Lightweight carbine on budget...

[Nestor]

Weight or should I rather say the lack of it, was always one of the most important virtues of the AR platform in my opinion. So when my wife decided to get involved into sport I started to look for the options available out there and AR came out on top. It's always possible to build a carbine just the way you want it and it's a rewarding process, but usually one ends up paying more than while buying factory new.
Did I say "budget limitations"?
Well, I sure have some. Long story short, I was able to secure a deal on EE for pre-owned, but NIB Colt 6720 Lightweight LE Carbine. Pretty good starting point for light, KISS carbine.
Here I'll present some of the ideas that I'm going to employ over the next couple of weeks while trying to keep the weight down and slightly enhance the ergonomics and flexibility of this, particular Colt.
I'm not saying that it's the right way, just presenting some ideas that may or may not work for you. In my case priority is to keep it light and simple.

Carbine as it came from the factory:



Weight with no magazine on my kitchen scale: 2698 grams (5 lbs and 1.5 ounces).
No carry handle, pencil barrel, standard Colt M4 handguard with double shields, Magpul back-up rear BUIS, standard M4 buttstock.

 

[Nestor]

A2 pistol grip (67 grams) was replaced with MFT Engage grip and since I'm not planning to keep any batteries inside that grip I have no need for the rubber inner compartment. That helps to keep weight on the same level with factory grip. Rubber seal at the bottom will stay in place. Now the new grip weights 65 grams.



Will it stay? Only time will tell. I generally don't like finger grooves, but I've got this one in the local store with no shipping involved, so few $$$ were saved. It's OK for now.

 

[Nestor]

Rails...do I need them? Most likely, but not too many, since I'm only planning to have some kind of grip and light up front. Well, maybe not perfect, but still fairly light. FAB Defense railed handguard with single heat shield. That thing was not exactly easy to install. Some minor fitting was involved. Much cheaper than quality rails. As you can see - three of them are included and two remind somehow Magpul Scout mount as they are forward of the handguard. No vertical grip for now, as I wanted to keep it low profile. XTM Magpul handstop will do.
Standard M4 Colt handguard - 171 grams (6 oz).
FAB Defense replacement with Magpul handstop installed - 221 grams (7.8 oz).







I also used additional 7 grams on Magpul rail cover. Carbine weights 2755 grams now. 57 grams more so far, but I have a nice handstop, rails to work with up front and pistol grip installed already. Next in line will be buttstock and fixed rear sight.