Lighten up the front on a AR15

dquick

dquick

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Took my nieces (early teen and pre teen) shooting and absolutely loved it. My versamax was the longest of the guns I brought and thought they would hate it but turns out that was their favorite. They even preferred the centerfire pistol over the rimfire.

Anyways, I thought they would have loved the AR15, but turns out they hated it. Was too heavy, were struggling to keep the front end up. Never bugged me before, but now that it was mentioned, now it's bugging me, hahaha.

Currently have a 16" s&j with a 15" samson evolution.

Without changing to a shorter barrel - Any recommendations to lightening up the front?

I was also thinking of installing a heavier buffer to help balance the gun, but that means more weight though.
 
Get a lighter rail. Instead of a 15" handguard, drop it down to a 10" or look at some carbon fiber ones? Possibly a lighter gas block or lightweight barrel?
 
basic_drill said:
0) Shorten barrel (not an option, just should top the list anyway)
1) Use a bipod.
2) Lift weights.
3) Add weight to the buttstock.
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I have niece's, nephew's and buddies kids, etc, that we take shooting. It's more for them. We have them shoot on the bench rest but also have them shoot standing as well.

Recommendations on a barrel and/or handguard to lighten the front?
 
I think Christienson Arms are the guys who make carbon fiber handguards. I don't know the exact weight reduction.
 
Trinimon said:
Get a lighter rail. Instead of a 15" handguard, drop it down to a 10" or look at some carbon fiber ones? Possibly a lighter gas block or lightweight barrel?
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Was thinking of switching to a 12" for the rail. Might knock down 3-5 oz. Was thinking of getting the nsr, looks lightweight, but not sure where to get one.

Any specific barrel manufacturers to look for?
 
dquick said:
Was thinking of switching to a 12" for the rail. Might knock down 3-5 oz. Was thinking of getting the nsr, looks lightweight, but not sure where to get one.

Any specific barrel manufacturers to look for?
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Armtac sells the Noveske Skinny Rail, I got a 7" one from them. I quite like it.
 
If your talking about the T97NSR I can tell you its not a light gun but it doesnt feel heavy when you hold it. To just pick it up feels heavier than my AR, but to hold it feels much lighter.

On the other hand, for the $1000 or so you'll spend on a T97 (great gun BTW... get one either way), you could significantly lighten your AR. I went with an 11.5 light profile barrel (daniel defence), a light weight gas block, 10.5 inch rail and a troy Claymore MD. I also went for an ACE Skeleton stock and a light weight bolt carrier. The whole gun is the lightest I have ever felt. I realize this would require you to build almost a complete new AR, but for what its worth, it can be done. Just the weight savings on the front end made a HUGE difference VS even a standard profile barrel.
 
If you like the S&J barrel, buy there 10.5" barrel. If a 16" is what you prefer, consider a Lightweight barrel contour.
as for a rail, lots of free float tubes that are pretty light. I personally run a troy and love it. Id go with a 10" or 9" persoanlly.
If it is still to front heavy/ not balanced, buy a heavier but such as a VLTOR, B5 SOPMOD or UBR. To furthur increase the but wieght, if it has battery comparments, store some batteries in them!
 
Not sure what the profile of the barrel is, but you could always have it turned down, or fluted to take some weight off.
Assuming it still has life in it, lighten it up, shoot it out, and then get a profile you want for when you rebarrel it.
 
Tiwaz said:
At 13.4 oz. I really don't think its the rail.
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Agree, but was thinking of getting a 12-13" rail anyways. Would shave maybe 2-4 oz. Plus I don't place my hand that far anyways.

I'll look for a smaller/lighter gas block. One I'm using uses 3 maybe 4 screws if I recall. Might try using getting a heavier buffer as well to help balance the gun. Technically adds more weight but if balanced will feel lighter.

The 3 parts mentioned are fairly easy to acquire. As for the fluted/lighter 16" barrel, I took a look at some of sponsors web sites and can't seem to find one.

Someone could point me in the right direction, that would be great.
 
Ar180shooter said:
Get a Norc shorty upper, slap it on when they shoot. Problem solved and you don't have to modify your current setup.
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That's an exceedingly brilliant idea. Probably cheaper than making the lightweight mods talked about, and then the OP gets to keep his ideal upper as is. Compliments!
 
dquick said:
As for the fluted/lighter 16" barrel, I took a look at some of sponsors web sites and can't seem to find one.
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I'd give Wolverine a call.

If you're going that route, there are many reasons to skip the fluting and just get a lightweight profile.
 
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