Lightweight AR vs Barrett Fieldcraft

[lennyo3034]

I was thinking of picking up a Barrett fieldcraft for a mountain hunting rifle. However now I’m wondering if I can build an AR-15 to be lighter.

For the fieldcraft, I would go with the 18” .308. For the AR, probably a 16-18” 6.5 Grendel. My shots will be 250 yards max so either should suffice.

I know an AR can be built under 5 pounds, I’m just wondering how ARs of that weight would perform. Is 1.5 MOA achievable at that weight? I know the fieldcraft will likely be better, but that’s all I really need.

Anyone that has built a lightweight AR have input? Which would you prefer?

 

[srt-4_uk]

If you dont need a semi, no point in spending double to get a lightweight AR.

 

[lennyo3034]

That was another question I meant to ask. How much does a full lightweight build cost? The Barrett is around 1800 and I would keep the cost of the build around that. I probably have enough spare parts to build 2-3 regular rifles but most of the parts are not lightweight.

 

[redneckbmxer24]

You could probably build a lightweight AR for around the same price, but I'd rather have the bolt gun. Especially if we're talking 308 vs 6.5 Grendel. I like hunting rifles to be chambered in something you can buy ammo anywhere for in a pinch, the bolt will be easier to shoot especially in a light rifle, and you also don't have to worry about states or localities that ban semi autos for hunting.

Check out the Kimber Montana rifles too. They are solid and weigh next to nothing.

 

[knuckleballz]

What are you hunting? Are you talking mountains out east or out west?

 

[lennyo3034]

Just whitetail. Eastern Mountains in WV so I don’t need the range of a western hunting rifle. Minimizing weight is still ideal because I’m fat.

Currently using a Christensen MPR in 6.5 CM. Very accurate and have made first round hits on kill-zone sized targets out to 1000. But that is completely unnecessary for the type of hunting I’m doing and would prefer to lose a bit of range and capability for reduced weight. It sits at 11 lbs loaded with optic and suppressor.

I think I can get the Fieldcraft at around 7 lbs with optic and suppressor. Obviously using a lighter optic than what I currently have on MPR.

 

[Poorboyr]

Kimber adirondack in 308. Small, light, and crazy accurate.

 

[Lawless]

I am going to go all 10th man here and say a light AR in Grendel would be sweet and allow for instant follow ups if needed....but I know no one here ever misses...?

 

[Mute]

If I wanted a lightweight hunter, I'd stick with a bolt gun. Lighter weight barrels in bolt guns seem to have the accuracy edge over something of similar weight in an AR. If I had $1800+ to spend for a lightweight hunting rifle, I'd get a Seekins Havak Pro Hunter.

 

[free_rider_151]

I was thinking of picking up a Barrett fieldcraft for a mountain hunting rifle. However now I’m wondering if I can build an AR-15 to be lighter.

For the fieldcraft, I would go with the 18” .308. For the AR, probably a 16-18” 6.5 Grendel. My shots will be 250 yards max so either should suffice.

I know an AR can be built under 5 pounds, I’m just wondering how ARs of that weight would perform. Is 1.5 MOA achievable at that weight? I know the fieldcraft will likely be better, but that’s all I really need.

Anyone that has built a lightweight AR have input? Which would you prefer?

I build light ar's. All are sub moa accurate. We manufacture the receivers in house and use criterion or bsf barrels. Pm me or contact me through www.oxfirearms.com for more info.