AR15 Build: Carbon Fiber (Lightweight)
Make it your own
Here at Gear Report, we have added accessories to existing AR15 s, built complete custom AR15 s, and upgraded several of our test rifles with new components. For this AR build project, we follow the competition trend of lightening the AR to increase its maneuverability without jeopardizing accuracy. After seeing a particularly sexy new lightweight AR at the IV8888 Range Day, we decided to attempt to build a reliable, accurate, lightweight AR15. For the past 10 months, we have undergone an exhaustive process of selecting the best lightweight AR15 parts on the market. The result: this modern masterpiece of minimalist metallurgy… with some carbon fiber thrown in for supreme sexiness.
This being our second version is one of the most modern rifles we have put together at Gear-Report. This rifle consists of “Space Age” materials like carbon fiber, titanium, and specialized components that are skeletonized or milled aggressively to reduce weight. We think of this build as the ultimate in modernized technology lightweight. When building this or other AR15 rifles, there are factors of compatibility that would make assembly difficult.
This build is allowing us to shed light on the possibilities, and through our experience, we hope you get to learn as we have, that even when there is a finite amount of parts used for building a rifle, there is almost an infinite amount of companies that make high-quality products with the most advanced materials and process that are at the forefront of the industry, and we want to know if their performance is worth the investment.
In the following articles, we will dig deeper into company information and the products provided. We are looking forward to showing you all of the parts needed for the AR15 to come to life. As you will read, the order of the pieces was arranged by the timeline in which the parts were provided, with some late arrivals that truly completed our Carbon Fiber AR15.
Lightweight AR15 Review Project
With so many brands introducing lightweight parts and rifles, we put together two AR15s that barely tip the scales. We call this series of reviews… The Lightweight AR Review Project.
The two rifles are:
- “Conventional” Lightweight AR15 – mostly aluminum that has been aggressively lightened.
- “Carbon fiber” Lightweight AR15 – combo of lightened aluminum and carbon fiber
This is our “Carbon fiber” Lightweight AR15
The participating brands in order of delivery appearance…
Smoke Composites Open Shoulder Stock Review Carbon Fiber lightweight build
If you are not familiar with Smoke Composites, the company specializes in carbon fiber components for the AR. The origins of the company date back to 1948 and has been in the aerospace branch, and now they have applied their materials expertise to the AR15 platform. Their AR buttstocks and handguards are some of the lightest available in the market. They provided us with the Open buttstock which is listed in their site at 112 grams. The MSRP is $189.00.
The weight is based on the carbine length of pull, and they do have the choice of the rifle length, however, these are fixed lengths that will not telescope. There is also a closed buttstock version and offer custom lengths of pull options, but for those, you will pay more money. Smoke Composites also has 4 sizes of handguards, with varying prices. For reference, the 12″ handguard is $289.00.
The specs…
- material- carbon fiber
- fixed length
- aluminum threading and tightening ring
- carbon fiber rear receiver plate
- MSRP $189.00
Quick Product Overview
The Open Blade has the carbon fiber weave detail that is expected using this material. The really interesting part is the tube that extends from the lower receiver to the blade that a hunter places on the shoulder, which is formed in a manner that the carbon fiber shows a collage of matte and glossy graphite tones, gray and black, giving it a camouflage-like effect. If you also purchase their handguard, the same effect is present and will make the rifle have a camouflage pattern with the black and graphite tones that truly give the AR15 a great look.
The biggest weight reduction for this stock is not only the materials but the elimination of the adjustable metal buffer tube with an inclusive fixed buffer tube with stock. Our measured weight is 118.8 grams.
Fit and Finish…
Very smooth without defects. The union points for the tube and blade are solid and do not have signs of epoxy or glue oozing out of the joints. The buttstock uses aluminum for the connection with the lower receiver including the Castle nut, and a matching carbon fiber buffer plate.
Assembly
Attaching the stock to the receiver is barely noted in the difficulty scale of 1/10, just because one has to contend with the buffer retaining pin. One part that I did struggle with when putting the Smoke Stock on the lower was with the carbon fiber buffer plate, this one is smooth on both sides, so there is more difficult to keep the assembly from rotating when installing.
