She needs to go on a diet

[Dmopar74]

I built this poverty pony 6.5, but it's too heavy.
The upper is a bca side charger 20" heavy barrel.
Athlon scope with aero scope mount.
Amazon Chinese bipod.

It's unfired, but I'm wondering if changing just the barrel to something else, maybe a lightweight 18" would work to cut a couple lbs. Or should I sell the upper and buy a whole new one? Also I want to get rid of the flash hider for just a muzzle nut to keep as much aimed away from shooters ears. Obviously I'm a cheap s.o.b. but know I have to pay for a decent lightweight barrel. The primary reason for this build was maybe to shoot some deer but mainly a longer range shtf situation, with that said I want light and "economic"

https://photos.app.goo.gl/AyyZuaGrvAZ2XqAT6

Here's the upper but it's a gen 1 side charger
https://www.bearcreekarsenal.com/6-5-grendel-20-parkerized-1-8-twist-rifle-15-handguard-sch2-nrail-spiral-flash-upper.html

[Dmopar74]

Maybe a 18" faxon gunner?

https://www.rainierarms.com/faxon-firearms-6-5-grendel-416-r-stainless-gunner-barrel-match-series-18/

[Zeneffect]

Working out is cheaper.

[Dmopar74]

Working out is cheaper.

Suppose you got real strong jaw muscles.

[grayfox]

How much "too heavy" is this.
What weight are you looking for?
The weight is not just in the barrel, it's in the Athlon and maybe the barrel after that.
Do you know how much the barrel weighs.
Why do you need a side charger.

If it were me, I'd sell that upper and build my own from parts, that way you get the quality you want.
"Inexpensive" is not cheap, you wind up paying for it in lots of untracked ways.

Barrel, trigger, scope/mount -- there's your accuracy.
Low cost but inaccurate = no bargain.

[Dmopar74]

How much "too heavy" is this.
What weight are you looking for?
The weight is not just in the barrel, it's in the Athlon and maybe the barrel after that.
Do you know how much the barrel weighs.
Why do you need a side charger.

If it were me, I'd sell that upper and build my own from parts, that way you get the quality you want.
"Inexpensive" is not cheap, you wind up paying for it in lots of untracked ways.

Barrel, trigger, scope/mount -- there's your accuracy.
Low cost but inaccurate = no bargain.

Barrel 52.65 oz
Handguard 11.8
Scope with mount 34.9
Complete upper and lower with barrel nut 62.35

I don't need a side charger, it's just that's what I'm used to so I decided to make it the same as my other rifles.

[Dmopar74]

I kinda knew at the time I bought the bca upper I wasn't going to be happy with it and would change the barrel eventually, but it's the money I had then to build a rifle. Do I wish I could of afforded a 5000$ rifle with a $5000 scope? Of course, but here I am

[Klem]

Dm,

The biggest proportion of weight on a gun is its barrel, so biggest weight savings there.

Unfortunately that will cost money. Next will be the scope and mount but you already have a reasonably light scope/mount. So unless you go a red dot (more than half the weight saving of a scope) that's a non starter.

One thing you could do is take that bipod off the gun and put it in a pouch. Even better if you have a quick release clamp for it (I do this). It's just dead weight forward and not all shooting situations need it. It will improve your standing, kneeling, sitting, or using something solid like a tree or building shots. Plenty of other ways to rest a rifle like compact/lightweight bags, or your pack.

[grayfox]

ok.
You don't need $5000...
That barrel does sound heavy.
Athlons, lots of guys are happy with them but they have a rep for being heavy. I'd look at either leupold or even better (IMO) vortex. Depends on the amount of magnification you think you need. Diamondback tactical ones are good glass, economical, good magnif. ranges, and better $$, you don't have to go with the razor-class (again unless you want to of course). Lots of times the cipers are on sale somewhere. Why do 34 oz when 25 will do.
As for barrels, the monsters are good ones, there's also Ballistic advantage or Odin. Faxon's to me are a 50-50. These are all mid-grade barrels, better ones like lilja or higher are more $$ but worth it.
Won't shave much off by changing handguards but you can try it, especially if you go a shorter length of gas/barrel.

Ditch the bipod, go with sandbags or a Caldwell Rock jr for front end support (bench). Bipods don't seem to work all that well unless you're dug into some dirt. Again my $0.02.
If you're hunting you can take along some lightweight shooting sticks or brace up against a tree or rail. I'm usually in a stand so again bipods aren't worth their weight to me.

[MachV]

In the same boat


My plan is to leave this upper as is for prairie dogs but build a different much lighter setup for coyotes and antelope.
A 16" barrel, lighter scope and losing the bipods aught to help?

[Dmopar74]

So the 18" faxon gunner and the 16" BA fluted both weigh 27 oz, which is a huge weight savings. What's the effective range of these barrels?

[VASCAR2]

[VASCAR2]

[biodsl]

So the 18" faxon gunner and the 16" BA fluted both weigh 27 oz, which is a huge weight savings. What's the effective range of these barrels?

Don't discount the Six Five Outfitters Monster 16" at 29 ounces...and $160. While it's two ounces heavier, the weight is toward the rear around the chamber.

https://www.sixfiveoutfitters.com/product/65g-16/

[EastTNHunter]