be swapped out for a houge 15 degree grip and weighs like .5oz more. For a stupidly light weight gun like these are, 223 gives me enough range where it's lethal to that I can shoot one with a 5x optic on to. Others have tried 6arc and said it's really hard to manually cycle. I'm waiting on someone to offer a 6max barrel that meets my weight criteria to go to 6mm.

 

[passinggas33]

Thanks for those money saving tips. No significant weight penalty either.

I’d drop the folder but that’s a huge bonus for me when trying to cram it in my side pocket of my pack.

As for the 223 I’d love to go that route but it’s illegal to hunt in my state with that for any sort of big game. That and wanting to fire factory ammo is why I was looking for the 6ARC.

 

[BREAKCONTACT]

Thanks for those money saving tips. No significant weight penalty either.

I’d drop the folder but that’s a huge bonus for me when trying to cram it in my side pocket of my pack.

As for the 223 I’d love to go that route but it’s illegal to hunt in my state with that for any sort of big game. That and wanting to fire factory ammo is why I was looking for the 6ARC.

6x45mm is a saami spec cartridge, though I don't know how available ammo is. The guys making 6max are selling ammo, but I don't know what's the availability of a barrel in the same weight class as your faxon.

 

[The Guide]

Thanks for those money saving tips. No significant weight penalty either.

I’d drop the folder but that’s a huge bonus for me when trying to cram it in my side pocket of my pack.

As for the 223 I’d love to go that route but it’s illegal to hunt in my state with that for any sort of big game. That and wanting to fire factory ammo is why I was looking for the 6ARC.

What distance are you looking to shoot to with this system? If it is sub 200 yards. You might be better served by a 300 BO or a 300 HAM'R barrel instead of the 6 ARC. It is looking like the 6 ARC case geometry needs a semi auto type build for best extraction unless you go with a actual bolt action rifle. The 6x45 works good but has little factory ammo support. The 6 MAX would work but it also has little factory support.

Jay

 

[KyleR1985]

Thanks for those money saving tips. No significant weight penalty either.

I’d drop the folder but that’s a huge bonus for me when trying to cram it in my side pocket of my pack.

As for the 223 I’d love to go that route but it’s illegal to hunt in my state with that for any sort of big game. That and wanting to fire factory ammo is why I was looking for the 6ARC.

You can be set up to reload 6x45, and have the components to do it, for about 1.00 a round for 1000 rounds. Going forward, you’ll be in for less than .70 per since the equipment is already bought. Tons of load data.

Manual extraction no issue.

Barrel will be a few hundred bucks.

 

[BREAKCONTACT]

Thanks for those money saving tips. No significant weight penalty either.

I’d drop the folder but that’s a huge bonus for me when trying to cram it in my side pocket of my pack.

As for the 223 I’d love to go that route but it’s illegal to hunt in my state with that for any sort of big game. That and wanting to fire factory ammo is why I was looking for the 6ARC.

To also add, your barrel weight is the same as mine, idk if you can do a 3lb gas gun with that barrel weight, but a semi auto 4.5lb build is very realistic with a 26oz barrel, mine is at 4lbs 14oz and I can trim a lot of weight still.

 

[passinggas33]

M

What distance are you looking to shoot to with this system? If it is sub 200 yards. You might be better served by a 300 BO or a 300 HAM'R barrel instead of the 6 ARC. It is looking like the 6 ARC case geometry needs a semi auto type build for best extraction unless you go with a actual bolt action rifle. The 6x45 works good but has little factory ammo support. The 6 MAX would work but it also has little factory support.

Jay

My plan was to shoot 400 or less. I already have a ton of that specific ammo so was trying to use it for multiple guns.

 

[passinggas33]

You can be set up to reload 6x45, and have the components to do it, for about 1.00 a round for 1000 rounds. Going forward, you’ll be in for less than .70 per since the equipment is already bought. Tons of load data.

Manual extraction no issue.

Barrel will be a few hundred bucks.

I’m trying to not reload if I can avoid it. I already have too many cartridges I am reloading for and trying to avoid that if at all possible. Running out of time in my life.

 

[passinggas33]

To also add, your barrel weight is the same as mine, idk if you can do a 3lb gas gun with that barrel weight, but a semi auto 4.5lb build is very realistic with a 26oz barrel, mine is at 4lbs 14oz and I can trim a lot of weight still.

I’m at 4 pounds as is right now. Figured with ammo and optic I could be right at 5 pounds. Which isn’t the ULUL or XUL but it’s still quite a bit lighter than any of my regular bolt actions and much more handy.