AR Question #2: Weights

[bratch]

I'm trying to get a guesstimate on my build weight but need a few numbers.

What do the following weigh:

1. A4 Upper
2. Lower
3. Lower Parts Kit without grip
4. Buffer tube and H-buffer
5. Bolt/carrier/charging hammer
6. Misc Springs, etc

 

[DougW]

I guess I will chime in by asking why the components weight is so important to you? I have built 11 rifles ranging from an ultralite carbine to a 22" bull barrel. Let me say that I would not enjoy dragging the bull through the woods, but it is a steadier platform on the bench then the ultralite. Current group includes a HB A3 20" rifle, a Government profile A3 20" rifle, and a CAR style HB 16" carbine, and a relativly light 16" mid length knock around rifle (built from all the parts I have bought and changed out on a bunch of other rifles. I even have a spare upper complete built from spares. Yes, I have the "black rifle sickness".). The 20" Government seems to be the lightest to me. The 16" HB carbine has a Surefire and Aimpoint ML2, so it is a "beefy" rifle.

I suppose you could buy your intended components and build your rifle, then weigh it. I have observed that "weight" of a finished rifle is more dependent on the user than anything. My son's M4'gery's are heavy to me, but not to him.

I don't know if any of this helps or not. I hope so though.

 

[Bartholomew Roberts]

Go by the Maryland AR15 Shooters club and download their excellent "Weight Table" in Excel spreadsheet format. That will let you do a guesstimate that is within 0.1lbs usually.

 

[taliv]

yeah, bart's suggestion is a whole lot easier than what i did when i was building my 4lb gun.... kept driving over to the mailbox etc store with a sack of ar parts and asking to use their postal scale

Doug, weight is weight. the lighter the gun, the longer you can carry it. also, the more felt recoil you will have. a well-balanced rifle is a different matter

 

[bratch]

Thanks for the heads up Bart. Now I'm just waiting to be accepted to the site so I can download.

 

[bratch]

Found this on arfcom

http://builder.ar15.com/

 

[Bartholomew Roberts]

The builder thing will be neat when it is finished and actually has more than 1-2 options listed. The other thing I noticed is that the proportions of the picture were not correct on the 16" barrel.

 

[bratch]

Got the excel sheet and the rifle came in at 6.8 lbs bare with the WOA barrel.