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Im going down a path I have never been on before and I have a LOT of questions. Good news is I am only going to start with one. When switching out the bcg to a lightweight bcg, is it necessary to switch out the buffer spring to what is advertised as "lower power" spring?
I have a diamondback db15 300blk 16" barrel which has the mid length gas system. I just want to make sure that in my quest for ultra lightweight, I don't mess up its reliability
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Don't do the buffer spring, or don't try to make it lighter with a lighter BCG?
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Both/either reduce reliability
Sean
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Both/either reduce reliability Whats the best route to take to make it lighter but still reliable/accurate?
Last edited by Rlhunter0403; 08/02/22.
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What is the weight loss objective - where are you trying to go, and to what purpose?
There's no wrong answer - but there is the probably of wrong advise if the objective is not known.
This isn't about talking you out of it, but hopefully giving input that has value, rather than a guess at what the desired end state is.
Your best source of easy weight loss is the barrel - going with a skinny profile barrel will net more loss typically than a lightweight BCG.
And, as noted above - you're most likely going to run into reliability issues without some investment in specialized buffers, buffer springs and gas management.
IMHO - most shooters going with lightweight BCGs are trying to increase cycle rates to cut down on competition times vs the weekend p-dog hunter.
The next easy weight cut is the hand guard - assuming a free floated tube or rail?
Going with the smallest diameter handguard, and no quad rails will pick up a few more ounces of savings, especially if you can use an alloy barrel nut.
If you can find a minimalist buttstock - a few more ounces shaved - all things I'd do before going to the BCG route.
Switching the upper to a "slick side" will have some savings, again - we're shaving fractions, not pounds.
JMHO
Last edited by AH64guy; 08/02/22.
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300 BLK with a mid-gas system. Interesting. Might not want to stray too far off the design specs. I'm just thinking out loud, it might be on the verge of under-gassed.
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What is the weight lose objective - where are you trying to go, and to what purpose?
There's no wrong answer - but there is the probably of wrong advise if the objective is not known.
This isn't about talking you out of it, but hopefully giving input that has value, rather than a guess at what the desired end state is.
Your best source of easy weight loss is the barrel - going with a skinny profile barrel will net more loss typically than a lightweight BCG.
And, as noted above - you're most likely going to run into reliability issues without some investment in specialized buffers, buffer springs and gas management.
IMHO - most shooters going with lightweight BCGs are trying to in crease cycle rates to cut down on competition times vs the weekend p-dog hunter.
The next easy weight cut is the hand guard - assuming a free floated tube or rail?
Going with the smallest diameter handguard, and no quad rails will pick up a few more ounces of savings, especially if you can use an alloy barrel nut.
If you can find a minimalist buttstock - a few more ounces shaved - all things I'd do before going to the BCG route.
Switching the upper to a "slick side" will have some savings, again - we're shaving fractions, not pounds.
JMHO The objective is to make it a good lightweight deer/hog hunting rifle. Currently as it sits, its is 6lbs 13oz ready to hunt. Since the 300blk isnt a long range cartridge anyway I didnt put a magnified scope, only a vortex red dot (crossfire). I know sub 7lbs ready to hunt is pretty dang good, but as all of you know one can't help but think "how light can I get it?". Ultimately, if I could shave 1lb off I think I could be VERY happy with that
Last edited by Rlhunter0403; 08/02/22.
