[LX200]

Are they just changing barrel contour, shaving a few things, etc, or are we going to see changes that fundamentally change the weapon, and we early adopters end up with a white elephant?

I'd like to buy a second one, but not if we are going to see a fundamentally new ACR, and we won't be able to upgrade ours with the new design parts.

 

[bigdog2003_99]

i'm thinking that instead of the aluminum upper its a magnesium alloy, from what i've been reading the magnesium lower weighs about an oz less than the polimer, so replacing that huge chunk of aluminum might save a good portion of weight, maybe they boned out the internal frame a little bit also

the skeleton rail might be a little lighter than the standard forend too

 

[soapboxpreacher]

fluted barrel, different material (titanium) on the trunnion, and cut some holes/slots in rails it will take weight out without losing strength.

 

[soapboxpreacher]

Thats the term I was looking for "Skeletonize" the rails.

 

[username9875]

Bad post sorry.

 

[DSM]

Going from a 16" standard contour (as it comes from Bushmaster) to a 14.5" light weight profile will shave 1/4 pound. If you get a little more generous with your LW profile spec you can increase weight savings. Carbine length piston will save an ounce or so.
ETA: Check the tapered barrel profile on picture 6 at the link below.

I think what bigdog was saying about alternative metals is intriguing in that the Remington Defense literature makes mention of a heretofore unseen metal stock option. Link below, expand specs and it's listed there...
http://www.remingtonmilitary.com/RemingtonMilitary/Firearms/Carbines/ACR.aspx

Just a guess but I'd bet you could lighten the bolt carrier and counter it with a stronger recoil spring.

The original Masada prototypes had skeletonized rails. I would entertain doing such a thing to my rifle but the thought of them being a haven for crud would make me think hard about doing it. Maybe doing a shallow flute type of cut on the opposite side (side facing the receiver) of the rail.

All just guesses of course, they are probably keeping any concept close hold. Unless they come up with a way to cut the weight in half I don't reckon I'll be too concerned about being an early adopter. SBR that sucker and you won't care.

 

[MilitaryArms]

I know my SCAR 16S receiver weighs exactly the same as my ACR's receiver once I have the barrels removed from both. That tells me they could get the ACR at least to the SCARs weight pretty easily with a different profile barrel.

 

[Tackleberry23]

I know my SCAR 16S receiver weighs exactly the same as my ACR's receiver once I have the barrels removed from both. That tells me they could get the ACR at least to the SCARs weight pretty easily with a different profile barrel.

Hmm... VERY interesting. I SO want to get a short barrel for my ACR to get closer to that kind of weight.

 

[rescueswimmer]

Hmm... VERY interesting. I SO want to get a short barrel for my ACR to get closer to that kind of weight.

I still think we will be slightly heavier as the piston setups are different, we have more parts ETC with the ratchet and brackets every little ounce adds up quickly. Hell mine with the factory barrel and a larue spr mount and 1-4x Vortex puts me over the 10lb mark. OUCH.

 

[kjsl105]

the skeleton rail might be a little lighter than the standard forend too

I understand that Remington isn't releasing their rail to the public anytime soon (if at all).

DSMs idea to machine his rail system has to have been shared by a few of us at some point in time. As long as you only remove certain areas, away from critical rail and mounting points it work while holding its integrity. That and a 12.5, how far could you be from the weight of the scar?

My hypothetical 2 cents

 

[bigdog2003_99]

I still think we will be slightly heavier as the piston setups are different, we have more parts ETC with the ratchet and brackets every little ounce adds up quickly. Hell mine with the factory barrel and a larue spr mount and 1-4x Vortex puts me over the 10lb mark. OUCH.

you think thats bad, i have 6 inches less of barrel and i still weigh 9.5ish, my noveske barrel profile is pretty thick and its their lightweight profile

i dont have a super accurate scale yet but from what it says my rifle weighs close to 8 pounds with only troy micros and no barrel wrench

 

[BoovarBjarki]

When you say no barrel wrench do you mean you just took off the lever that folds down to twist the barrel nut? Does that make it difficult to take the barrel off if you had too?

 

[DSM]

He said in his thread that it contacts the piston support so he just keeps it in the range bag and attaches when he needs to wrench the barrel off.

I wouldn't mind seeing a revised barrel ratchet that nixed that built-in wrench and replaced it with a simple armorer's style wrench. Doesn't need to be fancy, just a simple wrench.

 

[rescueswimmer]

If you saw MAC's post (ACR-Scar) about the weight the receiver and stocks weigh about 5.2lbs so all our weight is coming from the barrel and components. I would like to see how much the components weigh. The Scar's piston system is much simpler, We have the barrel take off wrench, the piston rod, Piston guide bracket, All weigh a few ounces I suspect, but add up quickly. Then we have the boat anchor for a barrel. I'm not complaining about the weight just the balance, I have a m4 I piston kit I built and it comes up close to the 9.5lbs mark but it has a light etc, but it balances so perfect you don't even notice the weight. I think with better balance the rifle would not be so noticeably heavy.

 

[DSM]

I can strip down a barrel assembly and weight the parts. Might be able to get to it this weekend.

 

[Uxi]

Yes, please do. I really love the looks of Remington's front end (and that metal lower receiver with the detachable grip - to say nothing of the selector. ) and would get that over the tri-rail if it were available.

 

[MilitaryArms]

Here's the ACR sans barrel:

Here's the SCAR sans barrel:

Just for reference.

 

[cjt50]

Interesting, so all the extra weight is in the barrel assembly. Wounder what the difference would be if they both used the same profile barrel. I pretty sure the CG would move aft on the ACR if it was using a SCAR profile barrel. Remington definately has a good starting point to reduce alil' bit of weight.

Thanks for the info!!

 

[Uxi]

Is the ACR missing the MOE grip storage pod? Where's the front sight on the SCAR?

 

[DSM]

Is the ACR missing the MOE grip storage pod? Where's the front sight on the SCAR?

Looks like it. And it's on the barrel.