AR balance

WRH

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Given a choice, where would the optimal balance point be for an AR? Assume the following:
-How it shoots is more important than how it carries.
-Barrel length is 16". Profile is negotiable.
-Handguards, stock and accessories are negotiable and dependent on where you want the weight.

Is it better to put the weight forward to keep the muzzle steady (if it does in fact work that way)? Or is it better to keep the weight closer to the shooter thus easing the effort required to hold the gun?

All opinions are appreciated. Feel free to state what parts you would use to pull off the desired balance point.
 
On my AR I try to stick the weight around the barrel nut. You don't want it too forward, and you don't want it to backwards. I prefer it slightly front heavy for muzzle control, but not so heavy that it messes with your draw of the weapon.
 
^^^ I concur, but it really depends on what you're doing. I mostly run CQB, so light and handy is key. If you're a bench shooter the six pound bull barrel is no issue as you have bags or a bipod...
 
I found Ergo F93/Magpul M93 stocks adds weight to balance what you throw on the rail.

And I normally put the optic like said around the barrel nut/front pivot pin.
 
In my humble opinion you are overthinking it. Never had an AR where I was worried about balance and I've owned a lot of them.

Buy one, shoot it and enjoy it. :)
 
In my humble opinion you are overthinking it. Never had an AR where I was worried about balance and I've owned a lot of them.

Buy one, shoot it and enjoy it. :)

I have one, I do and I do. I'm just stick at my In-Law's with nothing but an idle mind and an idle smartphone.
 
I have one, I do and I do. I'm just stick at my In-Law's with nothing but an idle mind and an idle smartphone.

LOL! No worries man. I'm chilling at home with beer and my wife is out.

Call me old school but my preference for feel is a 20" barrel with an A2 stock and an ACOG. I've owned them all too.

I just painted my 20" Colt with a Knights Armament rail and ACOG.

2b94e358-28fd-4b83-9f8c-c605c60ac60c_zpsfea29bdf.jpg
 
You don't hear owners of Tavor rifles worrying about "balance" and it's all in the rear. You pays you money - you takes you choice.
 


16" with a2 handguards are my favorite do all, tried every handguard and free float I could get my hands on, this is my favorite for do all.
 
LOL! No worries man. I'm chilling at home with beer and my wife is out.

Call me old school but my preference for feel is a 20" barrel with an A2 stock and an ACOG. I've owned them all too.

I just painted my 20" Colt with a Knights Armament rail and ACOG.

2b94e358-28fd-4b83-9f8c-c605c60ac60c_zpsfea29bdf.jpg

Nice rifle! Looks like what the Marines are using. I'd like to build one of these one day.
 


16" with a2 handguards are my favorite do all, tried every handguard and free float I could get my hands on, this is my favorite for do all.

Yup. My AR 15 came with Mag Pul furniture, including a small PG. That lasted until I shot it the first time. The original handguard went on ASAP. Works for me.
Handling an AR with rails top, port and starboard makes me reach for my gloves. Somebody is making a p!ss pot full of money marketing a great solution to a non-existent problem, turning a handy carbine into an overweight clunker.
 
Yup. My AR 15 came with Mag Pul furniture, including a small PG. That lasted until I shot it the first time. The original handguard went on ASAP. Works for me.
Handling an AR with rails top, port and starboard makes me reach for my gloves. Somebody is making a p!ss pot full of money marketing a great solution to a non-existent problem, turning a handy carbine into an overweight clunker.

I find the carbine length handguards to be too short. My hand naturally wants to sit where the FSB is. Mid-length handguards are just about perfect.
 
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