Saves a lot of time starting with folks who are sane, sound, experienced in real life and not otherwise Tacticool, y'see ;~`)

There's the the straight CAR with fixed front and carry handle and platic F/e -- and all the way to those porcupine-looking things that weight 8 1/2 lbs and are still fondly thought of by their owner as LWT.

Not stuck on anything, but keeping R.L's advice to mind, of staying vehicle sized, at least. 16" bbl is OK. Probably go with Magpul/MOE F/E. Section of flattop and flippy sight at rear? Front-sight -- gas-block flippy or fixed AR? Open-eyes dot-optic. Laser and/or light, perhaps, mebbe later. Adjusty stock or stock-stock?

Really want nimble fast -- like a 20 ga SxS quail-gun. Don't see it on use for 500 yard sniper shots, either. Got that one, already. ;~`)Which is why I need TWO AR's. This one is for point blank to the end of the block. Retirement is such a bunch of decisions. LOL Actually, still working at my trade...but 'off the clock' nowadays.

Getting 'finger recall' on the Glock 19 trigger now, so hitting better with it. Saw Rob going to XD pocket sized and deserting his J's Not yet for me, Rob...but I do see 6 .45's as a GOOD THING.

Thanks in a advance, guys. It straight talk and no BS here -- well, mebbe a little funnin' around, but seasoned with real time experience.

BTW, Tamara Keel at View From The Porch has some troubles with a lesion on her nose, and is feeling kindy shaky. She's a good ally to our cause, and might could use some encouragement. Especially from folks who might not be regular readers.

still waiting for my Legion hex lwt midlength upper.
Or midway has carbine length 16" complete flat top uppers for 379.00

--
Of the Troops & For the Troops

A while back while at my local Wal-Mart, I found they had e different makes on the AR-15 set up, actually the M-4. I was able to handle and fondle them and really liked the Sig-Sauer M-400 enhance version out of the three. They were a Colt and DPMS as well. I bought the Sig-Sauer then and there. Felt great and had a Mag-Pul forend, Buttstock, 16 inche barrel, flat top receiver, no carrying handle, came with a really nice soft carrying case with shoulder straps and extra storage compartments. Found the case sells normally $95.00 which was included. Also one Mag-Pul 30 Round magazine. 917 plus tax out the door. I liked the way it threw up to my shoulder, weighs in around 6 and 1/2 pounds. Adjustable stock with the ability to add a sling in several configurations, also a nice feature on the Sig was two spots at the rear of the receiver allow the use of quick disconnet swivels for mounting a single point sling, or you can put a two point sling using the forend position. Do I like it,yes big time. I really like the Mag-Pul furniture. Flip up rear sight, standard AR-15 front sight. used a riser block to mount a scope. Great trigger about 6 pounds, break nicely. There was a write up in the American Rifleman about this model, but it had a more conventional forend (tubular) which I didn't care for. If you get a chance check out Sig's website. May help you figure what you would like to have such a model you are wanting to build. Take care.

with 16" light barrel, put on MagPul guards and an AimPoint H-1 on a riser. I already had complete lowers. No BUS sights yet. I've been shooting it with GI (some) and my reload ammo (lots) for a year now without any problem. Accuracy is more than adequate for 100 yd. Upper was $325 and AimPoint was $600 with mount. I have higher grade uppers for accuracy needs, this one was for the purposes your mentioned.

ntf

x

Just about everybody making a AR makes a collapsible stock, 16" barrel version with whatever weight barrel desired.

Personally, I'd look at Windham Weaponry (the original Bushmaster guys)

The only other upper version I'd consider over anything else is a SBR'd AR with a real M4 barrel.

Read a really good article anout short AR reliability as it relates to dwell time. Arms the M4 gas system was designed specifically with the 14.5 barrel length and the 16"'could give troubles (none that I've ever noticed). Two ways around this is to SBR and use a 14.5" barrel or use a 1.5+" flash hider and pin/weld it. The other route, and the one I have done is go with a mid length gas system I have had and built several middy's, mostly from Del Ton and have been very happy with them. All have been of the heavier barrel profile and have given MOA accuracy with good ammo and 100% reliability with ANY ammo. I'm currently withou a basic .223 AR at the moment and am leaning towards a light weight upper with a mid length gas system for my next build. Looking for a KISS carbine but they always get 'modified' some after being here awhile!

The main weight savings will come from the barrel, there is very little to be saved elsewhere on the upper.

A polymer lower, like the Cav Arms (they are out of business and this lower is made by GWACS Armory in Tulsa now) will save you about a pound.

I'm building a lightweight AR with a GWACS lower and this barrel.
http://www.shop.ar15hardware.com/16-556-Mid-Length-Light-Weight-Melonited-Barrel-ALP16C...

Planning to use a Bushnell TRS-25 red dot sight with plastic handguards to save weight.

max versatility. and so much easier to put optics of your choosing on.

Completed this one this afternoon. Empty, it weighs in 1/2 ounce shy of 6 pounds.

lightweight AR-15 build on a GWACS polymer lower. This lower is a warranty replacement for an out of spec CAV ARMS lower I've had for a while.
GWACS lower
Lightweight barrel from Alpha Shooting Sports, 16 inch melonited stainless, mid length gas
http://www.shop.ar15hardware.com/556-Nato_c38.htm
Bushnell TRS-25 red dot sight on a UTG riser.

I'm not real happy with this lower. The hammer and trigger recess is very tight, causing a lousy trigger pull and possible reliability problems. If I have any problems with this one, I'll peddle it and go with a standard aluminum lower.