- Thread starter Ksgunguy
- Start date
Can you provide us with pictures or a description of your build?
You can buy 308s as light as 7.25lbs or as heavy as 11.2lbs empty.
You can buy 308s as light as 7.25lbs or as heavy as 11.2lbs empty.
Generally speaking...you won't find many large-frame ARs, even those that are purpose-built to be lightweight/handy/easy-to-hump-around rigs that weigh less than 9lbs or so fully equipped with optics/mount/mag/etc. using a lighter (at most med.) contour barrel of no more than 18". By way of example...my "hunting" rig if I'm going to be humping a large-frame semi-auto around is roughly an AR-10T Carbine, 16" med wt barrel, PRI handguard/rail, and a 2.5-10x optic/rings. It weights right at 9.5lbs with a loaded 5rnd mag (5rnd makes it legal for hunting in WV).
Once you start tacking on big-ass optics, bipods, "enhanced" grips/stocks/rails/accessories, medium to heavy wt/profile barrels longer than 18" or so, etc., the weight can vary pretty wildly and quickly get you up to over 12-13lbs or so in a hurry (hell...some factory issued large-frame ARs weigh north of 12lbs right out of the gate without so much as a mag, much less optics/mounts/etc.).
Knowing a bit more about your build might help to get a ballpark guess as to its weight and where, if at all, you might be able to shed some unnecessary weight/bulk.
Once you start tacking on big-ass optics, bipods, "enhanced" grips/stocks/rails/accessories, medium to heavy wt/profile barrels longer than 18" or so, etc., the weight can vary pretty wildly and quickly get you up to over 12-13lbs or so in a hurry (hell...some factory issued large-frame ARs weigh north of 12lbs right out of the gate without so much as a mag, much less optics/mounts/etc.).
Knowing a bit more about your build might help to get a ballpark guess as to its weight and where, if at all, you might be able to shed some unnecessary weight/bulk.
I love my 308 but I don't use it to stalk hunt anymore..... After I got my first 6.8 spc II I just can't use it in that roll anymore.... 6.8 is much lighter, recoil more manageable and kills um just as dead....
depending on the size of the scope about 11 to 13 lb
hard to get a scoped free float .308 AR to not be a pig
hard to get a scoped free float .308 AR to not be a pig
S
Surgikill
Guest
Got a 260 ar with goodies abd it comes in at 15. The 308 upper comes in around twelve
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my configuration:
SI Defense Gen4 Receiver Set
Geissele SSA-E Trigger
Ace ARFX Stock
XH Heavy Buffer
Lilja 18" barrel
BattleComp BABC
SI defense NIB BCG
APEX 15" Handguard (w/o top rail)
BAD Inc Ambi Selector
Phase 5 Bolt Catch/Lever
Mech Armor Defense "TacOps-1" Charging Handle
Armalite AR10A Magazine Release
Larue A-Peg grip
Vortex 6-24-50 FFP
ADM Recon scope mount
SI Defense Gen4 Receiver Set
Geissele SSA-E Trigger
Ace ARFX Stock
XH Heavy Buffer
Lilja 18" barrel
BattleComp BABC
SI defense NIB BCG
APEX 15" Handguard (w/o top rail)
BAD Inc Ambi Selector
Phase 5 Bolt Catch/Lever
Mech Armor Defense "TacOps-1" Charging Handle
Armalite AR10A Magazine Release
Larue A-Peg grip
Vortex 6-24-50 FFP
ADM Recon scope mount
And ^^THIS^^ you call being built with "light materials" for "stalk hunting?!?!?!"
Look...your optic and ADM mount alone weigh over 2lbs (not sure what you are "stalk hunting" that requires a 6-24x optic)!! Your barrel is likely another 2.5-3lbs based on the more common profile of Lilja's large-frame AR barrels. Then tack on weight for all the other "stuff" (not just the basic receiver/lower and upper parts/etc., but the "accessories" you mentioned) and I'd venture a guess that you are hovering at around 11-11.5lbs with mag.
The rifle you see in my signature photo, weighed 18lbs with a full magazine.
So what does this rig weigh?
