My Lightweight AR-15

This is a custom built AR-15 5.56 NATO/.223. I have put a lot of attention at keeping the overall weight of the AR light. Though I have parts currently installed that could be much lighter in weight, I also wanted to focus on performance.

[spanishcop]

Normal / Slow Motion... Testing of my AR-15 5.56 SBR rifle. Very low felt recoil and barely any muzzle rise. This was my very first rifle build while trying to achieve a light weight, yet reliable and effective rifle. This rifle turned out to be the best rifle I have ever shot. Final weight 4.46 lbs and shoots like a .22. 

[spanishcop]

Just a couple more pics of the build.

[spanishcop]

I came across this announcement which sounds interesting for those looking to find a lightweight barrel in the 10.5" size. New, Lighter Hanson Profile from Ballistic Advantage http://flip.it/fLCqt

[spanishcop]

More To Come....

Although my SBR has been completed.... I will be updating the blog with new components and other useful things I may find, read or hear about. Im sure I will be doing modifications here and there over time and I will make sure to share those with you.

[spanishcop]

Well the rifle is pretty much complete for now. There may be some things I may modify down the road. As for now the rifle fires great with low felt recoil and in my eyes the rifle is a beauty. I will update as any changes take place.

[spanishcop]

VIDEOS - Buffer & Spring Tests

So I decided to make some time and head out to the range and re-test Spring/Buffer setups that I had. I tested the following combinations:

1) Taccom Ultralight Buffer w/ Wolff Reduced Spring 2) JP Silent Capture Spring 3) Standard AR Buffer w/ Standard AR Spring 4) Taccom Ultralight Buffer w/ Standard Spring 5) Standard Buffer w/ Wolff Spring

So how exactly did I test these setups. Unfortunately I don't have any fancy equipment to make it a perfect test. The test were pretty simple...

I recorded each session Amount of felt recoil I experienced Amount of muzzle rise Maintaining my target for the follow up shot (probably one the most important of them all). This seemed to put everything in perspective when making my decision.

I first started testing each setup by doing single shots. I then proceeded to doing triple taps. I then tested 5 round tests and finally a 10 round test picking up the pace on the trigger pulls. The information I'm sharing is my personal experience.

After quite a bit of shooting as I mentioned before, I narrowed everything down to 2 setups... The Taccom Ultralight Buffer using the Reduced Wolff Spring setup and the other one being the JP Silent Capture Spring.

Both of these setups were fantastic to go along with the SCT Titanium BCG and the SLR S7 Adjustable Gas Block. The JPSCS had a little more felt recoil and a little bit more of muzzle rise that I noticed in my sight picture. The JPSCS also added a lot more weight to the rifle. Of the 2 setups, I wanted to narrow it down to one and I decided to go with the TACCOM ULTRALIGHT BUFFER w/ REDUCED WOLFF SPRING.

The TACCOM Ultralight Buffer w/ Reduced Wolff Spring setup ended up being the best choice that fit me. The Felt recoil was down to a minimum though I can't complain about the JPSCS it performed great also. I was actually quite impressed and happy to see these results. Muzzle rise, was almost none with the Taccom. The JPSCS seemed to have a little more muzzle rise. When I reviewed the video, both systems performed almost identical. As I mentioned before while shooting, you notice a difference between the two.

I was able to maintain my target in sight much easier with the Taccom/Wolff setup than the JPSCS. As you will notice in the video on the 10 round shots, I fired my shots much faster with the Taccom/Wolff without as much pausing in-between shots. With JPSCS, I had to re-acquire the target just for a brief second especially after a few trigger pulls. On the 5 shot and 3 shot, JPSCS did great. I wanted consistent trigger pulls and not so much how many shots can I fire in a specific amount of time. I wanted my shots to count.

Either way.... Taccom combined with the Reduced Wolff Spring and the JPSCS are a great choice to go with.

BELOW IS THE VIDEO OF TACCOM ULTRALIGHT BUFFER w/ REDUCED WOLFF SPRING IN ACTION

BELOW IS THE VIDEO OF THE JP SILENT CAPTURE SPRING IN ACTION

As for now, I will be using the Taccom Buffer and Reduced Wolff Spring setup until something better catches my eye. I've had quite a few people recommend me the VLTOR A5 setup. I'm very curious as to how that setup would work and compare to my current setup. That may be something I may try in the future. The rifle is performing great and I've ran different kinds of ammo through it.

