The AR-15 has become one of the most popular sporting rifles in America. Its storied history as the premier service weapon for our armed services, as well as the immense number of lightweight AR 15 customizable options ensures that there’s an AR for everyone out there. But some interpret customization as adding more gear and accessories to the forend, sides, and stock of their rifle.
There’s something to be said for having a tricked out AR with all of the latest gadgets, but for everyday use or even frequent trips to the range, a lightweight AR is easier to shoot, easier to carry, and even easier to care for. Here at RailScales, we’re always looking for ways to shave weight off our ARs, while still maintaining its stellar performance.
Why would you want to shave off weight, and how is it supposed to help your performance? Glad you asked.
Why You Want A Lightweight AR 15
A common line of thinking when it comes to packing a rucksack or building an AR is that parts become ounces, ounces become pounds, and pounds become pain. Going the lightweight AR15 or AR10/SR25 route can be the difference between liking a rifle and loving it.
While some might take a certain satisfaction in hauling a super-customized but incredibly heavy rifle around with them, for the rest of us, a lighter weight firearm is more enjoyable to use and carry, and easier to bring to the range or competition. That’s why some AR owners look for ways to trim some weight off their rifles.
#1: Ditch the Carry Handle Sights
Carry handle sights are a classic look for any AR. An integral part of Eugene Stoner’s design, this angular and pronounced rear sight gave the AR platform an immediately recognizable look. And while they might be a practical way to carry the rifle, they add unnecessary weight, and with the development of multi-point slings, they aren’t even the best way to carry the rifle anymore. In short, ditch the carry handle and come into the present.
Instead, use a lightweight flip-up rear sight. These can be quickly mounted to the integrated Picatinny rail that is on most AR upper receivers anyway. Not only will you save weight, you’ll also save space, reducing the profile of the rifle, and creating more opportunities to mount accessories like optics or lasers if need be.
#2: Reconsider Your Lower Receiver
Your lower receiver has to have a certain level of durability to it in order to withstand the rigors of recoil that shooting puts on it. However, metals are no longer the only option. Instead, lower receivers are now made from highly durable — and, more importantly, lightweight — polymers. While not many polymer receivers are ready for frequent use or even minor abuse, a few brands have produced reinforced polymer lowers that make use of metal components and reinforcements in select areas. The result is a light and reliable receiver that can be quickly mounted to your rifle.
For those concerned about the long-term viability of a polymer lower receiver, aluminum is a great alternative. In some cases, these aluminum receivers are cut away or beveled in non-essential areas for further weight savings. All things considered, a good lower in 6061 or 7075 will outdo a polymer based lower and give you a sense of relief knowing the most crucial component of your rifle won't fail you.
#3: Your Stock Doesn’t Have to Stay Stock
The stocks that are provided with many off-the-shelf rifles are often heavier than they need to be. While there’s something to be said for having a heavier stock for precision target shooters, for most everyone else, a lightweight stock is the way to go.
Additionally, a stock swap is one of the easiest, and most affordable, ways to lower the weight of your rifle. There are a variety of minimalist, tubular style stocks that weigh very little and are still adept at dampening the recoil of your AR, especially if it’s chambered in a more forgiving caliber like .223/5.56. For larger calibers, like .308, you may need something more substantial. But, more than likely you will be just fine with an adjustable stock of your choice. With 308, you will need to worry about the rifle feeling more balanced than anything as its a bigger caliber and a bigger rifle.
#4: The Devil is in the Details
A litany of little parts that may not seem like a source of a lot of weight at first glance are dispersed throughout your AR-15. When taken together, however, even these little pieces can add up quickly. In these cases, looking for aluminum or titanium replacements is a little way to make a big difference.
For instance, think about replacing these parts:
- Safety levers
- Trigger groupings
- Magazine releases
- Trigger guards
- Charging handles
- Bolt releases
- Muzzle devices
Taken together, this can contribute a few pounds to the overall weight of the rifle. When replaced, you may find that you enjoy a lighter rifle, without compromising the usability of your weapon
#5: Bye-Bye Bulky BCG
Surprisingly, there’s plenty of weight to be saved in your bolt carrier group. Numerous brands now offer ultra-light BCGs that do not compromise the integrity of the parts. In fact, when you pair them with an adjustable gas block, you can tailor the recoil you feel, making it equivalent to what you experienced with a full-sized BCG.
More importantly, you should consider this section as being prudent to the rifle functioning as intended. Going lighter weight in the BCG realm can lead to functionality problems which will affect the experience with the rifle.
#6: Holey Handguards
One of the most obvious places to save weight is the handguard. While the Picatinny rail system has been a near-constant companion of military and law enforcement for decades, that doesn’t mean it’s the best option. Indeed, with new options made from polymers or lightweight metals, you can quickly save weight simply by swapping out your front handguard.