Nobody is suggesting that you "skimp" on quality components for any build, but you certainly had to have some idea in mind that this pig was going to weigh a fair bit when you began sourcing components for it. Once you start adding on large optics, QD mounts, extra heavy buffers, a 15" handguard with an 18" barrel, etc., etc., ounces add up to addt'l pounds in a hurry. If you knew going into this that you wanted a "lighter" rifle to hump around on hunts, then you haven't done yourself any favors in terms of overall weight in selecting the components you have selected.
Knowing what, exactly, it weighs as it sits now might help this discussion along, but I'm betting I'm close on my estimate above. You can shed weight off that rifle in a number of different ways, but it really all comes down to what you want when you are done as to what will/won't work for you and how best to accomplish your goals.
My "hunting rig" weighs in at 10.5lbs unloaded....add another .5 to 1.5lbs depending on bipod used.
my hunting 308AR:
DPMS upper and lower
16" heavy contour barrel (DPMS) w/ A2 style flash hider
Lancer carbine length carbon fiber FF
Timney 3# trigger
MFT BULS stock w/ bore snake & bottle of lube
Burris XT 1" high rings
Nikon 3-12 monarch 3 series BDC
badger charging handle
2" nylon sling
3-5 layers of poorly applied Krylon
Did a lot of hiking on a recent mountain lion/coyote hunt (Nebraska does not allow the use of dogs or bait for mountain lion...be prepared for ALOT of hiking) and wish I had brought something lighter. If I draw a tag again for next year I will definitely carry something built on the AR15 platform...probably my 16" 300 blackout.
In a deer blind or tree stand 10+ lbs isn't really a big deal...but hiking 2-5 miles one way in slush or snow carrying a coyote call, binos, range finder, sidearm, snacks/water/toilet paper, 2 way radio, etc gets pretty heavy fast. Only thing I wish I would have brought was a taller bipod; a 12-25" would have kept me in the sitting position and not gone prone for coyotes (after legal mountain lion shooting hours of course).
I don't think there is any such thing as a "light" 308AR rifle out there right now. The new G2 offering from DPMS looks promising, but most are still going to end up with a 9+lb rifle equipped to hunt with. As much as I love the platform, it is just simply not the best "stalking" rifle around. I would never even consider one for a mountain sheep or similar hunt where every ounce counts.
my hunting 308AR:
DPMS upper and lower
16" heavy contour barrel (DPMS) w/ A2 style flash hider
Lancer carbine length carbon fiber FF
Timney 3# trigger
MFT BULS stock w/ bore snake & bottle of lube
Burris XT 1" high rings
Nikon 3-12 monarch 3 series BDC
badger charging handle
2" nylon sling
3-5 layers of poorly applied Krylon
Did a lot of hiking on a recent mountain lion/coyote hunt (Nebraska does not allow the use of dogs or bait for mountain lion...be prepared for ALOT of hiking) and wish I had brought something lighter. If I draw a tag again for next year I will definitely carry something built on the AR15 platform...probably my 16" 300 blackout.
In a deer blind or tree stand 10+ lbs isn't really a big deal...but hiking 2-5 miles one way in slush or snow carrying a coyote call, binos, range finder, sidearm, snacks/water/toilet paper, 2 way radio, etc gets pretty heavy fast. Only thing I wish I would have brought was a taller bipod; a 12-25" would have kept me in the sitting position and not gone prone for coyotes (after legal mountain lion shooting hours of course).
I don't think there is any such thing as a "light" 308AR rifle out there right now. The new G2 offering from DPMS looks promising, but most are still going to end up with a 9+lb rifle equipped to hunt with. As much as I love the platform, it is just simply not the best "stalking" rifle around. I would never even consider one for a mountain sheep or similar hunt where every ounce counts.
My JP LRP-07 with a Swarovski Z6i scope comes in just under 10.0lbs, now that is not light but for a .308 AR rifle it is pretty damn good. Not to mention it has very little recoil and allows for super fast follow up shots. Love my JP
I think most people will tell you their rifle is between "damn I wish it were a bit lighter" and "Damn is this a pig!" 