I will post updated pictures once I get the Mission First Tactical stock and the V7 Weapon Systems Buffer Tube which is scheduled to arrive today.

[spanishcop]

Switching to SBR

It has been quite busy around here between work and family and I have not had much time to update this site. I know I mentioned previously that I would be adding some videos of the rifle in action, and yes those are still coming (I Promise) and I think you'll be quite impressed on how smooth the rifle shoots.

So about a week ago, I got my stamp approved for this build. I ordered a couple new items for the AR since now I can switch it from an AR15 Pistol over to an actual SBR (Short Barrel Rifle).

One of the things I purchased was the Naroh Keymod Handstop. I wanted something that didn't intrude much when mounted on the rail. Rather then a hand stop, I wanted this as a finger stop. Something where my index finger could grab on to while the rest of my hand wrapped around the rail. The Naroh hand stop was the perfect tool. This thing is ergonomic and my finger just wraps around it with comfort. I love this thing and it just works. There are many other options for finger stops/hand stops out there. This one just fits me perfect and has a nice appearance on the rifle once installed.

I also purchased the V7 Buffer Tube from V7 Weapon Systems. The part should be weighing in at approximately 3.6oz from what I gathered on their site and should be a great add-on. This part is currently being shipped and should be here in a couple days, so I can't go much into detail on it. What I can say is that I've installed numerous V7 components on to this rifle and I have been very impressed and very satisfied with all of them.

I've been glancing online for quite sometime deciding on what stock would I want to install on my rifle while waiting on my stamp. So after checking online for a bit, I decided to purchase a new stock to go along with the V7 Buffer Tube. I decided to purchase the Mission First Tactical. I think it looks great on a rifle, and I've heard great things about it. Some people have complained about it getting caught on a chest rig at times. I'm willing to invest in it and give it a try. This item has not arrived yet, though it has been shipped. The MFT Stock should be arriving with my V7 buffer tube in the next couple days.

Once these items arrive, I will upload some new pictures. I'm hoping to also have the videos uploaded by this time as well.

[spanishcop]

Buffers and Springs

So I tested the following combinations at the range.

SCT (St. Croix Tactical) Titanium BCG w/ NiB Bolt.

SLR Sentry 7 adjustable gas block.

Combo1: Taccom Ultralight Buffer w/ Wolff Reduced Carbine Spring.

Combo2: Taccom Ultralight Buffer w/ Standard Carbine Spring.

Combo3: Standard 3oz Buffer w/ Standard Carbine Spring.

Combo4: Standard 3oz Buffer w/ Wolff Reduced Carbine Spring.

Combo5: JP Silent Capture Spring.

As for the results...... Well it came down to the Taccom Ultra-Light Buffer with the Wolff Reduced Carbine Spring and the JP SCS.

The Taccom provided flat shooting with the least felt recoil. I really liked this setup and the weight savings. After shooting with the JP SCS and then switching back to the Taccom a couple times.... The Taccom had that Twannnng noise (your standard spring noise) when the BCG cycled through. The JP SCS was just sooo smooth. The JP SCS also provided flat shooting but had more noticeable felt recoil.

With all honesty, I’m going to keep both combinations and do further testing. I’ve got the AR pretty much how I want it and I’m happy with its performance. I just haven’t decided which Buffer/Spring setup I want to stick with.

I've got a Primary Arms 1-6x Scope on the way. I want to try both Taccom/Wolff and JP SCS setups at longer range and re-evaluate targets to see how each performs. They are both great setups and I think you would be pleased, especially when they are being used on a 10.5″ barrel.

I do have videos of the 5 combinations of springs and buffers that I used and I also have additional videos of just the Taccom/Wolff & JP SCS being compared.... but I have not had time to get them edited yet. Bare with me as I am on a busy schedule, but I will get them posted.

[spanishcop]

NOTE: Eotech was not sighted in. I had just removed it from my Smith & Wesson M&P AR-15 and installed it on the AR-Pistol. I was looking for groupings at this point. Targets are 8.5x11 pieces of paper. Ammo used was 55gr Hornady.

