Ultralight Ultralight Rifles

[4090Sharps]

Here’s my current UL build I’m working on. I got Deadshot Barrels to chamber one of their lightweight contour 17 cal barrels using my .17-5.56 KAK reamer for a lighter predator calling rifle.

The barrel still weighed 27oz but it’s 20+ oz lighter than my other .17-5.56 barrel. I got tired of lugging that thing around. A suppressor will add another 10-11oz to the current weight.

 

[Taudisio]

Here’s my current UL build I’m working on. I got Deadshot Barrels to chamber one of their lightweight contour 17 cal barrels using my .17-5.56 KAK reamer for a lighter predator calling rifle.

The barrel still weighed 27oz but it’s 20+ oz lighter than my other .17-5.56 barrel. I got tired of lugging that thing around. A suppressor will add another 10-11oz to the current weight.

View attachment 1008172

I had to look up the caliber. Pretty sweet! A 17gr bullet would turn little critters into goo for sure at 5000fps. I’m curious how the barrel life and the semiauto functions with standard ar’s. I just assume you need a lighter spring to get it to function properly.

 

[4090Sharps]

I had to look up the caliber. Pretty sweet! A 17gr bullet would turn little critters into goo for sure at 5000fps. I’m curious how the barrel life and the semiauto functions with standard ar’s. I just assume you need a lighter spring to get it to function properly.

I’ve only fired it suppressed in a standard AR with an adjustable gas block so far, didn’t bother changing the spring or buffer. The recoil and cycling feels nearly imperceptible in a 9lb gun.

I had an oopsie with my first rifle in the caliber after I loaded some ammo when the powder measure hadn’t fully settled. Ended up way over pressure and blew a case head. Pressure ramps in the 17 cals quickly.

 

[ezwy]

Trashy tip: mount your Trybe hand guard upside down and have picatinny mounting points for bipod and tripod. A 6 arc I put together to see how it shoots and cycles on a bear creek side charger. Will test it out tomorrow.

 

[robtattoo]

Trashy tip: mount your Trybe hand guard upside down and have picatinny mounting points for bipod and tripod. A 6 arc I put together to see how it shoots and cycles on a bear creek side charger. Will test it out tomorrow.


View attachment 1008830View attachment 1008831

That's far from being the dumbest thing I've read..... great idea!

 

[4090Sharps]

Here’s my current UL build I’m working on. I got Deadshot Barrels to chamber one of their lightweight contour 17 cal barrels using my .17-5.56 KAK reamer for a lighter predator calling rifle.

The barrel still weighed 27oz but it’s 20+ oz lighter than my other .17-5.56 barrel. I got tired of lugging that thing around. A suppressor will add another 10-11oz to the current weight.

View attachment 1008172

I got a notification that my B&T Tiger order is off back order, so went ahead and moved the 22 cal AB A-10 from my ULUL to the 17 cal rifle in anticipation of its (hopefully) near-term transfer.

I’m pretty happy with the weight. Will shoot it Sunday and test out the new barrel.

 

[as.ks.ak]

I painstakingly read through all 4200 posts… and I feel more lost than when I started!

I want to build a 6 ARC, specifically for thermal pred hunting in SEAK in the winter. Mostly 100-500 yardages. Will be suppressed. Not looking to do mag dumps. Just an accurate dog killer. Need to help out my goat herds. Wolfs are thick this year. If I’m not getting them in my snares or footholds, I’d love to call them into the same pinch points I’m already trapping…

Not necessarily looking for something crazy light, but more an economical beater under 6 lbs all day.

Post me up your build thoughts or DM me, please! I’m a bolt gun guy with zero AR build experience.


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[glock233]

I painstakingly read through all 4200 posts… and I feel more lost than when I started!

I want to build a 6 ARC, specifically for thermal pred hunting in SEAK in the winter. Mostly 100-500 yardages. Will be suppressed. Not looking to do mag dumps. Just an accurate dog killer. Need to help out my goat herds. Wolfs are thick this year. If I’m not getting them in my snares or footholds, I’d love to call them into the same pinch points I’m already trapping…

Not necessarily looking for something crazy light, but more an economical beater under 6 lbs all day.

Post me up your build thoughts or DM me, please! I’m a bolt gun guy with zero AR build experience.


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For your use, I’d just use a 6 ARC gasser off the shelf with a good accuracy reputation. You could even just use a 5.56 and run the BH or Bone Frog 77TMK loads.

These ultralights are really only about keeping the weight down at all costs. They are not good for nighttime thermal follow up shots, etc.

 

[4090Sharps]

I painstakingly read through all 4200 posts… and I feel more lost than when I started!

