Dean B., Brownells Gun Tech extraordinaire, shares his Lightwieght AR on Sunday Gunday! "I started my lightweight AR build with a goal of building a gun that would come in under 5 pounds without optics. I was right at 4.6 pounds using a JP Enterprises ultra-low mass carrier and recoil buffer and a Superlative Arms adjustable gas block, when I decided to see how light I could go. I replaced a solid carbon fiber forend with a Brigand Arms forend and shaved off a little more than 3 oz. Then, I installed the Faxon 14.5" pinned brake barrel and knocked off a little more than 3 oz. again.
I am now down to a 4.1 pound rifle without optics, and 4.4 pounds with optics (Aimpoint Micro red dot). With this setup, I can adjust the gas needed to cycle the rifle and it feels like shooting a rimfire 22. Now my goal is to get the base gun below 4 pounds. I have been looking at the V Seven Ultra-light components and do believe I will be breaking that barrier shortly. Once I hit my 4 pound mark, I will probably be done, but I guess you never know until you hit your goal, how much farther you want to take it."