The left target reflects 3 shots from the bench at 25yds. A successful keyhole and tight grouping. This is why it’s hard to walk away from a Noveske Barrel, they are just awesome. I will do additional tests at 50yds when I sight the Eotech XPS2 in.

The Right target was 2 sets of triple taps also at 25yds. First set of triple tap are 2 almost key-holed at the top and the hole directly under those 2. The second set of triple taps are the 2 far to the right and one far left that I apparently threw off. These were fired in a standing stance.

The rifle performed flawless. It took about 5 shots to get gas adjustment setup just right on the SLR Sentry 7 Gas Block. I was also using the JP Silent Capture Spring with the ST. Croix Titanium Carrier NiB Bolt. The muzzle has a Precision Armament Hybrid Brake/Compensator and using the 10.5″ Noveske Barrel.

This may not be the best groupings possible, but I also wasn’t able to shoulder the AR-Pistol. Hope to get my stamps soon. Regardless.... I was quite happy with the results.

As I stated earlier... I received my Taccom Ultralight Weight Buffers, and I ordered a couple different springs that I’m going to be testing to see if I can reduce weight from the JP SCS but maintain the performance this AR-Pistol giving now. If any changes affect the performance in a negative way, I will accept the higher weight and stick with the performance I have now.

This is where I’m willing to sacrifice some weight in order to have a great AR15. I know there are lighter ones out there and my intention has never been to be the record in lowest weight for an AR.

My objective remains the same from when I started... Lightweight AR that stays flat allowing target picture to hold in my sights, low felt recoil along with accuracy and maneuverability of the weapon. This AR is a keeper. I’m extremely happy with the outcome so far for my first build. There was no hiccups what so ever during the build or when testing the AR. It fired every single round perfectly.

I will update my findings once springs arrive to test out the Taccom Buffers. Should be arriving in the next day or 2.

[spanishcop]

Current weight of the AR is at 5.09 lbs (this does not include mag or Eotech Sights). I’m not including the sights in the weight as those will be interchanged depending on how the AR is being used. I was hoping to be around the 4.5 lbs, but I’m not far from achieving it. 

The biggest issue pertaining to the weight is the Noveske 10.5″ CQB Match Barrel Staineless Steel which weighs 670 grams.

The JP Silent Capture Spring which weighs 203 grams. By just removing the JP SPS and adding a Taccoma Ultra Light Buffer along with a Carbine spring, I will have weight reduced to 4.65 lbs. That is a lot closer to what I was shooting for.

I could have also added a BoomFab Titanium Bolt Carrier Group which would have brought my weight down to 4.41 lbs in combination with the Taccom Buffer setup.... getting me under the weight I was shooting for and that is still keeping my Noveske Barrel of 670 grams figured in on the weight. I love that barrel, I’m not sure I can part from it regardless of weight.

Tacomma Buffers have arrived Carbine Springs - Still in transit maybe a day or 2 left.

BCG Product comparison weight and price: BoomFab Titanium BCG Complete $579 and Carrier w/ gas key weighs 121.3g St. Croix Tactical Titanium Carrier NiB Bolt $344.00 Carrier/w GK weighs 229g

So 1.3 oz in difference and a price difference of $234. I went with St. Croix Tactical BCG. I will post pictures of it soon. + I love this bolt carrier group. + Offering Lifetime Warranty on Manufacturer Defects. + Free Shipping - Got mine in 2 days. (You will have to sign for it). + Great customer service with super fast email response.

NOTE: I’m not here to knock Boomfab down, I’m sure it is an awesome product and if I had the extra $234 to spend on BCG I probably would have went the BoomFab, but I also want to get my Stamp for SBR / Suppressor and establish an NFA Trust. So maybe I’ll give the Boomfab a try in the future if I get anal enough about reducing more weight. I’m perfectly content with my BCG.

SOOOOO how did the AR-15 Pistol perform? I’ll be posting that soon.