Consider using a polymer handguard with new rail systems like M-LOK or Keymod. These rail systems actually remove material from the handguard, saving more weight. Of course, the length of the handguard will also contribute some measure of weight. In general, shorter handguards will weigh less, but will also limit the number of attachments you can add, including foregrips, rail covers, and more.
#7: Light Barrels for Weight Savings
Last but not least, let’s talk about your barrel. Unless you’re looking to achieve groupings smaller than your fingernail, a heavyweight barrel really isn’t doing you any favors on your regular range rifle. Instead, look into the numerous lightweight barrel options that are now all over the AR market.
Consider the length of your barrel. While longer barrels give you an added measure of accuracy, they also add a pronounced weight to the forend of your rifle. Thankfully, barrel design and manufacturing techniques have gotten much better in recent years, allowing for highly accurate and lightweight barrels that are also quite short.
You’ll find carbine length and even SBR length barrels that can still drill bullseyes onto a target at the range all day long pending you give the barrels time to cool down a bit as lighter weight profiled barrels will heat up faster. Going the carbon fiber wrapped option may not be a bad route to look into either!
Your Source For Lightweight, Functional AR Accessories
When you’re counting every ounce on your rifle, but still need an added measure of control, choose the lightweight and rugged rail covers, foregrips, and handstops from RailScales. Made from premium materials like High-Temperature Polymers, G10, and machined aluminum, you’ll get all the advantages of these AR accessories, without the added weight gain.
RailScales Lightweight AR Handguard Covers
Our flagship product, RailScales, are high-quality lightweight handguard covers designed to provide you with better heat protection, a textured grip, and an overall superior shooting experience. We take immense pride in making a premium product that is thin and lightweight while being strong and reliable. We understand that while making adjustments to make your AR-15 lighter, you don’t want to risk forfeiting quality. That’s why we construct our AR-15 forend covers from super strong G10 material that provides durability and reliability while also being thin and lightweight. Read on to learn more about our lightweight AR-15 grip covers, and shop our G10 RailScales in M-LOK today.
The G10 RailScales in M-LOK
Our G10 RailScales in M-LOK are designed to provide the strength and durability you need in a textured grip cover for your AR-15. Manufactured to perfectly fit an M-LOK rail system, our RailScales are strong but also incredibly lightweight.
While AR-15 classic handguards, such as the pic rail, are one of the most commonly used rails, the M-LOK system is lighter weight. Many AR-15 owners prefer the M-LOK system over the pic rail, Keymod, or any other rail system. That’s why we’ve created a line of our patented RailScales just for M-LOK handguards.
Materials
Our M-LOK RailScales are made from CNC machined G10. This super hard and durable material is a high-pressure fiberglass composite material, meaning it’s made by layering glass cloth that’s been soaked in epoxy resin, which is then compressed under heat and cured. This creates a thin but extremely strong material. G10 is the strongest glass fiber resin laminate available, which is why we chose it for use in our RailScales.
Our RailScales also feature 416 stainless hardware, allowing us to offer a superior and vibration-free attachment method.
Construction
Our G10 RailScales in M-LOK are thin and lightweight. Each scale is only 0.125-inches thick and weighs less than 0.3 ounces with the attached hardware. They are constructed to be extremely strong and durable while minimizing the amount of added weight to your AR-15, thus making our handguard grip covers some of the most sought after on the market.
Patterns and Sizes
Our AR-15 handguard grip covers are available in three lengths and four different patented textures, allowing you to customize your firearm and ensuring that we have a grip cover available that will work for your needs. We offer a one-, two-, or three-slot length grip covers depending on the size you need for your AR-15. Additionally, we offer these grips in your choice of dragon, honeycomb, matrix, or minidot textured patterns.
Specs
Our G10 RailScales in M-LOK are designed and manufactured specifically to offer our customers a better option when it comes to AR-15 lightweight accessories. That’s why our AR-15 forend grip covers are designed to be light yet strong and reliable. You can expect to receive a grip cover with the following specifications when your order from RailScales:
- Width: 0.6 inches
- Thickness: 0.125 inches
- Length:
- 2 slot: 3.2 inches
- 3 slot: 4.7 inches
- Weight with hardware: 0.3 ounces
- Constructed from G10 with 416 stainless nuts
Order Your Lightweight AR-15 Parts From RailScales
Are you in search of an AR-15 performance upgrade solution? Look no further than RailScales. Our textured forend grip covers are designed to provide you with a better shooting experience. Manufactured from super strong yet lightweight materials, our AR-15 forend grip covers provide superior heat protection, a reliable textured grip, and are designed to fit perfectly on your M-LOK rail system. Learn more about our lightweight AR-15 parts and order your G10 RailScales in M-LOK from us today!