I want to build a 6 ARC, specifically for thermal pred hunting in SEAK in the winter. Mostly 100-500 yardages. Will be suppressed. Not looking to do mag dumps. Just an accurate dog killer. Need to help out my goat herds. Wolfs are thick this year. If I’m not getting them in my snares or footholds, I’d love to call them into the same pinch points I’m already trapping…

Not necessarily looking for something crazy light, but more an economical beater under 6 lbs all day.

Post me up your build thoughts or DM me, please! I’m a bolt gun guy with zero AR build experience.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I put together a 12.5" upper that I put on an existing aluminum SBR lower with a LAW Tactical folder, sacrificing some weight savings for compactness. With 9.5 oz of suppressor and a Primary Arms 5x microprism included, it weighed 6lb 5.9oz. Here are the rough details to give you an idea:

• Upper - 48.5 oz (optic not counted in the 48.5 oz weight)
  • Brownells lightweight BC + 6.5G bolt
  • Aero Precision upper
  • 12.5" 6 ARC Faxon Barrel - 20 oz (no longer available, but Ballistic Advantage has an 11.5" at 24oz)
  • Aero Precision adjustable gas block
  • AB Raptor 10 suppressor, no reflex
  • Smoke Composites 10" handguard
• Lower
  • CMMG Mk4
  • LAW Tactical Folder (I think this was 11 oz by itself)
  • Smoke Composites buttstock (closed short pull)
  • Taccom polymer buffer (carbine, but they have a rifle one too)

You could save weight or money with the following substitutions and get below 6lb easily:

• Trybe Handguard from Optics Planet
• Farrow Tech ultralight stock + A2 buffer tube
• Polymer lower receiver
  • More expensive option, Fostech Flite lower
• Fostech Flite upper (also more expensive)

Hope this helps! Lemme know if you need any links.

 

[4090Sharps]

Looking at my rifles and various parts, you should be able to get to a base weight (no suppressor, no optic) under 4.5lb without much issue. A rifle barrel, like Faxon 16" will add another 5oz or so.

 

[as.ks.ak]

I put together a 12.5" upper that I put on an existing aluminum SBR lower with a LAW Tactical folder, sacrificing some weight savings for compactness. With 9.5 oz of suppressor and a Primary Arms 5x microprism included, it weighed 6lb 5.9oz. Here are the rough details to give you an idea:

• Upper - 48.5 oz (optic not counted in the 48.5 oz weight)
  • Brownells lightweight BC + 6.5G bolt
  • Aero Precision upper
  • 12.5" 6 ARC Faxon Barrel - 20 oz (no longer available, but Ballistic Advantage has an 11.5" at 24oz)
  • Aero Precision adjustable gas block
  • AB Raptor 10 suppressor, no reflex
  • Smoke Composites 10" handguard
• Lower
  • CMMG Mk4
  • LAW Tactical Folder (I think this was 11 oz by itself)
  • Smoke Composites buttstock (closed short pull)
  • Taccom polymer buffer (carbine, but they have a rifle one too)

You could save weight or money with the following substitutions and get below 6lb easily:

• Trybe Handguard from Optics Planet
• Farrow Tech ultralight stock + A2 buffer tube
• Polymer lower receiver
  • More expensive option, Fostech Flite lower
• Fostech Flite upper (also more expensive)

Hope this helps! Lemme know if you need any links.

This is exactly what I was hoping for. Thanks buddy!


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[packgoatguy]

This is a parts list if some wants to build a 2.5lb or lighter ULUL StraightPull 223

ULUL AR

Barrel:
(easy button option)

https://www.shawcustombarrels.com/shop/product/223-wylde-16-1-8-twist-ultralight-contour-portless/666

Or
To save money, the BCA barrel is lighter, but you will need to plug the gas port.

BC-15 | 5.56 NATO | 16" Parkerized Light-weight Barrel | 1:7 Twist | Carbine Length Gas System

BC-15 | 5.56 NATO | 16" Parkerized Light-weight Barrel | 1:7 Twist | Carbine Length Gas System This Bear Creek Arsenal AR-15 16" light-weight contour, parkerized 5.56 barrel has a carbine length gas system with a 1:7 twist. Our 5.56 parkerized rifle barr

www.bearcreekarsenal.com

Upper/Bolt
(Easy button) Solo300
$329 plus tax/shipping

Solo 300 Action

• 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

Or, lightest option is the Fostech Magnesium, but you will need to mill out the side charging port.