The regular metal plates usually have a round dimple that fits into the hole of the receiver, locking that assembly in. So what was the effect of what happened? Well, the plate and stock rotated and let the safety pin spring slip out, luckily we noticed where it landed and were not left crawling or scrambling to find it.
Comparable items…
For lightweight, you can make a combination of Mission First Tactical Minimalist Buttstock and Bootleggers Buffer tube.
For carbon fiber look even if there is not a great weight reduction you can search for Lancer systems carbon fiber stock.
Gears rating
Christensen Arms AR15 CARBON FIBER BARREL
Christensen has found a niche in the low-weight rifles market through the use of carbon fiber. Established in 1995 with roots in the aerospace industry, their use of carbon fiber extends through almost all the components of their rifles. My research points out that Christensen Arms is accredited to have made the first carbon fiber wrapped barrel.
The technology used in the AR15 barrels is a combination of metal for the chamber, gas block area, and barrel channel wrapped in carbon fiber to a bull barrel profile. I have seen and held several of their long-range rifles and I was in a state of amazement and if I was not holding the rifles, I would not believe how light they are, they were so light, I have some 22lr caliber rifles that are heavier than what Christensen makes in centerfire.
Considering the recoil of the higher-powered bolt action rifles, their rifle developments also focus on mitigating the kick of the rifles. This recoil reduction is done with their design of compensators, which are also made lightweight by using titanium. The AR15 16″ Carbon Fiber assembly includes gas block & tube.
Specs…
- 16″ carbon fiber wrapped bull barrel 0.92″ profile
- match-grade 416R stainless steel
- 1/8″ twist rate
- 223 Wylde chamber
- mid-length gas system
- threaded for compensator
- titanium Muzzle break
- MSRP barrel assembly $585.00
- MSRP Ti Brake $225.00
Quick Review
The compensator has an aggressive gas redirecting angle with four cavities for recoil reduction. Also, the brake boasts 4 removable set screws that will allow opening the ports at the top of the compensator to help maintain the muzzle from flipping up and providing some assistance in keeping the gun closer to the initial aim point for follow up shots.
The color for the compensator, crush washer, and initial barrel ring creates a complimenting array of gray tones, that is a prelude to the carbon fiber wrap. The bull barrel profile is accomplished via an even carbon fiber fabric tightly wrapped and cured around a thinner metal channel with the final treatment for it is a nice smooth finish with the iconic graphite tones.
Fit and finish…
Very smooth and even on areas where one would expect problems like transitions between materials there are no visible flaws or unevenness.
The one area where I did find a little uneven finish was on the inch closest to the chamber where the carbon fiber is thinnest. This truly is nit-picking since the imperfection is so minimal. The weave in the fabric in that section has minute dimples where the carbon fiber threads interlace. If the curing process included “baking” the heat might have affected this area mostly because of the presence of more metal mass thus probably holding more heat and making the epoxy thin out. Even if that is the case, this area is covered up by the barrel nut and attachment point for the handguard.
I do not think anyone would notice the discrepancy on the finish once it is installed. I am sure this aesthetic variance will not affect any operation or performance of the barrel. Talking about the accuracy, as we always do will be validated by our test at 100 yards. We will do a preliminary zeroing and then will proceed to use several brands/types of ammo to evaluate the performance.
Assembly
The application of the barrel can get a little complex depending on the handguard used, but overall the main challenge is following the recommended tightening, but with the proper tools this only ranks at a 3/10 on difficulty. The measured weight is 708.4 grams for the barrel and 136.7 grams for the break gas block assembly totaling 844.11 grams.
This weight is somewhat average/light for a barrel, but that is comparing only to standard or some pencil or light profile barrels, but not compared to the absolute thinnest 223/5.56 barrels. Be aware that the weight and mass are still there in this Christensen AR15 Carbon Fiber Barrel.
This barrel however will easily outperform the lesser quality ones. For the accuracy portion of the review see below for the overall performance of the parts. I consider the performance of the barrel as a conglomerate result of the parts. If there isn’t a receiver to put the parts together, there would not be a delivery of bullets to the chamber and no way to squeeze the trigger to make the rifle shoot, so be on the lookout for the rest of the carbon fiber build articles and the overall performance final review.