[spanishcop]

Current Build AR-15 Pistol

After all parts arrived here is what I have:

Battle Arms LW-BAD556 Billet LW Recvr Aircraft Grade Alum     199g Timney Trigger Single Stage Trigger                                          69.3g BAD-ASS Ambidextrous Safety Selector                                     19.2g Phase 5 Extended Bolt Release Ver 2                                         22.1g V7 Weapon Systems - Titanium Grip Screw                                  3.4g V7 Weapon Systems - Titanium Takedown Pins                            4.9g V7 Weapon Systems - Titanium Pin 0.154 (small)                         2.3g V7 Weapon Systems - Titanium Buffer Retainer & Spring             1.1g V7 Weapon Systems - Super Aluminum Alloy Castle Nut              6.3g V7 Weapon Systems -  7075 T6 Aluminum QD End Plate            4.8g V7 Enhanced Mag Release - 8620 Alloy                                      5.4g JP Enterprises Silent Captured Spring                                        203g KAK Industries Shockwave Buffer Tube                                       130g KAK Shockwave Stabilizing Brace                                               140g Hogue Pistol Grip                                                                       76.6g

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Battle Arms LW-BAD556 Billet UPPR Recvr Aircraft Grade Alum 181g Noveske CQB 10.5" Match Barrel                                                670g Noveske Gas Pipe                                                                       17.5g Sentry SLR 7 Adjustable Gas Block - Melonite                          36.85g EFAB Hybrid Compensator/Brake                                                99.5g KMR 9" Handguard - Keymod                                                       125g V7 Weapon Systems Titanium Barrel Nut BCM KMR9                 26.1g SCT Solutions - Titanium Bolt Carrier NiB Bolt SS Pin                  229g Raptor Ambidextreous Charging Handle                                      40.7g

Current Weight 5.09 lbs. (This weight is about to lower - Parts On The Way)

[spanishcop]

My List Of Parts

Below is the Item, Description and Weight for each item. These are some of the items I have considered for the build. The price, column was not listed since those can be subject to change. These are weights that I have obtained. Some were obtained online during research and some were weighed here by me after items arrived.

Lower Receiver              Billet Lightweight Receiver Aircraft Grade Alum 199g Trigger Group                Timney Trigger Single Stage Trigger 69.3g Mag Catch Release 1    JP Enterprises Kit - Standard Part 5.4g Mag Catch Release 2    BAD-EMR Enhanced Mag Release 5.6g Mag Catch Release 3    V7 Enhanced Mag Release 5.4g Safety Selector 1           JP Enterprises Kit- Standard Part 16.2g Safety Selector 2           BAD-ASS Ambidextrous Safety Selector 19.2g Bolt Catch / Release 1   JP Enterprises Bolt Release 12.3g Bolt Catch / Release 2   Phase 5 Extended Bolt Release Ver 2 22.1g Grip Screw 1                  JP Enterprises Kit- Standard Part 8.1g Grip Screw 2                  V7 Weapons Systems Titanium Grip Screw 3.4g Takedown Pins 1            JP Enterprises Kit- Standard Part 14.2g Takedown Pins 2            V7 Weapon Systems Ultra-Light Takedown Pins 4.9g Trigger / Hammer Pins   V7 Weapon Systems - Titanium Pin 0.154 2.3g Retainer & Spring 1        JP Enterprises Lower Kit - Parts 2.2g Retainer & Spring 2        V7 Weapon Systems - Spring Buffer Retainer 1.1g Buffer Tube                    KAK Industries Shockwave Buffer Tube 130g Buffer Tube Spring         JP Enterprises Silent Captured Spring 203g Buffer Tube Spring         Carbine Spring 1.88g Buffer Carbine                Buffer 85.05g Buffer                             Taccom Ultra Lightweight Carbine Buffer 1.115g Castle Nut                       V7 Weapon Systems Aluminum Castle Nut 6.3g End Plate (QD)               V7 Weapon System QD End Plate 4.8g Pistol Stabalizing Brace  KAK Shockwave Brace 140g Pistol Grip 1                    Standard 69.3g Pistol Grip 2                    Hogue Pistol Grip 76.6g Pistol Grip 3                    Magpul MOE Pistol Grip 73.7g

