Lightweight ARs

TheFull9

TheFull9

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For years I've had this build idea for a dead basic, retro style, plastic AR AEG that can be my easy to carry backup. I always bring a double-rifle bag to games but usually only just use the one 'main' gun, so having the spare be super light would just be better all around. Plus it'd be good to have for lending to small friends, maybe for using on proper sweltering days etc etc. Of course most of my other guns are either AR AEGs or use the same mags.

I've got a specific plastic receiver set in mind, but having done a couple of scratch builds in the past few years I'm keen to avoid it again. So basically I'd use the front set and buffer tube, maybe the grip, hopefully some of the internal parts as well (though this thing will go to Neg for a thorough work over).

Grabbed a few examples just from PB:
www.patrolbase.co.uk

CYMA CM.506 M4A1 RIS CQB AEG | Patrol Base UK

A great beginner AEG for Airsoft skirmishing; the CYMA CM.506 M4A1 RIS CQB AEG from Patrol Base is built from tough polymer featuring a robust alloy gearbox!
www.patrolbase.co.uk www.patrolbase.co.uk
www.patrolbase.co.uk

Specna Arms - SA-F11 FLEX™ M4/AR-15 CQBR; X-ASR MOSFET | Patrol Base UK

Need an affordable M4 replica? The Specna Arms SA-F11 FLEX™ M4/AR-15 CQBR; X-ASR MOSFET from Patrol Base is a solid choice! Tightbore barrel & X-ASR MOSFET!
www.patrolbase.co.uk www.patrolbase.co.uk
www.patrolbase.co.uk

S&T M4/AR-15 CQBR Sports Line AEG; ETU Version | Patrol Base UK

Need a light & fast beginner-friendly M4? The S&T M4/AR-15 CQBR Sports Line AEG; ETU Version from Patrol Base is ideal! MOSFET inside. Low cost, high fun factor
www.patrolbase.co.uk www.patrolbase.co.uk

Needs to be basic-af USGI style such as those. The TM 733 is well out because imho it's a museum piece. So I'm wondering which brands people have had good experiences with in terms of the external parts of their basic style plastic M4s not going wobbly and squeaky etc in the first game? Certainly not limited to those 3, just giving examples.
 
I'd avoid the cyma 5XX range as in my experience, while the internals are great, the plastic bodies are the opposite and break easily.

I've no experience with the S&T so can't comment on that so out of those 3 I'd recommend the Specna Arms
 
Honestly if you want a lightweight AR, get a VFC M16 GBB.

AEG gearboxes add a whole bunch of weight but I picked up one of those things last game day and it's featherweight. The 733 is really compact as well, whole thing is just aluminium.

Also survives rough treatment a lot better than CYMA plastic.
 
Don't gas mags weigh a fair bit of though? Any savings on weight with the gun would be lost once you take into account carrying extra. Also there's the additional cost of magazines
 
Cannonfodder said:
Don't gas mags weigh a fair bit of though? Any savings on weight with the gun would be lost once you take into account carrying extra. Also there's the additional cost of magazines
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Yes, they're heavy*. Combined with low capacity, it's what puts me off using my GBBs often. Carrying 6 heavy extra mags and a total ammo capacity of 210 rounds.

And yeah, the cost of extra mags and cost of gas also adds up fast. ☹️

*compared to AEG mags.

I'm building a light/short AR too. NGRS URG-I with a Geissele MK8 7" rail, short flash hider, simple enclosed red dot, PTS mags.
 
Cannonfodder said:
Don't gas mags weigh a fair bit of though? Any savings on weight with the gun would be lost once you take into account carrying extra. Also there's the additional cost of magazines
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300g or so, I guess that's heavier if you carry a full load.

Cost is a bit higher but you can get them cheaper by importing.
 
Welcome to lightness!

I'd go specna/dboys, you can get them pretty lightweight (given you accept to spend money where necessary).
My M4s are both sub 2kg fully loaded (battery, full 450rnd g&g metal mag and in one case a thermal optic) but they weren't cheap to build and now they don't look very "M4-y" anymore.

Keep it short, around 7/8" and forget about the 450 thousand attachments you want to install (including muzzle devices)
 
If the interest in getting an AR style is largely down to interchangeability of the mags with your usual RIF, then might the use of a Hi-CAP mag for the occasional/emergency/hot weather use you envisage open up the option of other forms of RIF to you? I have a plastic bodied CYMA AK (CM028) and a JG G36C that perform superbly for exactly the role you have in mind for your backup/loaner/hot weather gun. The hicap mags for those models have an enormous capacity, and i do find playing in super hot weather without needing any load carrying kit because of a hi cap mag quite pleasant.
 
The_Lord_Poncho said:
If the interest in getting an AR style is largely down to interchangeability of the mags with your usual RIF, then might the use of a Hi-CAP mag for the occasional/emergency/hot weather use you envisage open up the option of other forms of RIF to you? I have a plastic bodied CYMA AK (CM028) and a JG G36C that perform superbly for exactly the role you have in mind for your backup/loaner/hot weather gun. The hicap mags for those models have an enormous capacity, and i do find playing in super hot weather without needing any load carrying kit because of a hi cap mag quite pleasant.
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You're defo not wrong there are other models which are light and hold more than enough ammo, good options for some people. I just like the ergos and already own roughly 1 trillion AR AEG parts and all the right tools and know how everything goes together, so that's what I largely stick to. Plus there are tons of mag options for them as well (again I already own loads of those, where I don't have any usable AK mags).
 
Any sportline AEG you fancy would fit the role, preferably with a quick change spring.
For GBBR's... my VFC M16A2 is under 3kg, my WE XM177 is more compact and under 3kg too... the mags however eliminates any light weight saving goals.

I love using my sportsline Umarex 416 which weighs just over 2kg, with 2 or 3 hi-caps in a chest rig & you're free to glide over barriers as you eliminate your foes.

p.s. no gliding was experienced at my last game... I blame the 4kg boots.
 
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