Some random thoughts on "weight"

[Doc45]

Not much else to do with the weather like it is and something popped into my tired old brain.

I've heard and read a lot about the latest and greatest "lightweight" products for the AR. Now, I don't know about you guys but for me the days of humping around with a slung rifle are far behind me. I've got a nice discreet carry bag for the carbine that goes into the truck (and locks in out of sight). I go to the range with it, keep it handy around the house and take an "urban" rifle class now and then. It wears a M4 RAS, sopmod stock, Aimpoint and flashlight. All of the ones I've owned have been set-up mostly the same.

This is one weapon where weight is not an issue for me. I can see if I was on patrol etc with it constantly slung I'd be more interested in saving a pound here or there but it's not like the base gun is a Garand or M1A. Maybe it's just me.

Now for a pistol I'm completely in line with keeping it lighter. Hell, it's always there so I do want something a little lighter as I approach my 6th decade of being a general pain in the ass. The Colt Defender I recently picked up is probably the ideal pistol for me to tote 90% of the time. I guess that's why I also like the M&P 9mm full size. Even with 18 rounds in it, in a proper holster it's still a fairly lightweight pistol. Now again it's because I always have one with me and I guess if I always carried the carbine I'd feel differently.

Maybe I'm just turning into a curmudgeon.......nah, I've always been grumpy.

Well that's what happens when there's so much snow and I sit around thinking too much.

Time to go brush off the truck, head out for my Sunday morning ritual of reading the paper over a cup of coffee and a bagel. Have a great day everybody and watch your backs when you're moving this heavy snow around!

[ray1970]

Coffee and a bagel sounds yummy. Might have to see if I can pry my wife away from the house.

[Aloha_Shooter]

As you say, it depends on use. Things would be very different if I was humping it but since I don't usually have to carry my rifles very far, a little mass actually makes for a more stable shooting platform. For IPSC, I like the basic 1911 but I prefer a lighter pistol that won't pull my pants (or shorts) down for CCW. Just had Johnny cakes and some of my maple bacon so I guess it's time to put some warm clothes on and start clearing the driveway ...

[Bailey Guns]

I've gone full circle on rifles. First AR was an original Colt Car-15 with 2-position stock, pencil barrel, A1 configuration. Then carried professionally with lights, rails, etc...and various other "tactical" crap I tried. Most of it isn't for me. I'm back to where I started. Favorite is the Sporter that's almost exactly like the early Car-15 carbine. But I have a 6520 Gov't Carbine that's similar but with 4-position stock and A2 features that I keep ready around the house. No options other than a standard, old-style, web sling. Simpler and lighter is just better for me.

Same in the handgun. Either a Glock 19 Gen 2 or 43.

I just prefer to keep it as simple as possible.

[Great-Kazoo]

Maybe I'm just turning into a curmudgeon.......nah, I've always been grumpy.

it's sunday so i'll let my alternate sig line theft slide


For daily carry it's a s&w snubbie. But... been considering a LCR for that extra ounce or so of savings. I've found the lighter the gun, the higher the recoil. So one has to decide which is more important. Weight or follow up shots.

[Kraven251]

I've seen well built AR's in a 14.5 configuration come in under 6 pounds with a 30rnd magazine. It was complete with optics, full bolt carrier and all of the standard optics, sights, light etc. That said most of my AR's that are my go to rifles are just at 9 pounds, but I still have a troy alpha rail on one of them and that thing is a club, but I haven't had any reason to update any of it, because honestly it works.

I typically carry that in its bag with 7 mags, a spare bcg, cleaning kit, and my multitasker s3. So all in all I'm humping around 20 pounds give or take ...that will take its toll on you over time, but save a situation I should have avoided, I have what I need.

[roberth]

I recently built an upper using the BCM KMR Alpha and it was really light, I'm thinking about using that handguard on a couple of others but....they work fine, just heavier.

[kwando]

4lb 13oz rifle (non SBR) -> http://www.hunterrifleworks.com/csat

[Bailey Guns]

^^ Wow! For $2600 - or $1800 difference - I'll deal with a few extra ounces on my stock Colt.

[whitewalrus]

For a range toy, who cares about the weight? If you will be hunting with it or daily carry, the weight will add up fast. Lighter guns are also better for teaching kids.

I have builds from light to no way I'd hump it more than a mile. Just depended on the reason I was building it for.