Late prototype pic (not all the pieces are finalized, and shown)
This LW AR project started about a year ago, it’s a joint effort with our partners at Bentwood Gunsmithing (aka Long Mountain Outfitters). Project name is OIP (Ounce is Pounds), the goal is to create a well balanced, dedicated light weight AR that weighs less than 4Lbs.
When we said we were ahead of the curve on LW components development, we couldn’t really say why at the time
Many light weight products have been developed in support of this effort. Some have to be designed from scratch, some are lightened versions of existing products, such as our selector, and EPS. The Battle Arms enhanced bolt catch won’t make it here, nor will the LDFA (since the OIP doesn’t have a forward assist).
All of the LW components will be offered as standalone and bundled products in the very near future, we will be able to show you a few very soon,
There will be more details emerging as we approach its completion
Very interesting project. My primary issue with the build itself (not the individual parts) is the lack of BUIS capability. I’d atl east offer a version with that capacity. Are there any durability concerns on the build?
This LW AR has one purpose in mind, light weight, to the exclusion of some capabilities but not durability.
The picture shown here is a hand made prototype, the end product may resemble it but there’s much we have not shown yet
The omission of the ability to add BUIS was considered. We didn’t argue for it because the rails add weight, as do the sights themselves. With a bomb proof optic like the Aimpoint T1, there most likely isn’t a need for BUIS.
Before folks rip me a new one for making that statement, let me say that we’re aware of the compromises. This LW AR doesn’t concern itself with them, only weight. If you’ve seen the one AR I always shoot, even though I have quite a few, you know I like options to mount my PEQ15, flashlight, QD sling mount, etc. This AR is heavy because of it, and that is the cost for having the ability/option to accommodate me. The LW AR is the antithesis of an all-capability (much of it unused) AR. Light, nimble, well balanced, it fills the capability of most that will use it for its intended role.
Duffy great post. I just completed a LW build kind of close to yours. Mine is down to 5lbs. I went the same direction with no irons. The T1 is bomb proof, my gun is just under 1k rds without issue.
I used the same handguard and it gets hot after running 2 mags quickly. Please tell us more abut your barrel and the RE. Nice touch on milling the top rail on the upper. How much weight did you shave off? How short did you make the handguard?
Thanks Spankmonkey
There are still components being made for the LW AR, development isn’t over. The handguard isn’t finalized either, and may see some changes. It’s just something we had on hand.
The gas block weighs less than the gas tube, and the selector levers are so light they almost fail to register when dropped in one’s hand, yet both are stronger than they need to be, just a lot lighter.
We have saved some of the biggest changes for the time of formal release, this is just a prototype
Duffy I can’t weight to see it. Are you going to be selling them as a production rifle? If yes I would be in for 2 or 3. I built mine for a woman. The girls do not like carrying heavy rifles all day when hiking. So far its been a big hit in my house hold.
Can you tell us a little about your barrel? How long and 1/7 or 1/8?
Complete LW ARs will be available in limited numbers, we simply don’t know how well they’ll do. All I can say is I thought there was disproportionate amount of R&D and resources that went (and still go) to it, coming from us, that’s saying something lol
There will be more detail down the road, please remember development isn’t complete yet, I wager half of what you see now will be changed in the final version
I don’t disagree with the premise of the build or the durability of the Aimpoint. However, I have to wonder at what weight savings does the cost of a LW BUIS set come? For that matter, what if you were to omit the Aimpoint (leaving the small picatinny section for the option to have one), leave a similar section of picatinny at the rear of the receiver and add a lightened attachment point for a front BUIS at the end of the forend? What would the build weigh with a set of MBUS or KAC flip-up irons?
Just food for thought. I’ll say that due to the omission, I’m far more interested in the parts than the build. JMO other’s mileage may vary.
Both the selector center and levers are lightened, we don’t have a weigh comparison on the production units yet, we do have prototypes at this stage, approaching production model status.
A steel BAD-CASS standard lever is 0.206oz
A prototype BAD-CASS standard lever is 0.075oz
A significantly lightened prototype BAD-CASS standard lever is 0.055oz, almost four times lighter than the steel version.
Can’t show any pictures of those yet, but here is a partial pic of couple of prototypes nearing production model status
54% of the weight of their steel counterparts
These components are lightened in support of the OIP project, though they will be available singly and as a bundle. To the end user, it probably won’t matter whether they are piecemeal effort, or parts of something greater than themselves. We didn’t lighten them for the sake of lightening them only, the OIP has a weight objective, every effort has been made to achieve that goal.
Another sneak peek at the OIP Lightweight Upper, Lower, and Butt Stock in a special natural Type III hard anodize color. There are some natural fades from the anodizing process. The color also changes pending on the lighting condition and viewing angle from bronze to FDE to OD Green, Grey, etc. I think we will name it the Chameleon. Bentwood Gunsmithing is going to keep all the finish natural (no dyes) for the raw look.
The patents pending OIP upper & lower is exclusive for Bentwood Gunsmithing’s OIP lightweight (sub 4lb) rifle project and will only be sold as a complete gun.
Battle Arms will introduce later this year a slightly different, more versatile version (slightly heavier) of the lightweight Upper and Lower receiver with full Picatinny Rail, Dust Cover, Solid Mag Well but maintain the triangular recesses, Ambi feature(s) (TBD), etc. that will be available for sale individually.
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