any semi-auto suggestions for me?

[303tom]

i just don't have good physical strength, i have handled military m16 it's like carrying a heavy furniture, there's just no way i can be good at it if self defense is needed, if i can get a 5lb instead of 6-7lb that could mean big jump in my ability to handle it, while the risk of malfunction maybe increased only marginally if at all. i searched the web extensively, although bushmaster/c-15 is generally not highly regarded, but i didn't see any real examples/incidences that owner reported it failed, and i guess thousands or even tens of thousands are out there and being used everyday, i did see one youtube video that it jammed, but author said poor quality ammo was used...

Sorry about that, sorry I offered up the MAS as a semi-auto for you, it don`t weigh no 5 lbs.

 

[ns66]

@303tom no problem at all thx for the suggestion

just found out colt 6920 is 6.95lbs, the weight on their 2011 catalog is wrong lol

if i go with colt it will have to be the lightweight 6720, can the front and back sights be removed to reduce weight? i'd prefer red dot and i don't need back up since i am not going to iraq

6520 is lighter but i want a flat top

 

[ugaarguy]

I knew I'd bring out the flame throwers by posting my opinion. From changing the subject to personal attacks to red herring arguments nothing ever changes on the net.

Pot, meet Kettle.

 

[ugaarguy]

if i go with colt it will have to be the lightweight 6720, can the front and back sights be removed to reduce weight? i'd prefer red dot and i don't need back up since i am not going to iraq

ns, you can replace the front sight with a low profile gas block (the gas block is integral to the A frame front sight), but it will reduce the weight little if at all.

 

[goon]

I don't know what your weight requirements actually are but a light AR carbine is barely more weight than a five pound bag of sugar. A gallon of water or milk weighs about 8 pounds. I think before you start looking to shave off every extra ounce from rifles that are already so light you should at least get out and handle them to see if they're not manageable as they already are.
And we've said, .22's are great because they give practice with the fundamentals of rifle marksmanship - breathing, sight picture, trigger squeeze. If you master those with a .22 they quickly translate to centerfires, especially to one with as light of recoil as the AR. But if you don't think a .22 is worthwhile for your purposes that's your call.

 

[woad_yurt]

Why not buy a Norinco SKS, a Paratrooper model if you can find one, and be done with it? The ammo is cheap, way cheaper than 5.56, and it's a great gun. If you want to expand your horizons later, you can, but, in the meantime, you'll be thrilled. The Norinco SKS, especially the Paratrooper model, feels almost like a Marlin 60 in hand. I know, I own one.

Note: You can remove the bayonet in two minutes if it has one. Also, a $30 Williams peep sight makes life a lot nicer.

Speak of the devil:
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=268758992

My Paratrooper on top, regular Norinco minus bayonet on bottom:

 

[ns66]

i know 11% tax applies to complete ar-15, how about completed upper? i read it somewhere with completed upper still need to pay tax

 

[ugaarguy]

Why not buy a Norinco SKS, a Paratrooper model if you can find one, and be done with it?

Because ns66 already stated the 7.78 lb M16A2 is too heavy for his or her needs, and you're recommending a rifle that (at 8.5 lbs) weighs 3/4 of lb more.

i know 11% tax applies to complete ar-15, how about completed upper? i read it somewhere with completed upper still need to pay tax

If you order the upper & lower at the same time from the same dealer then the dealer must charge 11% tax since they're selling all the parts to complete the weapon. If you assemble the rifle for personal use I believe you're exempt from the tax, but I'm neither a lawyer nor a tax expert, so don't quote me on that.

 

[goon]

Yeah, from previous posts I'd say the SKS is definitely ruled out on weight. Especially if an AR carbine is too heavy. And I'd doubt there's a tax on the completed upper. They don't count as a firearm.

 

[justice06rr]

how tall are you and how much do you weigh?

A basic AR15 with iron sights isn't really that heavy by any means. One of my shooting friend's who's a 115lb chick can shoot my Spikes Tactical AR15 with no problems, although it will get a bit tiring with extended shooting. there are solutions to that of course, like shooting from a rest (sitting or lying down).

 

[ns66]

does the online vendor charge 11% tax or after it shipped to FFL the FFL will charge 11%? i went an online site it doesn't seem to add the tax

@justice i can use a heavier gun but i just feel much better with a lighter one

 

[ugaarguy]

does the online vendor charge 11% tax or after it shipped to FFL the FFL will charge 11%? i went an online site it doesn't seem to add the tax

The vendor should add the tax after checkout, but check with the individual vendor.

is there 14.5" barrel+muzzle brake pinned and welded for reduced weight?

Sorry I didn't answer this earlier, and I don't know how much weight it saves, but yes such uppers exist - http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/BCM-Standard-14-5-LIGHT-WEIGHT-Upper-Receiver-p/bcm-urg-car-14lw.htm

Sorry. Wrong answer. The Paratrooper only weighs 7 lb.s. It's shorter than the regular Type 56 and therefore lighter. It was also built for the US market and is not a milsurp rifle. It has lighter components as a result. So it ends up weighing about 1.5 lb.s less than the standard milsurp Norinco.

