So now I'm in the market for a lightweight AR. When I say LW I mean less than 7lbs unloaded and no optics. I have a POF but the thing tops out at 10.5lbs w/optics and mag. I'm looking for something my 7 yr old can handle as well as taking it on long hikes.

Currently looking at a budget of around $2000. My top choices currently are a KAC Sr-15, Noveske Rogue Hunter, and Daniel Defense M4V1LW. Have also looked at BCM, LWRC, and 2-Vets Arms but not sure.

Any recommendations? This will mainly be for varmints and pigs.

Sub 5lbs

http://www.magtacticalsystems.com/index.php/rifles

I'd say Daniel Defense.


Unless you can get your hands on the Noveske to look it over first, I'd pass on that. Seems like they've been having some quality issues the past few months on some of their lowers.

Colt AR-15A4 Lightweight, got mine at a show for under $1000+tax. I'd say it comes pretty close to seven pounds with a loaded 20 round Pmag.

For that kind of budget I'd build it from the ground up. I built my 10.5" SBR and it came in right at 4 pounds before optics and ammo. You could build a 14.5" with pinned muzzle device at probably 5.5-6 pounds easily.

I recently did a lightweight build..
very happy with how it came out..

http://tacticalgunreview.com/wilson-combat-custom-ar15-project-build/#more-20348

Sent u a pm

A scope and mag can add 3.5lbs, easy.

That aint no joke.. After building mine and getting it right above 4 pounds I added my Magpul MBUS and a Aimpoint T1 Microdot in a ADM mount. Shot up to just under 6 pounds. Now the T1 is about as light as optics gets, so if you're adding a traditional scope it adds up fast.

My current setup of scope and mag adds 2.3lbs.

Thanks for the replies guys.

I would go custom build. Non billet to keep the weight down. Lots of new lw handgaurds out.
Custom barrel

AR pistol or SBR could keep the weight way down.

Mine is 7.4lbs scoped and loaded, new one will be sub 7lbs

Mind sharing your setup? Mine is a 10.5" SBR with all the parts I bought for it super light weight and mine is still 5.5-6 pounds unloaded with the lightest optic and mount on the market.

Aero Receivers, Spikes Enhanced LPK, WMD NiBx BCG, AR Stoner 300 BO 16" Lightweight stainless barrel, A2 FH, 10.25" Diamondhead VRS-T, Joe Bob Micro Gas Block, Seekins Gas Tube, Magpul CTR, Spikes Buffer tube kit, DNZ Scope Mount and Prostaff 5 2.5-10x40mm scope, 10rd Pmag with 125gr SST reloads.

The next one will use everything with three exceptions, AR 15 Performance 16" 223 Wylde Lightweight barrel and Leupold Mark AR 3-9x40 and 10rd Pmag with 55gr Barns TSX

All three will each shave several ounces off of the current 7lbs 6 1/2oz. Currently, everything on the scale, not assembled, weighs 6lbs 6oz.

I have a set of the MagTac magnesium stripped receivers I plan to build the daughter a calling rifle with. I also have a couple of the ATI Hybrid lowers that I got from PSA when they closed them out for $30 each. I want to build a sub 5lb rifle with quality goodies, if possible.

Your barrel choice will have the biggest impact on the weight of the gun and the balance (which to me is even more important)

eneat,

Are you absolutely set on an AR? You know, you can pick up a lightweight bolt gun that is MUCH lighter and MUCH handier than any AR around. You can buy a youth model too for your son that would be ultra-convenient. The price for a Remmy M7 or Browning XBolt or ABolt (and others) would be well inside your budget. And you would have better choices on calibers, like .243, 260, 7mm-08.

Not looking to get flamed to a crisp here--after all, I own 2 ARs myself--but "lightweight AR" is an oxymoron.

Thanks for the input guys. Think I've settled on a Daniel Defense M4 Lightweight. Rifles comes in just a tad over 6 lbs and DD has a great reputation.

I already have several bolt action rifles in 243 and 7mm. This rifle will be for those times that call for quick followups and close quarters. An AR fits that perfectly.

I know i'm late. I like my lightweigh BCM 14.5 with pinned barrel. I know the pinned barel isn't for everyone.

Just have irons now, will put a T1 when i can afford one.