Weight Differences Between Lightweight/Govt. Profile and 14.5 vs. 16'' Barrels

[HGM22]

Just wondering if anyone has any information on the weights of:

16'' Lightweight Middy
14.5'' Lightweight Middy
16'' Govt. Profile Middy
14.5'' Govt. Profile Middy


I know different manufacturers will probably have different weights compared to each other, but just looking for some info. to get an idea of where to go with next AR build. Thinking a 14.5'' Lightweight Middy with A2X might be nice but probably won't get a chance to try one out before buying.

 

[eldon519]

You can find all the info on Bravo Company's website. I think the difference between a 16" middy lightweight and regular weight is 1lb 7oz vs 1lb 12oz for the stripped barrel. I've got a Colt 6720 and love the light pencil barrel. Dropping a 1/4lb off the end makes it feel very nimble.

 

[Onmilo]

You can find all the info on Bravo Company's website. I think the difference between a 16" middy lightweight and regular weight is 1lb 7oz vs 1lb 12oz for the stripped barrel. I've got a Colt 6720 and love the light pencil barrel. Dropping a 1/4lb off the end makes it feel very nimble.

I don't have loose barrels to weigh but 1/4 ounce sounds spot on.

 

[HGM22]

Where is the weight info. on BCM's website? I'm not seeing it.

 

[Inebriated]

 

[HGM22]

Ah thanks for the quick reply. I was being stupid and only looking at the complete uppers, not individual barrels.

 

[henschman]

The raw weight figures don't tell the whole story. Weight matters arithmetically more the closer it is to the muzzle. A lightweight profile may be well less than a pound lighter than a gov't profile, but it handles VERY noticeably better. Also gov't profile doesn't really offer any advantage over light profile. They are all light profile before the gas block, so the barrel whip effect is nearly the same, and the heat sink effect from the heavier profile only on the end is minimal.

 

[HGM22]

That's what I'm thinking too; a little weight off the end is going to make a huge difference. Do you think the 1oz. a 14.5 saves over the 16 makes a difference? I'll probably get the 14.5 just because I want to go as short and light as possible without pistol/SBR, but curious anyway.

 

[jad0110]

The raw weight figures don't tell the whole story. Weight matters arithmetically more the closer it is to the muzzle. A lightweight profile may be well less than a pound lighter than a gov't profile, but it handles VERY noticeably better

I agree. On my 16" carbine, I went from a Heavy Barrel to a lightweight and it made a huge difference. Even with a light mounted it still feels more lively than my old HBAR without the light. Without the light, it balance similarly to my M-1 carbine, which I always thought felt about perfect as far as balance is concerned.

I've never really understood have a HBAR or gov profile on an AR carbine intended for short range defense, but to each his own.

 

[dvdcrr]

Thicker heavier barrels act as a heat sink and help keep the rifle shooting when it gets real hot.

 

[Jackal]

The raw weight figures don't tell the whole story. Weight matters arithmetically more the closer it is to the muzzle.

This is why a 8lb Tavor feels so light.

 

[strambo]

Depending on the specific barrel, you'll drop 4-6 oz going with the LW. I'm doing a lightweight build now, probably going with the BCM 16" ELW, I really like the constant taper and no handguard shoulder. I considered 14.5", might save 1.5 oz more, but then I'd have to hassle with the perm FH install...

 

[HammsBeer]

A 16" Gov is about 4 ounces heavier at the muzzle than a LW barrel.