My 18" GAP10, PRS Stock, Vortex PST 4-14, Atlas bipod and rear monopod, empty mag weighs 14#
-G45
My 18" GAP10, PRS Stock, Vortex PST 4-14, Atlas bipod and rear monopod, empty mag weighs 14#
-G45
Tank-pof
POF*USA P308-20-HSR-308-SPR
Magpul PRS----Weight, w/rifle receiver extension: 1.90 lb.= 30.4oz
Geissele SD-E---is this better than pof trigger
Ergo Tactical grip----5.6oz. This grip came on my Savage 10BAT-K I like it but it is BIG
Magpul 7.62 Pmag----use a 10rd mag only 3.8oz w/10rds ammo 9oz.
Accu-Shot BT12-QK----Weight 7.4 ounces
Slash anti-tilt heavy buffer-------- 11.5 oz.
Flatline Ops anti-cant level----delete save a oz. or two
B.A.D. Ambi-Safety Selector---delete save a few bucks, did it not come w/Ambi-Safety Selector
Atlas V8.1 BT10-LW17 bipod----Weight 12.7 oz.
BCM Gunfighter mod 3 charging handle---added 1oz. or two
NightForce NXS 5.5-22x56 HS ZS MOAR------Weight 2 lbs.= 32oz
GDI Engineering P-ROM L-Model™ 0MOA-------there has to be a cheaper, lighter , lower mount.
Primary Weapons Systems PRC (precision rifle compensator)----WEIGHT 4.9 oz. (pof brake 2.4oz)
including what isn't visible------- do you have lead in there some where
P.S. After looking at your list of spec's, I don't think you can call this a pof rifle any more.
Told ya so!
At this point in time, you have the following options to shed some weight (again...ounces add up to pounds):
a) ditch the XH buffer in lieu of a lighter buffer and move to an adjustable gas block to tune things up where you don't need the addt'l buffer weight (a savings of ~4.5-5oz);
b) ditch the heavy optic and mount combo for something better suited to a lightweight hunting rig for humping all over hell's half acre (your mount/optic now comes in at ~32oz...moving to a lighter, more compact optic and mounting solution will buy you at least another ~10oz);
c) depending on which Lilja barrel profile you went with, you can probably buy some addt'l weight savings with barrel fluting (or recontouring)...how much weight will depend on what the contour is now and how aggressive you want to or otherwise can get with the barrel. Unfortunately, you won't be able to shorten that barrel any (18" RLGS) without having reliability issues.;
d) move from the 15" Apex to a standard 12" rifle-length model which will get you another couple of ounces.
Anyway...just some basic thoughts at this point in time. No matter what, you aren't likely going to get that rifle into the sub-10lb class at this point, but you might be able to get it close. If you like the way it is currently set up and it works well for you (weight issues aside), then learn to live with it whether its less hiking, more time in the gym, finding a carry solution to help you lug the rifle around more effectively (be it a different sling option, pack, etc.), etc., etc.
I appreciate your concern but the weight doesn't bother me. The Geissele is worlds better than the POF. The PRC is better than the POF brake. The GDI is the best QD mount on the market. The ambi selector has a more positive feel than the POF.
Its still a POF, but much better than it was from the factory.
I just put this together 308-18"
9 lbs. 5 oz.
could shed more, remove brake & lighter grip, machine some metal off. OUCH
This has been used for hunting & more. Three 4rd. mags & one 10rd. mag.
Never needed more than 1rd to take a deer, off-hand hunting.
742 Woodsmaster 30-06 8 lbs. 10 oz.
bought in 1963, still looks & works like new, if only the ar could be so good.
9 lbs. 5 oz.
could shed more, remove brake & lighter grip, machine some metal off. OUCH
This has been used for hunting & more. Three 4rd. mags & one 10rd. mag.
Never needed more than 1rd to take a deer, off-hand hunting.
742 Woodsmaster 30-06 8 lbs. 10 oz.
bought in 1963, still looks & works like new, if only the ar could be so good.
This is one of the main reasons why the 6.5 Grendel killed my plans for a nice lightweight .308 16" or 18" carbine. My 16" Grendel is 8.6lbs with a 30mm Vortex 2.5-10x44 Viper PST MRAD and the rather heavy ADM Recon QD mount, plus magazine.
