Ultralight Ultralight Rifles

[JBradley500]

Well I'm surprised that it worked out, but I lost 1.25lbs from last year and reached my goal of 3.5lb with mag, optic, and sling (albeit minimal optic and sling). Not sure if that's impressive anymore, but for a 16" rifle with a full length hand guard I'm happy and this should do all I need it to for 95% of my hunting.

Most weight was lost in the optic (5.5 oz), lower (4.8 oz), sling (4 oz), and barrel (3 oz). The rest was just not using unnecessary parts, using a polymer LPK, and a little more carbon/titanium/aluminum where possible. I did gain 1 oz in the upper, but that was ok because I like having a dust cover and an aluminum charging handle plug.

 

[Welldone]

Very impressive!

 

[C Bow]

Well I'm surprised that it worked out, but I lost 1.25lbs from last year and reached my goal of 3.5lb with mag, optic, and sling (albeit minimal optic and sling). Not sure if that's impressive anymore, but for a 16" rifle with a full length hand guard I'm happy and this should do all I need it to for 95% of my hunting.

Most weight was lost in the optic (5.5 oz), lower (4.8 oz), sling (4 oz), and barrel (3 oz). The rest was just not using unnecessary parts, using a polymer LPK, and a little more carbon/titanium/aluminum where possible. I did gain 1 oz in the upper, but that was ok because I like having a dust cover and an aluminum charging handle plug.View attachment 867162View attachment 867163

May i ask what handguns that is

 

[JBradley500]

Handguard? Smoke Composites Carbon Fiber PCC Handguard - 15". The grip and stock are both Smoke Composites too.

 

[C Bow]

Thank you for sharing

 

[C Bow]

Without modification, I believe the JAG Composites barrel nut is the lightest.

There is a cheap barrel nut on ebay that can be trimmed.

Ultralight Aluminum/ Steel Barrel Nut For NSR Keymod or Mlok Handle | eBay

Barrel Nut Choice : Aluminum Barrel Nut(20g) / Steel barrel nut (80g).

www.ebay.com

Trimmed, you can get the JAG down to 20 grams.

I bought this Jag Composites barrel nut but the carbon tube I have is too big for it can anyone point me in direction for carbon fiber tube that I can order to fit it

 

[ezwy]

I bought this Jag Composites barrel nut but the carbon tube I have is too big for it can anyone point me in direction for carbon fiber tube that I can order to fit it

Measure your nut diameter and get one off amazon with the same inside diameter (if the tariffs let them ship it) mine shipped straight out of china and was here in two weeks.

 

[JBradley500]

Anyone just not run a handguard? I mean it's probably not ideal for precision shooting but for an AR without a gas tube that will likely only take 2-3 rapid shots when hunting, a handguard doesn't seem like a necessity.

 

[Trackselk]

Anyone just not run a handguard? I mean it's probably not ideal for precision shooting but for an AR without a gas tube that will likely only take 2-3 rapid shots when hunting, a handguard doesn't seem like a necessity.

Funny, I haven't seen anyone else think of that! I wonder how much range/precision would be lost.

 

[SteveAndTheCrigBoys]

Anyone just not run a handguard? I mean it's probably not ideal for precision shooting but for an AR without a gas tube that will likely only take 2-3 rapid shots when hunting, a handguard doesn't seem like a necessity.

I think I recall some discussion further back. Maybe around the time of talking about optimal handguard lengths.

 

[Taudisio]

I don’t think it would be an issue if you had a magwell grip and only shot offhand. But touching a barrel is a no no at my house. So bag shooting, taking a rest on a tree, etc. a guy would need to have his wits about him.

 

[Thegman]

This is why I haven't ever tried it. Soothing from a rest is probably 90% of my shooting at game.

Maybe it wouldn't be a problem though? I would think so, but who knows without trying.

 

[180ls1]

Anyone just not run a handguard? I mean it's probably not ideal for precision shooting but for an AR without a gas tube that will likely only take 2-3 rapid shots when hunting, a handguard doesn't seem like a necessity.

I know barrel flexion is real if you put torque/rest it on the barrel, it will effect your POI. That is on hunting weight rifles though.

Maybe a bit or two of carbon arrow shaft attached below the barrel junction?

