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+--- Thread: Lightweight Build for Stalk hunts (/showthread.php?tid=625)
Lightweight Build for Stalk hunts - warped - 06-16-2011
Is that the one with the intregral FH?
If so it could be cut and threaded/recrowned but I would not do that to it if it were me.
that 18" is nice as well, remember the bbl might be heavier by a small amount but if the rifle has a light handguard and is balanced it will feel very light.
The 18" spartan and UBR stock with G10 feels very light despite its weight, it is well distributed.
Lightweight Build for Stalk hunts - StoneTower - 06-16-2011
BjornF16 Wrote:Any way to attach to the 16" Spartan?...(wishful thinking)
That 16" Spartan is really only 14" with the flash suppressor machined as part of the barrel to make it a legal 16". If it is a medium/long range hunting rifle, you are going to need some length to get velocity. If it is a close range blaster hunting rifle, you don't need a high end barrel Grendel barrel and might be better served with something like a Beowulf.
Lightweight Build for Stalk hunts - ss355 - 06-16-2011
Bjorn, if you have the coin, there's certainly no reason to pass up either Spartan barrel. If my budget barrel is any indication, the Spartans should be tack drivers. I brought up the $260 16" barrel only as less expensive alternative that's completely satisfactory for me.
To answer your question from earlier in the thread (and if my memory doesn't fail me), the AA 16" stainless is an ER Shaw barrel. The 16" chrome-lined barrels of the AA tactical model were made by Sabre, and AA might still have a supply of those. No idea who the new contractor will be for the chrome-lined tube when the Sabre supplies run out.
I wonder about the weight of the mega monolithic upper. There's only the single barrel nut holding the barrel in place instead of a barrel nut/lock ring combination, so does that buy one any reduction in total weight compared to a standard upper with a FF tube like the Vtac? Just wondering out loud. Five or more Benjamins for an upper is a tad steep for my pocketbook, so I won't have an answer until my money tree bears fruit.
Lightweight Build for Stalk hunts - Bicyclewrench - 06-16-2011
Not sure what you're looking at for lowers, but a Cav arms drops the weight considerably.
Lightweight Build for Stalk hunts - BjornF16 - 06-18-2011
Here's what I've ordered so far:
AA 18" Spartan barrel/bolt
AA Upper receiver
AA Mk10 handguard
JPE aluminum adjustable gas system
This will sit on top of one of my RRA lowers.
Still need: Full mass bolt carrier
Optic mount and optics
Lightweight Build for Stalk hunts - LRRPF52 - 06-18-2011
Bjorn,
There are some low-profile steel adjustable gas blocks available, that are probably lighter than the JP aluminum one. I stay away from aluminum gas blocks as a rule, since every one I have used has burnt out and allowed major gas leakage under it, but that was with 5.56 guns on carbine and mid-length gas systems. Supposedly, aluminum gas blocks are ok on rifle-length gas systems, but I'll never take a chance with them. Heat + aluminum tightly wrapped around steel = different expansion and contraction ratios for the metal, and then gas leaks like crazy. I even tried a 7075 T6 model with a mid-length carbine, and it short-stroked over and over again.
I took one of the JP steel adjustable gas blocks, milled off the front of it, cut lightening holes in the side of it, melted it down with a grinder with aluminum oxide impregnated cotton buffer pads, Cerakoted it, only to find that it wouldn't fit under the handguard I was using during installation process. It fit under the handguard, but you couldn't clamp the gas block down first, since the TRX requires it to be installed canted to the left, then twisted into place. The steel gas blocks do work well though. I have used them on 5.56 AR's and .308 AR10's.
LRRPF52
Lightweight Build for Stalk hunts - warped - 06-19-2011
Go for the Vortex, you won't regret it.
Lightweight Build for Stalk hunts - BjornF16 - 06-19-2011
warped Wrote:Go for the Vortex, you won't regret it.
Vortex gas block?...I can't seem to find it. Do you have a link?
Lightweight Build for Stalk hunts - warped - 06-19-2011
Scope not gas block
Lightweight Build for Stalk hunts - BjornF16 - 06-21-2011
I was just beginning to research scopes. I haven't looked at Vortex for scopes, but was considering some binoculars from them.
I currently have a Nightforce on my Grendel Entry (one of the reasons it is a 11 lb gun) and a Zeiss Conquest on my 7mm Rem Mag. I'm leaning towards a lighter scope, 1-4x or 2-7x magnification for this build.
I don't know anything about Vortex, so any suggestions are welcome. I was currently leaning towards a Burris.