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Upper Receiver               Billet LW Receiver Aircraft Grade Aluminum 181g Barrel                              Noveske CQB 10.5" Match Barrel 670g Gas Pipe                         Noveske Gas Pipe 17.5g Gas Block 1                     Noveske Gas Block (included with barrel) 39.8g Gas Block 2                     Sentry SLR 7 Adjustable Gas Block - Melonite 36.85g Compensator/Brake        EFAB Hybrid Compensator/Brake 99.5g Handguard/Rail               BCM KMR 9" Handguard - Keymod 125g Barrel Nut 1                     KMR Barrel Nut (included w/ rail) 45g Barrel Nut 2                     V7 Weapon Systems Titanium Barrel Nut KMR 26.1g Iron Sights                       Diamondhead Swing Out 45 Degrees - D45 198.45g Bolt Carrier / Gas Key 1  Boomfab Titanium Bolt Carrier 121.33g Bolt Carrier / Gas Key 2  SCT Solutions - Titanium Bolt Carrier 158.76g Bolt Carrier / Gas Key 3  Red X Arms - Titanium Carrier 169.71g Bolt Carrier / Gas Key 4  JP LMOS Bolt Carrier 175.76g Bolt Carrier / Gas Key 5  Rubber City Armory Low Mass Bolt Carrier 192.77g Bolt Carrier / Gas Key 6  Smith & Wesson (AR15 Tactical Rifle) 254.01g Bolt Carrier / Gas Key 7  Lantac E-BCG 331.69g Bolt                                 Standard Bolt 43.2g Firing Pin                        SS Standard Firing Pin 8.1g Charging Handle            Raptor Ambidextreous Charging Handle 40.7g Red Dot Site                  XPS-2 262g

Once I get it all narrowed down I will list final parts used in the install

[spanishcop]

Help / Getting Assistance Online

First of all.... good luck !!! Let me start by saying that I did quite a bit of extensive reading on different parts available in the Market. I posted a few questions in some of the forums, and I have to say... only a handful of people responded to help and when I say a handful, that means I could probably count them with my 10 fingers.

Special thanks to that small crowd that was willing to help in answering my questions on the forums or in guiding me to the right place for the answer. With that being said. GOOGLE SEARCH is your friend and so is YOU TUBE. I give many thanks to those individuals who dedicated time to reviewing products. I spent a lot of time watching your reviews on products that I had considered buying for the build. I carefully watched videos on products being made by the manufacturer and how they were tested and checked. There is great information out there, you just have to find it.

[spanishcop]

Organization: Parts, Price & Weight

A good way to stay organized is making a spreadsheet when doing a build. If you have some knowledge of how to use Microsoft Excel, I would highly recommend to use it. Then you can just plug in the numbers and see everything change as you modify components.

I made an Excel spreadsheet with 6 columns which include: Item Name, Description of Item, Vendor, Price, Weight of Parts and the last column Weapon Weight (items selected for build). This last column will provide me with the total weight in grams. I added a formula in the spread sheet to convert total weight to pounds (grams x 0.0022 = pounds). The Price will give me a price of what I spent on each part.

As for my rows on the spread sheet, I listed all the components required to build the AR. Some of these components included additional rows to allow a list of the same part made by a different manufacturer which might differentiate in materials, weight and costs.

[spanishcop]

What Materials Do I Want To Use In The Build?

I want to keep the AR build as light as possible but making sure the parts are of good materials. Weight is definitely going to be important in this build. Titanium is very light and so is the aluminum, so I will most likely try to focus on those rather than steel, though there are parts that will require heavier materials I'm sure.

[spanishcop]

By When Do I Want To Have The AR Build Completed?

Realistically speaking, I would like to have the project done before summer. This will give me time to practice with it and work out any kinks or problems that I may encounter before the good weather gets here and I start hitting the range or competing. Again same as question 4, this is just one of those projects that you never can say “it’s done”. Always something new to add, modify or improve.

[spanishcop]

How Much Am I Willing To Spend On This Project?

Wellllllll........A couple things I personally will be considering are:

This is my first time ever building a rifle and when I set my mind to do something, I want to do it right and use quality parts.

This rifle will always have sentimental value to me since it is my very first build so I want to make it right.

I don't want to add cheap parts (just to get by) that can provide low performance, low reliability or they end up breaking easily and require to re-investment again in a short time period.

Majority of the time..... “What you pay is what you get”.

As much as I enjoy shooting, I will get my money's worth of enjoyment out of it. I have an idea that I will be somewhere in the range of $1800 give or take some. After all... there is always room for improving the rifle down the road, replacing parts with new parts made of lighter weight and/or better materials.... so this project is one of those that probably will never have an ending LOL.

I'm most certain that I will build a new complete upper with a longer barrel to use with this lower at some point or another.