 

[180ls1]

I also mentioned it earlier but if there was a way to attach your carbon trekking pole that would potentially be a sweet option.

 

[Taudisio]

I keep thinking about it, if I took the kaw valley and (after the attachment screws) cut the top 7/8ths of the tube off and just left a 1” strip for under the barrel, you could also drill a hole for a bipod. It should be fine for bag shooting, and cutting some weight. I would do it if I had a spare tube. I would think with the low weight of these rifles and the stiffness of CF, it should be able to support it without flexing a whole lot.

 

[Thegman]

I keep thinking about it, if I took the kaw valley and (after the attachment screws) cut the top 7/8ths of the tube off and just left a 1” strip for under the barrel, you could also drill a hole for a bipod. It should be fine for bag shooting, and cutting some weight. I would do it if I had a spare tube. I would think with the low weight of these rifles and the stiffness of CF, it should be able to support it without flexing a whole lot.

I don't know about 7/8 of the tube (probably fine I'd think), but in general, I think that would work great. Less the bipod mount, that's what I did with the aluminum handguard on the very first rifle in this thread, although it was just the top half. It works just fine.

 

[Tburt]

Not sure if it has been mentioned or discussed but, I am happy to report that Solo300 is modifying their Gen II further to allow the rear door off the bolt removal - to allow for bolt clearance even if a traditional scope is mounted. I had this issue and evidently another person, and Elijah was on it immediately and going to mail me a new version just as soon as they are anodized and complete. I knocked the roll pin out and it will be an easy swap.

 

[Thegman]

Not sure if it has been mentioned or discussed but, I am happy to report that Solo300 is modifying their Gen II further to allow the rear door off the bolt removal - to allow for bolt clearance even if a traditional scope is mounted. I had this issue and evidently another person, and Elijah was on it immediately and going to mail me a new version just as soon as they are anodized and complete. I knocked the roll pin out and it will be an easy swap.

The original version was completely square across the bottom and I ran into that scope issue immediately with the early prototype. Elijah angled the bottom and that has worked fine for me and my scopes, but version III looks to be even betterer. I didn't know why he changed it further, but you must have been part of that genesis!

 

[Hoosker Doo]

So I ordered a Solo 300 and a barrel from X-caliber in 6x45 to go on it. I started sizing brass and loaded a few rounds up to try as soon as the barrel got in. Upon mounting the barrel, my loads/resized brass would only chamber if I slammed the action shut and there were small nicks on the rim of the casing. If I trimmed my brass down from 1.75" to 1.73 pr lower, it would chamber smoothly.

So I sent the barrel back to X-caliber with my solo bolt and a sized brass and dummy round so they could check for burs and correct depth of chamber. They said they found the chamber to be to spec and "your included bolt failed to close into battery on our PT&G Go Gauge for that cartridge, which means it would already be exacerbating your issue."

So I think I will get an X-caliber bolt (they have a 1 MOA guarantee with their bolts head spaced to their barrels). But that $100 I didn't plan on spending. I haven't contacted Solo yet. I may just let them know, but not sure if I want a replacement or anything.

Thoughts?

 

[Thegman]

So I ordered a Solo 300 and a barrel from X-caliber in 6x45 to go on it. I started sizing brass and loaded a few rounds up to try as soon as the barrel got in. Upon mounting the barrel, my loads/resized brass would only chamber if I slammed the action shut and there were small nicks on the rim of the casing. If I trimmed my brass down from 1.75" to 1.73 pr lower, it would chamber smoothly.

So I sent the barrel back to X-caliber with my solo bolt and a sized brass and dummy round so they could check for burs and correct depth of chamber. They said they found the chamber to be to spec and "your included bolt failed to close into battery on our PT&G Go Gauge for that cartridge, which means it would already be exacerbating your issue."

So I think I will get an X-caliber bolt (they have a 1 MOA guarantee with their bolts head spaced to their barrels). But that $100 I didn't plan on spending. I haven't contacted Solo yet. I may just let them know, but not sure if I want a replacement or anything.

Thoughts?

First thought is to ask if you could size the brass any further than you did. That could solve it if possible. AR bolts can vary for sure, but haven't seen on that sizing couldn’t address, especially with a wildcat cartridge.