Looking for AR recommendations

[Misery Loves Shotguns]

Slick side will weigh less. Anderson calls it a sport style or something like that. They are like 50$ on a few reputable websites.

The weight difference between a truly "slick side" (with no brass deflector, forward assist, or dust cover) and standard upper isn't going to make any meaningful difference. If you happen to be left handed though, you will most assuredly want a brass deflector. I tend to get uppers without a forward assist though because it gets in my way and I never use them.

I think this is what Zach is referring to. I have this on my 7.62x39 upper I built.
https://www.righttobear.com/anderson...-p/m4slick.htm

[Emptymag]

^^^ Ballistic Advantage is good. No question.

That's a good example of what I was saying - a complete upper that has a pencil barrel.

[Emptymag]

Consider starting your build with one of these once they're released...

https://www.brownells.com/rifle-part...60-243460.aspx

Oh yes - I highly recommend this ^^^ if you are truly looking to shave weight.

Once released, it will be the newest version of the lower I used to build my wife's lightweight carbine.
This carbine was built specifically to be as light as possible - within reason. I could have shaved an ounce here and there by spending ridiculous amounts of money on titanium parts. I spend more on certain parts on this one to make it as nice to shoot as possible for my wife.
I've never weighed it, but "Wow, that's LIGHT!" is the usual response when I hand it to someone.
On top of that, the recoil is almost nonexistent thanks to the use of the buffer system, the adjustable gas block, and the muzzle brake.

Here's the build thread - check it out to see photo comparison of a pencil barrel and a standard barrel.
https://forum.pafoa.org/showthread.php?t=320603

At the end of my build thread there are videos that explain the one piece polymer lower.

[Emptymag]

And speaking of complete uppers, this pencil barrel upper is one I picked up from Palmetto State Armory.
The complete carbine is not quite as light as my wife's, but it's still notably lighter than a standard carbine due to the thinner barrel profile.

Thread here.
https://forum.pafoa.org/showthread.php?t=341905

[Hodgie]

Won't be getting any lighter then this, and sourcing it yourself using the same exact parts would cost more.

https://www.brownells.com/firearms/r...rod132663.aspx

[TooBigToFit]

The weight difference between a truly "slick side" (with no brass deflector, forward assist, or dust cover) and standard upper isn't going to make any meaningful difference. If you happen to be left handed though, you will most assuredly want a brass deflector. I tend to get uppers without a forward assist though because it gets in my way and I never use them.

I think this is what Zach is referring to. I have this on my 7.62x39 upper I built.
https://www.righttobear.com/anderson...-p/m4slick.htm

When you build a lightweight AR, every single ounce counts. Save an ounce for half a dozen parts and you're almost at half a pound.

A slick side PSA upper weighs 5.9 oz. A milspec Aero upper is 6.9.

[Mango]

The more I research and think about it, I might go with an AR pistol. My main use for an AR is a SHTF type of home defense. I don't shoot it at the range often. If I go with the pistol, I will just buy one off the shelf. I know I can build one but with the current range restrictions, I will not be able to build/test as much as I would like.

[jthrelf]

The more I research and think about it, I might go with an AR pistol. My main use for an AR is a SHTF type of home defense. I don't shoot it at the range often. If I go with the pistol, I will just buy one off the shelf. I know I can build one but with the current range restrictions, I will not be able to build/test as much as I would like.

Could always just buy a complete lower and complete upper and that way you avoid the Record of Sales database here in PA. It will go on the 4473 as other and avoid the PSP handgun form.

[gghbi]

Could always just buy a complete lower and complete upper and that way you avoid the Record of Sales database here in PA. It will go on the 4473 as other and avoid the PSP handgun form.

I believe that distinction only applies to stripped receivers, not to completed pieces.

[Emptymag]

I believe that distinction only applies to stripped receivers, not to completed pieces.

No. I used to think the same.
Our resident FFL expert explained it all a few times.