How to improve the balance of an AR15 (balanced)?

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kirill

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I have a nice 16" HBAR (0.750' barrel diameter) with a 4 position stock and a carry handle. As KISS as you get. The problem is that it is front-heavy: when grasped by the carry handle, I can feel how unbalanced it is. This makes off-hand shooting tiring because my left hand is forced to support most of the weight, while my shoulder and right hand are doing nothing.

How can balance this rifle? Are there any adjustable stocks that are heavy enough to offset the weight of the barrel? I don't mind making the rifle heavier (it may even improve my shooting), I just want it to be balanced.

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EDIT: Balanced! :D I bought a plain A2 stock and a cleaning kit. With the old carbine stock, the center of mass of the rifle was around the barrel nut/delta ring. With the new A2 stock, which has the heavier buffer and the cleaning kit in the storage compartment, the center of mass is right in the middle of the magazine well. The rifle is heavier, but I can feel how well-balanced it is and how easy it is to maintain on target. Plus, I have a field expedient cleaning kit (steel rods :mad:) that I can use if needed.
 
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Well, the most well-balanced rifle I handled was a 14" gov't profile with an A2 stock. It was feather-light too. I'll look into changing the stock to A2, since I don't want to buy a new upper/barrel.
 
Trashcan the sliding stock and put on an Ace or YHM skeleton full length stock. Not only will this improve balance, but the longer recoil spring and heavier buffer may also improve reliability [ especially if you've got a short-shorty ].
 
You're complaining about a HBAR 16" with factory handguards...? I have a 20" RRA HBAR (which is close to 1" in diameter under the handguards) with a KAC RAS, 7 KAC panels, a VFG and a SureFire illuminator. Now she tends to get front heavy after a while. I've tried a Stag 16" HBAR carbine and it seemed light and balanced compared to my beast. But as mentioned you can try to put some additional weight into an A2 style stock. ACE Skeleton stocks are also pretty solid.
 
Firstly, PT...pushups/pullups/situps will increase your upper body strength and improve your shooting when you can perform (think 100+ push ups, 20+ pull ups) physically.

Other options if you want to spend money...

A vertical foregrip on the front (sounds counter intuitive adding weight, right?) puts your hand in a more natural angle and it feels like there is less pressure on it.

Change barrel is another option. Medium contour.

Heavier stock? Try a Sully stock (you can weight it), Magpul M93, wait for the UBR to come out. Ace Stock (chunk of metal on the end might make effective balancing measure)

Heavier buffer is also an option. Enidine buffers are getting good reviews for smoothing out cycling and reducing recoil, resulting in a quicker allowance for follow up shots. I'm picking up one to play with, I'll let give it a work out and post impressions.

The purpose of the rifle really determines what you oughta do. You won't want a 12lb carbine to shoot IPSC/Tac rifle with. So you might be better looking at a lighter (GOVT or Medium - but not smaller) barrel profile. instead of adding heavier parts elsewhere. If you're using it for less active shooting, heavier will give you more stability.

YMMV, but I want my gun to be light but fast as possible. (Shoot better, carry longer, move quicker) If you can find a way to shave pounds off to attain a better balanced rifle, I would go that route. But balance is key.
 
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