Ultralight Ultralight Rifles

[robtattoo]

Never played with Roam magnesium parts, but I do have experience with Mag Tactical and BCM magnesium components.

Here’s the type of upper I prefer to start with: it’s lightweight, strong as hell, and has fewer protrusions on the right side to mill away for the side charging handle.

https://www.deltateamtactical.com/ar15-9mm-22-forged-slick-slide-upper-black-anodized.html

If you don't mind me asking: Why the 9mm over 5.56 upper? I'm assuming you're just milling out the ejection port larger.

 

[StupidLightweight]

9mm uppers were the earliest slick side uppers with pic rails and no shell deflector or port doors. In essence, they’re the simplistic upper to begin with but magnesium or poly will be lighter. My issue with the Mag Tactical uppers were sloppy tolerances.

Press fit barrels are the way to go but you can’t always make that work. Instead, epoxy bed the barrel to upper.

 

[Big_wals]

For anyone interested in an upgrade to the BCA charging handle, I got one of these in the mail this morning.

Six Two- BCA Side Charging Handle (Gen 2) -

Upgrade your Bear Creek Arsenal side charging AR with one of our premium Two Six Two or Six Two side charging handles!

skunkcreekarms.com

A little shorter than the BCA, but feels quite a bit nicer to run. I had hoped that being aluminum it would be lighter but it’s .15 oz heavier than the factory one…. Oh well. This BCA upper isn’t the lightest option anyway.

 

[Thegman]

Thanks again! I assume the pistol port isn't a problem with 223 since it's a strait pull? Mind sharing your experiences with the magnesium uppers you've used?
Oh, any idea on the weight of that preferred upper of yours? I see it listed as 7-8oz

I think you two might be talking about two different approaches. Correct me if not; wouldn't be the first time I was completely incorrect.

I think @Trackselk is (or was) referring to making a "rear-pull" straight-pull with the handle attaching at the gas key spot and being pulled from the charging handle spot (milled or cut on one side of the charging handle slot to move the handle forward a little).

@StupidLightweight , you seem to be talking about a "side-pull" straight-pull and cutting out the side to make way for the side-pull handle attached to the bolt carrier, ala-Solo...?

 

[Trackselk]

I think you two might be talking about two different approaches. Correct me if not; wouldn't be the first time I was completely incorrect.

I think @Trackselk is (or was) referring to making a "rear-pull" straight-pull with the handle attaching at the gas key spot and being pulled from the charging handle spot (milled or cut on one side of the charging handle slot to move the handle forward a little).

@StupidLightweight , you seem to be talking about a "side-pull" straight-pull and cutting out the side to make way for the side-pull handle attached to the bolt carrier, ala-Solo...?

Thanks, I should be more clear. I wasn't really worried either way on the charging method since it doesn't affect my choice of uppers, other than if I want side charging I'd just stick with my solo.

 

[StupidLightweight]

All I’m saying is a slick side forged upper is the strongest starting point for any manually operated AR build