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In the AR game, that's fairly light. Keep the rifle as is and build a lightweight rifle using the latest components. It will keep you shooting and you will end up with 2 rifles. Pay attention to published weights and don't hesitate to call the manufacturer and ask if you can't find it. Now the caveat, you'd be surprised how hard and much more expensive it is to build a lightweight AR. I built a low 5lb rifle yrs ago using a Plum Crazy polymer lower and a heavily skelentonized upper, magnesium buffer tube, carbon handguard and a pencil barrel. It was crazy light but was crazy expensive, at least 1/2 the cost of a quality build more expensive than the most expensive rifle I had built to date. I have seen 4lb rifles, but those guys are anal and the majority are extremely talented with access to a machine shop, you couldn't put a price on those rifles. The 4 1/2lb Ar15 Article3.25lb AR15
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In the AR game, that's fairly light. Keep the rifle as is and build a lightweight rifle using the latest components. It will keep you shooting and you will end up with 2 rifles. Pay attention to published weights and don't hesitate to call the manufacturer and ask if you can't find it. Now the caveat, you'd be surprised how hard and much more expensive it is to build a lightweight AR. I built a low 5lb rifle yrs ago using a Plum Crazy polymer lower and a heavily skelentonized upper, magnesium buffer tube, carbon handguard and a pencil barrel. It was crazy light but was crazy expensive, at least 1/2 the cost of a quality build more expensive than the most expensive rifle I had built to date. I have seen 4lb rifles, but those guys are anal and the majority are extremely talented with access to a machine shop, you couldn't put a price on those rifles. The 4 1/2lb Ar15 Article3.25lb AR15I have a Del-Ton light weight 16" carbine length barrel with an A2 front sight on a Tennessee Arms polymer lower. It has an AR15 BCG instead of the M-16 BCG and a standard GI collapsible stock. It's just under 6 lbs without a rear sight. Putting a plastic Magpul rear sight and it's just 6 lbs. I supposed I could take off the A2 flash hider and put on a thread protector and get back under 6 lbs. Everything beyond that is going to get pretty expensive. kwg
For liberals and anarchists, power and control is opium, selling envy is the fastest and easiest way to get it. TRR. American conservative. Never trust a white liberal. Malcom X Current NRA member.
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KWG, did you ever get that barrel to shoot last year? Did the handguard make any difference?
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I recently put together a new one in 5.56. Faxon 16” pencil barrel, ALG handguard, KE arms polymer lower, larue mbt2, full auto BCG, H2 buffer, holosun RDS on reptilla mount. It’s 5.51#. There are better ways to reduce weight than going to a lighter BCG.
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KWG, did you ever get that barrel to shoot last year? Did the handguard make any difference? Yes I did. The free float hand guard made a difference. Another member here turned me on to Unbranded. An AR parts vendor and I picked up several free float hand guards. But, it was a Midway barrel and after using my pistol (10") bore scope I see the rifling was a bit rough with machine marks so I could never get it to shoot like I thought it should. I haven't spent the money yet but my next barrel is going to be a Ballistic Advantage stainless. As I recall, 79S who lives in Alaska has the BA stainless barrel and he likes the way it shoots. I have 2 other BA barrels and they shoot well. Just because it's a bargain doesn't mean it's a real value. kwg
For liberals and anarchists, power and control is opium, selling envy is the fastest and easiest way to get it. TRR. American conservative. Never trust a white liberal. Malcom X Current NRA member.
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You’d be better off starting from scratch than replacing parts probablyGonna be expensive to save ounces for sure
Look up aero thunder ranch lower
You could mill that area out and lose some ounces.
Carbon handguard and if they make it a carbon pistol grip
Titanium parts and pins
Wilson combats minimalist stock or something like it from carbon fiber would help I’m sure
Smaller Barrel profile and go with a shorter barrel pinned and welded if you need a muzzle device. Although losing the muzzle device would save weight as well.
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I recently put together a new one in 5.56. Faxon 16” pencil barrel, ALG handguard, KE arms polymer lower, larue mbt2, full auto BCG, H2 buffer, holosun RDS on reptilla mount. It’s 5.51#. There are better ways to reduce weight than going to a lighter BCG. This is the way.
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Start with this link to AR parts weight database. This will give you a good idea on how to save weight. Just weigh your easily replaceable parts and find where to shave weight. If your rifle is functioning fine right now I wouldn't mess with the BC, Buffer, buffer spring.
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I've been looking at the POF Prescott Rogue in 6.5CM that weighs 7 lbs. That's a very nice weight for a spot and stalk hog rifle.
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Both/either reduce reliability Whats the best route to take to make it lighter but still reliable/accurate? Get rid of the heavy handguard and go with a old military style split handguard. Way lighter.z
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Both/either reduce reliability Whats the best route to take to make it lighter but still reliable/accurate? Get rid of the heavy handguard and go with a old military style split handguard. Way lighter.z Add in the delta ring, end cap and heat shields and there are lots of rails that are lighter.
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Start with a lighter barrel and light accessories (grip, stock, hand guard, sights/scope/mount.
Leaving the buffer, BCG and spring matched to the gas port is how you maintain reliability. It’s a system that works well but the weight is needed.
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