I can have lightweight and very low recoil, with faster mv using higher BC pills that only suck up 32.0gr of powder at the most with 123gr at the load bench. It's just an efficient system all around.
If I was going .308 (no more interest at this point), I would start with a Freedom Group GII, and select the exact barrel that I wanted, use the carbon fiber float tube, and basically be done. I would prefer a Forward Assistless upper as well, with the longitudinal lightening cut along the 1913 rail on the upper before anodizing like Freedom Group Remington did on the R-25.
If I was going to do all that in the larger frame, I wouldn't chamber in .308 anyway, and just go .260 Rem or 7mm-08, but there isn't really a reason to do all that, again because of the Grendel.
I can have lightweight and very low recoil, with faster mv using higher BC pills that only suck up 32.0gr of powder at the most with 123gr at the load bench. It's just an efficient system all around.
If I was going .308 (no more interest at this point), I would start with a Freedom Group GII, and select the exact barrel that I wanted, use the carbon fiber float tube, and basically be done. I would prefer a Forward Assistless upper as well, with the longitudinal lightening cut along the 1913 rail on the upper before anodizing like Freedom Group Remington did on the R-25.
If I was going to do all that in the larger frame, I wouldn't chamber in .308 anyway, and just go .260 Rem or 7mm-08, but there isn't really a reason to do all that, again because of the Grendel.
My 308 is currently sitting at 9.9/10.5 loaded without a scope. My buddy has one that's about 8oz heavier both ways with iron sights
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My Grendel weighs in at 13 lbs without magazine. It's strictly a range gun for field/match shooting. I wasn't planning on it weighing this much when I started building, but it adds up fast.
It's strictly a range gun for field/match shooting. I wasn't planning on it weighing this much when I started building, but it adds up fast. 
My Mega with BCG, PRS, and JP 260 rem barrel weighed in around 10.3 lbs, no scope/bipod. Not sure how good my scale was at that weight range though. Just add the weight of your favorite bipod and scope/mount. If you really want to save weight you could swap the stock out when you go 'stalking'.
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New AR-10 with 24-inch fluted Krieger heavy barrel, Nightforce 8-32 NXS scope, and TBAC 30P-1 suppressor, is nudging 15 pounds with an empty mag.
With bipod, empty mag, scope... right @ 16.5 lbs
Bushmaster BAR10 (Pre-Rock River) A2 20" with Bushnell 5-15X Legend mounted on carry handle. "Skeleton" fixed stock. No magazine. Slash's heavy (rifle) buffer. YHM flash hider/adapter for their 7.62 QD suppressor. No suppressor.
11.75 lbs
11.75 lbs
I just finished putting my AR-10 on a diet and feel pretty good with the outcome. It now comes in at 10 lbs. 14 oz. with scope and an empty 20 round mag.
Went to a light(er)weight scope and mount, dumped the Magpul PRS stock for a MOE rifle stock, went to a lightweight free-float tube. Not too bad for having a big chunk of stainless steel sticking 20" out of the receiver.
Feels like a new rifle and I am much happier with it.
Went to a light(er)weight scope and mount, dumped the Magpul PRS stock for a MOE rifle stock, went to a lightweight free-float tube. Not too bad for having a big chunk of stainless steel sticking 20" out of the receiver.
Feels like a new rifle and I am much happier with it.
Built on a Remington R25 Reciever set
-Burnt Bronze cerakote
-Bartlein barrel, 1-10 twist, M110 contour. 20", threaded 5/8x24 with thread protector
-JP .936 adjustable gas block
-Chambered for 175 smk
-Bushnell HDMR 3.5-21 with Tremor2
-ADM Recon mount
-Bravo company Gunfighter charging handle
-Magpul PRS
16.2 lbs
Famous last words.
Well my Win Mod52 squirrel rifle in 22lr with a 6-24x scope and sling weighs in at 9.2lbs and it has had the bbl shortened to 21 3/4" carbine length. So, any AR in 308 that weighs in under 10lbs should be a feather-weight.
Irish
Irish
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