Thursday, September 27, 2012

Making Weight

Yesterday I talked about extra stuff you can cram into the storage crevices.  But do I/you want to?

It's a lightweight handy package, a carbine, and I want mine lightweight, too.  So I am looking for stuff to take OFF, too. 

Like the bottom sling swivel integral on many buttstocks.  There is a screw and part gone.  That's a few grams.  Small beer.  But something.



Where else can the extra Ell-Bees be shaved off?

Well, get one of those composite rails that are light and smooth.  Only screw on the picatinny lengths you actually need rather than haveing 5 linear feet of sharp aluminum. 

That's the disadvantage to not getting the front sight integral to the barrel, anyway.  No matter what type of barrel shroud you get, there will probably be some flex to it when you sling up.  And I don't know about the weight comparison between integral and rail mounted BUIS up front...

What I need is suggestions like:  "Choose brand X optic over brand Y.  Sure Y is lighter, but you don't need batteries for X.  You'll probably want at least a spare battery for Y.  Of course X costs 4x as much..."

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

Why strip it for a few grams (that you would not notice)? You never know when you'll want that sling loop.

Just buy one made for super light weight.

New Jovian Thunderbolt said...

I have other sling loops.

Geodkyt said...

A properl;y stiff CF free float tube shouldn't flex enough to make a huge difference on a rail mounted front sight at defensive carbine ranges, even under good sling tension.

Of course, shooting from a supported position (such as an ultralight poly bipod) is even better than the best sling position.

Anonymous said...

"pencil" barrel profile. Barrel is the heaviest bit. Check out vuurwapen blog's weight calculator. I like a rifle lenght gas system, but if'n you're wanting light, go for a carbine length. ACE stocks are night and light too, unless you want to get a pistol length buffer tube / receiver extension.

and if you want to go full Bubba, screw getting rails, just apply the optic/foregrip and sling with some JB Weld. . . WAY less weight. "Why JB Weld" you ask? Because duct tape and electrical tape stretch and loosen under recoil. And try to keep it off the BCG.

New Jovian Thunderbolt said...

Dangit!

Coulda saved 3 ounces

Huey said...

reduce weight? Try not loading cleaning kits and the like in storage spaces in your rifle....

Front sight post, definite have to have for me, I don't care if it partially obstructs a RDS or other...when it comes down to it your irons are you ultimate back up...concentrate on the front sight post they say, I want one that isn't coming off...and with a tritium front post or one of those stick on glow in the dark markers it makes for a good reference point in the dark..

Murphy's Law said...

Surefire M300A mini-scout light weights like nothing and takes up next to no room. Ditto for Aimpoint T1 Micro optic. Of course to buy those, you will likely pay more than you did for the rifle, but if you're serious, life's too short to rely on second-class gear.

Geodkyt said...

Could have saved another 1/2 oz.

http://www.702shooter.com/product-reviews/review-new-frontier-armory-lw15/

Angus McThag said...

The old fiberlite stocks are lighter than the new M4 style.

M&A carries new-made ones or you can find them on gunbroker or ebay.

I did a comparison study.