Flite Stripped Upper Receiver

The Fostech Flite stripped upper receiver mates perfectly with our Flite lower receiver or our Flite lower receiver sets. These uppers weigh in at only 4.92 ounces. Compare this to a standard Aluminum stripped upper at 6.88 ounces and you have a nearly 30% weight reduction. Forged Flite...

fostech.com

Or for the cheapest option, there are basic slick-side uppers you can get for $50-70. you will need to mill out the left side charging handle slot. like this:

NBS Slick Side Billet Upper Receiver

The NBS Slick Side Billet Upper Receiver is a quality, American made billet upper featuring a unique design that sets it apart from traditional forged upper receivers. Manufactured to exacting standards on five axis CNC machines from a solid block of aircraft grade aluminum, this stripped upper...

ar15discounts.com

If you go with any option other than the Solo300, you will also need a bolt/bcg and you will need to cut it down to the proper length. Like this:

Low Mass AR15 BCG- 5.56/ 300 Blackout, Anodized carrier with NP3 Bolt

We are a design and full service manufacturing company that specializes in AR-15 parts & AR-10 parts in the firearm industry. Buy your own firearm parts directly or become a dealer to take advantage of exclusive pricing.

kakindustry.com

Lower:
Tennessee Arms Carbon Fiber Lower
$48.99 plus tax/shipping
$35.00 FFL transfer fee
(When they are in stock)

Tennessee Arms Company, LLC/TNARMS-15 Carbon Fiber

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

www.tnarmsco.com

Grip
Hogue 15 degree
$19.95

AR-15 / M16: 15° Vertical Polymer Grip - Black

IMPORTANT: This grip is installed using the factory screw. A screw is not provided. This grip is not compatible with the Cargo Management System or the Samson Field Survivor Tool. SPECS • Precision fit for AR-15 / M16 rifles • Material: Polyme

www.hogueinc.com

Or the lightest option is the MDT Carbon grip... but it's expensive

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

LPK
NFA poly LPK (if you can find one)

https://palmettostatearmory.com/new-frontier-armory-ar-15-lightweight-polymer-lower-parts-kit-lpk-lw.html

Or any mil spec lpk, $15-45.00

Barrel nut
JAG Composites
$45.00

Barrel Nut – JAG Composites

Or there are some cheap ebay knockoffs
https://www.ebay.com/itm/402990602451

For the stock:

Option 1:

AR15 Ultralight Stock

Weighs only 4 ounces with buffer tube! This is 3D printed in a modified polycarbonate. Comes with 1/4-28 securing screw and 4-40 set screw. This stock wi...

farrow.tech

Plus an A2 buffertube

AR-STONER Extreme Duty Receiver Extension Buffer Tube AR-15 A2 Rifle

The AR-STONER™ Extreme Duty Receiver Extension Buffer Tube is perfect for upgrading an existing AR-15 A2 Stock or building a new fixed stock AR-15...

www.midwayusa.com

Or

Option 2: make a carbon-fiber one (weighs an ounce or two less) but costs about the same.


For the foregrip:

1. Kaw valley PCC handguard
$69-$139

KVP PCC Carbon Fiber Hand Guards - Kaw Valley Precision

The Kaw Valley Precision Pistol Caliber Carbine Carbon Fiber Handguards are designed specifically for use with pistol caliber AR builds. These lightweight carbon fiber handguards feature a 1 5/8" outside diameter, providing the thinnest, lightest, and strongest handguard possible while still...

kawvalleyprecision.com

Or

2. You can make you a Carbon fiber one. $25-35

Also, there are a few other ways to shave a few grams... like a ti grip screw, ti charging handle.

Ti grip screw

TITANIUM PISTOL GRIP SCREW

(Item Code: TIGS) 1/4-28X3/4 UNF BUTTON HEAD CONSTRUCTED FROM GRADE 5 TITANIUM RAW TITANIUM FINISH LIFETIME WARRANTY WEIGHS 3.2 GRAMS INSTALLS WITH A 5/32 ALLEN WRENCH **DRY INSTALL NOT RECOMMENDED. To be installed w/ an oil-based lubricant or Loctite.

www.vsevenweaponsystems.com

Ti charging handle

Custom Charge Handle

This is our own charge handle, designed and built in house out of grade 5 titanium.

nottinghamtactical.com

Also, you will want to consider optics: like the swfa ultralight 2.5-10x32 bdc, or the Nightforce nxs 2.5-10x32 (discontinued) or the Primary Arms SLX 5x or 3x.

You will also want a muzzle thread adapter

Mags
Lancer L5 10rd

https://gunmagwarehouse.com/lancer-l5-gen-2-ar-15-223-5-56-10-round-advanced-warfighter-magazine.html