I would focus on a good, solid, RELIABLE build that I could put some rounds through before I’d focus on a lightweight build. It sounds as if you don’t have a lot of rounds downrange through an AR. If this is your first AR, you’ll figure out what you need as you get more competent through use.
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The Main use would be range use. Not going to be moving much, dependent on the range you go to, lightweight isn’t generally a need unless their are issues with strength, and even then if you are going to be shooting from a bench or static position most of the time, a ‘normal weight’ rifle isn’t an issue. Dependent on how many rounds you put through the rifle, and how quickly you do so, a lightweight may hamper your development - as someone mentioned groups can open up more quickly with a lightweight.
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I really don’t see myself in being in any defensive situations in the near future. Neither do I, but you never know. Reliability is paramount for an HD firearm. Again, unless there is a physical reason, a ‘normal weight’ rifle isn’t an issue.
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competition would be fun I started NRA PPC back in the day with my 4 in duty weapon, out shot a lot of guys with custom PPC guns every match (would have done much better if I’d learned to sandbag the first couple matches). As they say, it’s the Indian, not the arrow. You can have fun, get started, and get better with a medium weight rifle.
The trigger is one area in which you don’t want to hamper yourself starting out. Get a good one.
The optic is another area where you don’t want to short yourself, but at the same time you don’t want to go crazy in the wrong direction. I am middle-aged so presbyopia is a reality, red dots blossom. My HD rifle wears a red dot, a PRO in my case. I shoot that rifle a couple times a year and clean it after each use. Otherwise I go with etched reticle optics or LPV scopes.
My beginner Jack-Of-All-Trades rifle (Jack Rifle) would have:
GM-M37 16" Stainless Steel M4 for Mid Length gas system 5.56 mm (weight 1.9 lbs) http://www.gmriflebarrel.com/gm-m37-16-stainless-steel-m4-for-mid-length-gas-system-5-56-mm/
or
GM-M8 16" Mid Length gas system 5.56 mm (weight 1.9) http://www.gmriflebarrel.com/gm-m8-16-mid-length-gas-system-5-56-mm/
or
16" .223 Wylde SPR Stainless Steel Midlength AR 15 Barrel, Premium Series (weight 25oz) https://ballisticadvantage.com/16-inch-223-wylde-spr-mid-length-ss-premium-barrel.html
Geissele Automatics - Carbon Steel Gas Block https://algdefense.com/carbon-steel-gas-block.html
ALG Ergonomic Modular Rail (EMR) V2 M-LOK https://algdefense.com/ergonomic-modular-rail-v2-m-lok.html(15" is my preference - I don’t like a lot of exposed barrel under free floats as resting the barrel on a barricade, etc. can caus POI shift)
or
ALG Ergonomic Modular Rail (EMR) V3 M-LOK https://algdefense.com/ergonomic-modular-rail-emr-v3-m-lok.html (I prefer the Version 2 because I general don’t use the top rail for anything but BUIS and the V2 offers a slimmer profile and more comfy thumb-over grip than the V3)
LaRue MBT trigger https://www.larue.com/products/larue-tactical-mbt-2s-trigger/ (IMO the best bang for your buck premium trigger out there)
BCM Intermediate Buffer System (A5) Mounting Kit https://www.bravocompanyusa.com/BCM-Intermediate-Buffer-System-A5-Kit-p/bcm-intermediate-shk.htm (this comes with the A5HO buffer which weighs 3.8oz the same as the H buffer - works well in most rifles)
Magpul ]MOE SL® Carbine Stock – Mil-Spec https://www.magpul.com/products/moe-sl-carbine-stock-mil-spec (I prefer the SOPMOD style stocks but this does everything I need a stock to do at the best price point)
B5 Systems Type 23 Grip https://www.brownells.com/rifle-parts/grip-parts/pistol-grips/ar-15-p-grip-23-composite-prod87078.aspx
Selector/safety - I generally put standard 90 degree ambi safeties on builds unless it is for personal use.
Charging Handle - unless you are a lefty, a standard will work.
Optic - Vortex Spitfire 1X - this is a prism/etched reticle optic - works well for all eyes, old or new - reticle is simple - remember I’m building a Jack rifle
