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Post by wfa on Oct 9, 2015 15:48:08 GMT -8
I wasn't sure where to post this, so here it is!
Anyone who has ever built a light weight AR/MSR is well aware of the ounces that the buffer adds to the overall weight. Has anyone removed some/all of the weights from the buffer and then used an adjustable gas block to controlled the action? I can see where SOME weight would be necessary to dampen differing gas pulses, and inertia is necessary to aid in chambering a round, but is all that weight really necessary?
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Post by GLSHOOTER on Oct 9, 2015 19:08:47 GMT -8
They weigh less than six ounces at most. You would have to decrease BCG mass along with changing the spring rates. Lots of money to be spent for virtually no gain. The adjustable block is not the be all to end all. Physics is physics. You put that mass down range something is coming back. Standard buffers and springs give reliability. You mess with one the others will bite your tail.
Greg
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Post by wfa on Oct 9, 2015 19:49:58 GMT -8
I take it that "it's been tried". Could you provide some clue as to "who, when, and where" so I can read about it?
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Post by GLSHOOTER on Oct 10, 2015 6:44:33 GMT -8
I take it that "it's been tried". Could you provide some clue as to "who, when, and where" so I can read about it? No not directly. I rad this all over the net. ARFCOM gets into it and I have seen some guys on the 68FORUM that do it trying to cure pure build issues when they can't get the gun to run. I would search for light buffers and light BCG's on the various forum areas on competition shooting. Of course one thing about it every set up is unique but there are lots of ways to get there depending on your pocketbook. If you want to cut weight you can spend $150.00 and buy sling swivels that are 0.5 OZ lighter or $90.00 for a bolt catch that weights 0.3 OZ less. $$'s are King for sure. Cutting weight is best done with barrel profile, hand guard choice and butt stock choices IMHO. Greg
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Post by wfa on Oct 10, 2015 8:57:24 GMT -8
I agree with you Greg. I'm very happy with the weight of my "rifles" (Yes, some are carbines), even the accuracy of "light" barrel profiles. I was curious; I'm not a cat, so probably not fatal.
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Post by savagecornmuffin on Oct 13, 2015 11:06:48 GMT -8
I went ultralight AR crazy for a while. What ever weight you save trimming the buffer you'll gain back some or all with an adjustable gas block. Its hard to get lighter or better for a light weight project than a carbine gas/buffer set on a cut down A2 front sight. Just cut the A-frame and the bayo lug off and your good to go.
How light are you getting before you feel the need to start trimming weight off the buffer? Are you looking to build a 6.5 Rifle in a light weight?
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Post by wfa on Oct 13, 2015 15:27:33 GMT -8
My 300AAC weighs in at 6lb 12oz, the 264 LBC at 7lbs even, both with Leupold optics installed. I'm happy with both. These two are the only ARs that I assembled with weight in mind, both run flawlessly. It was a question asked out of curiosity concerning the concept, not to meet some "need".
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Post by savagecornmuffin on Oct 15, 2015 6:50:44 GMT -8
This is where I went with my last build. 6.81 lbs with 5 rds in a short 10 rd mag. Not with the Mag shown. I've since switched to Weaver 2-7x32 and have hit the 6.5 lbs mark. This barrel isn't as light as it can be. If I re-profiled the barrel, I'd save weight, but I'll only do that if I build a standard weight 264. As far as the gas system, its carbine length on a typical low-pro gas block and carbine buffer. It runs like sewing machine. Never misses a beat. Stacks up brass in a neat pile at my 5 o'clock. If have a few buddies that say it should be dropping brass between 3-4 o'clock meaning they think it should dwell more in the cycle. But since it runs so well I'm not changing anything. Well, I might try a stiffer buffer spring. Maybe. I don't think you will setup a lightweight to be more reliable or save effective/felt weight by lightening the buffer or bolt carrier. Well,. you can, but then its a cost vs weight saving problem. Even stiil, if I wanted to get into the low low 6lbs range with a standard carbine gas setup I'd have to have a pencil profile barrel. Re-profiling the barrel might get this particular rifle around 6.25 to 6.2 lbs range. Running a different optic one could get in the the sub 6lbs range. So,.. I guess what I'm saying through all that rambling is that you need a Cash requirement and a weight requirement that is realistic to your cash requirement. I started out wanting an ultra-light bolt action and was prepared to drop $2k on it. Then I realized I could get damn close with an AR and spend far less cash.
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Post by bobatl on Oct 15, 2015 13:35:21 GMT -8
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