Lightweight Build for Stalk hunts - warped - 06-21-2011
Burris are good but the Vortex is that much better, plus extra features that would usually cost far more.
More bang for your buck.
http://swfa.com/Vortex-1-4x24-Viper-PST-30mm-Rifle-Scope-P44569.aspx
Lightweight Build for Stalk hunts - BjornF16 - 06-22-2011
I really like the PST's TMCQ mrad reticle...what mount do you use?
Lightweight Build for Stalk hunts - LRRPF52 - 06-22-2011
Bjorn,
LaRue mounts are great. I prefer 1-piece bases for the AR15-just makes things simpler for me. I also really like the DTA 1-piece bases with MOA cant options, although you don't need that for short distances. I'm not sure what the lightest/strongest/most reliable mount is out there, but LaRue comes to the top of the list for me in that regard, without any catch-me, spank-me 1/2" knobs to gouge your knuckles or smack against while carrying in the field. The LaRue SPR and LT-158 mounts are pretty snag-free and low-profile, with amazing return-to-zero characteristics.
LRRPF52
Lightweight Build for Stalk hunts - BjornF16 - 07-31-2011
My lightweight build is starting to come together. I should have the barrel and upper components this week. Rec'd the AA lower last week...
...and this gem (Ti Muzzle Brake). Thanks Warped!
[ATTACH=CONFIG]321[/ATTACH]
Lightweight Build for Stalk hunts - StoneTower - 07-31-2011
warped Wrote:Burris are good but the Vortex is that much better, plus extra features that would usually cost far more.
More bang for your buck.
http://swfa.com/Vortex-1-4x24-Viper-PST-30mm-Rifle-Scope-P44569.aspx
I understand going with a lightweight optic when building a lightweight build, but that scope is not that lightweight and 16 oz. When I will looking for a scope for my Grendel, I looked at all kinds of scopes and finally chose the Bushnell 6500 2.5-15. It weighs 17 oz but the extra power is worth the small gain in weight. It is sometimes nice to be able to crank up the power before you "reach out and touch something".
http://www.65grendel.com/forum/showthread.php?502-A-hog-from-Tejon-Ranch
If you really need a lightweight optic and don't need magnification, think about one of these:
Leupold DeltaPoint Reflex Red Dot Sight
http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?productnumber=714291
Lightweight Build for Stalk hunts - warped - 08-01-2011
You are welcome, it seems I have some of the happiest customers on earth, its really nice!
Lightweight Build for Stalk hunts - warped - 08-01-2011
I am going to get this one, I have enough stuff that will be hand me downs for my nephews already.
http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/LaRue-Tactical-SPR-E-Scope-Mount-QD-LT-139-p/larue%20tactical%20spr-e%20lt139%201.htm
I am kind low on play funds but I can wait until OCT.
If it was going to be a bolt gun I would get a Badger.
Lightweight Build for Stalk hunts - BjornF16 - 08-11-2011
Just rec'd my Satern barrel...gonna build the upper this weekend.
Q: What torque on barrel nut for Grendels?
Lightweight Build for Stalk hunts - LRRPF52 - 08-11-2011
The standard for AR15's is usually between 30 and 80 foot pounds, but the barrel nut teeth really are the determining factor, since they need to be lined up for the gas tube, unless you're using a unique barrel nut without teeth.
What is recommended by armorer courses is to tighten up to the torque setting, then back it off, tighten again, and tighten to index the barrel nut teeth so that the notch is perfectly aligned for the gas tube.
Something seems to trigger my memory that I read on the old forum that it was better to go a little higher than 30 foot pounds with the Grendel, but I could be wrong. Over 80 foot pounds will crush your threads on the aluminum upper, so I would stay in between.
After building so many AR's using the torque wrench, and seeing how it really didn't matter compared to what I thought tight should be, plus the gas tube alignment, I just feel what should be right, and don't worry about it. I still tighten, then loosen 3 times to settle the barrel nut threads with the upper receiver extension threads, but the gas tube really drives this procedure.
Just make sure you insulate your upper with plenty of thick tape, even if you're using an upper clamshell in your vice. The plastic will still make marks on the anodized surface, and looks tacky...if you care about such things.
Lightweight Build for Stalk hunts - warped - 08-11-2011
80lbs on the Grendel, with blue loctite on gas block and bbl extension, hell I do that to even a 5.56mm.
If you have access to a mill, use the vice and bring the chuck down then clam it, make sure you use a block of hardwood or delrin between the chuck and the receiver.
Once you try it that way you will never go back.