First, Woad Yurt said "a Norinco SKS, a Paratrooper model if you can find one", and then he posted a picture of both. I stated standard SKS weight since I couldn't find an accurate source for the weight on the Paratrooper. I'll take your word that the Paratrooper weighs about 7lbs. That's still about a pound heavier than a lightweight AR like a Colt 6720.

 

[woad_yurt]

The Paratrooper only weighs 7 lb.s. It's shorter than the regular Type 56 and therefore lighter. It was also built for the US market and is not a milsurp rifle.

It looks like any other Norinco SKS that I've seen except for the muzzle end of the barrel. It appears that they altered regular ones to make 'em. The underside of the stock even has the slot cut out to accomodate the folding bayonet. Were they still making new SKSs in the late 80s?

No matter which it is, it's still one fantastic, little rifle, even if you have to pay the $350-$400 that they're bringing nowadays. They're quite a bit more accurate than an AK, too.

 

[goon]

I know ns66 is interested in the PS90. I found this review by accident today. Hope he finds it useful.

http://www.gunblast.com/FNH-PS90.htm

 

[mortablunt]

I'm small and weak and began on an AK in 7.62x39. However, since you said light as possible, I think that a 10/22, a smaller AR, or a Hi-Point pistol caliber carbine. Another gun that caught my eye, but I don't know much about is the Rossi Circuit Judge.

 

[ns66]

thanks all for the replies.
i like the ps90 new technology and 5.7mm, but it's still bulky and as heavy as ar-15. the ar-15 is a bit too long for home defense and close quarters, and weight is also an issue, the lightest i can get is bushmaster carbon-15 upper/lower 5.1lbs without mag. so i think a good PDW lightweight/short and at the same time provide decent long range capability is hard to find still currently. the HK mp7 looks like a good candidate but not available to civilians yet.

 

[priler]

personally i think you need a bit more time to understand certain things and to know what you really need,this is according to your statements here,including how long range capability is achieved,..BUT..

how about an AK pistol(7.62x39). it should be at 5.5lbs,just don't expect to get a cheek weld.

i like a rifle or a pistol,not an AK pistol,an SBR yes but not pistol. i've always thought of them as just fun range toys but maybe it's just what your looking for.

i hope no one ever comes out with a 5.45 version,that would ruin that cheap ammo supply.




...or how about a mossberg 410 with no stock. i think those weigh about the same as an AK pistol. i forget the exact model name.(oops,this is not a semi-auto)

anyway,good luck.

 

[goon]

ns66 - I mean no disrespect, but you can't really understand what you're even saying unless you get to some gun shops and handle some of these guns. Trust me on this - an M-4 clone with a 14.5 barrel and permanent flash hider is very light and quick handling just as it is. A Colt carbine with lightweight barrel is even lighter, and the PS90 is lighter yet. You can literally shoulder and aim it with one hand. An M-1 Carbine fits into the PDW concept very well too. You really need to get to a decent sized gun store and do some handling!

 

[EnfieldEnthusiast]

I'd like to suggest an L1A1 SLR.Probably reasonably-priced in the USA,tough,rugged &reliable & fires a 7.62mm round,which is great for all rifle target work & hunting game too.i believe its 20-30 roumds in a mag.
Thats a gun I would have bought,if they didn't ban them on the UK mainland,like they did 23 years ago & some were also made in old Blighty too,from the BSA factory.
It might be your thing if you are into classic rifles.

 

[roscoe]

Lightweight rifles with low recoil include (in descending order of recoil) include the SU16, M1 carbine, and the 10-22 magnum. All are adequate for self defense within 100 yards.

 

[ns66]

since this thread is resurrected, let me update on what i finally got. i went to the local gun show for full 2 days, and handled all kinds of rifles, shotguns, "pistols", and i know i want to get the lightest ar-15, and ordered bushmaster superlight with red dot. it's lightweight and comfortable for me, put on red dot and riser mount, and magazine, the whole thing probably weights about 6lb+, although i haven't shot it, but i like what i have got so far, pretty happy, no regrets.

i bought it from cabelas, top service, i am very impressed (first time ever dealing with them).

thanks all who replied and all of your suggestions

 

[Ramone]

Good for you!

I was about to offer a 2ond to someones suggestion of the Kel Tec SUB2000 (my preference being the GLOCK19 9mm variant).

Light, portable, good for minute of torso at 100 yards, next cheapest ammo to .22lr, little muzzle flash, quiet (especially with sub-sonic ammo), it's my first suggestion for a first rifle- especially as a first rifle might be the ONLY rifle for a while, which keeps me from jumping on the .22lr first rifle bandwagon.

But Mazel Tov!

welcome to the loud dysfunctional family of AR ownership.