–>Brownell link for Christensen barrel<–
Comparable products
For lightweight search none other than Faxon barrels like the one used in the conventional lightweight build.
For carbon fiber, you can see the Proof barrels or Carbon Six.
Gears rating
Venom Defense and Design CARBON FIBER “STEALTH” SKELETONIZED AR15 PISTOL GRIPS
From the several products they offered, they have supplied us with their “stealth” Carbon Fiber skeletonized AR pistol grip. Venom’s creativity and ingenuity have them making a lot of products, even some within the cultural craze.
The specs…
fit receivers that use standard AR15 grip
- made of multi-directionally woven carbon fiber
- skeletonized ergonomic grip
- weighs in at just 2.44 ounces
- made in the USA
- MSRP $149.00
The quick product overview mini review…
Machining and creating products of carbon fiber is not an easy task. There are several problems to contend with. The main problem is how to shape the carbon fiber without resulting in a fuzzy surface and lowering the quality of the parts. This pistol grip is sharp, solid, and lightweight.
Fit and finish…
The 
The shape and size of a hand are not always the same, and when a company has a one-cut fit all, it does not always fit one person. Be aware of this issue if you are to buy this and or any other one size grip, this might not fit you. Fingers that are thick or chubby hands might not have the right fit into the finger grooves, ideally, have a test fit if possible.
Assembly…
For the application and fit in the rifle, this is as easy as it can be and I had no issues at all. If anyone ever pictures a light-looking and innovative grip there is not another grip that will match it, well maybe except for a couple of the other products that Venom D. & D. has to offer. The difficulty is at 2 out of 10, mainly because of the lower springs and tool for its installation. The tool is supplied, but you still have to make sure to hold the Allen wrench at the proper angle of alignment to install the bolt. I would suggest Venom mill off a little more of the interior of the grip at the closest area to the bolt so it is easier to place and tighten the grip onto the receiver.
Venom D. & D. link
For other lightweight comparable products take a look at the Future Forged grips.
Gears rating
Elftmann Tactical ELF 3-Gun Trigger review Carbon Fiber lightweight build
This trigger is, like others that we have had experience with, tailored to save weight and be a great performer in the competition arena. This trigger is their 3-gun competition unit, MSRP is $279 which places it within the mix of top price competition triggers in the market. If you think that this amount is high, you would miss judge it, because the technological advancements that are included in this trigger set it apart from the many others.
The Hammer And Trigger
The hammer and trigger rotation points or pinholes are actually bearings, needle bearings that 
Bearing System
The bearing system is so effective, many users are of the opinion that this smooth system reduces the sensation of the actual pull weight. This is not the only advancement, this is a single-stage trigger that is pull-weight adjustable, and it also includes a Drop Safety engagement.
Pull Weight
The pull weight range adjust is from 2.75-4 Lbs. and the Drop Safety will be “active” at whichever setting one selects, effectively stopping the hammer from hitting the firing pin. This safety does make me think, what if one pulls the trigger so slightly that this “safety” will keep the rifle from shooting even if the operator intended to 
The specs…
- Fits any mil-spec AR15 (Large pin Colt available)
- Absolutely Drop-Safe regardless of pull-weight
- Adjustable from 4lbs to 2 3/4lbs without removing from lower
- Full power hammer spring
- Exclusive double wound hammer spring and skeletonized hammer ensure a lock time second to none
- Short pull and reset
- Sturdy trigger assembly designed for rugged, trouble-free use;
- Made of lightweight aircraft-grade aluminum and hardened steel
- 1/4” disconnector width increases longevity
- High-performance trigger and hammer needle bearings
- 100% made in America with a Lifetime Guarantee!
- Ultra-Light housing is now standard – The total physical weight of the entire unit is just 2oz
- MSRP $279
The quick product overview mini review…
Fit and finish…
This is one of the cleanest acting triggers I have used. The bearings do a great job of pivoting the trigger. The engaging surfaces between the trigger and hammer are machined and polished to a smooth texture that has not to creep or grittiness on the pull and result in a clean glass-like break.
The pull weight is set at 2.75 lbs. and it keeps on surprising everyone that shoots the rifle. They all claim that the pull weight is on 2lbs or less, and we measured it several times, and still the same, but the lack of grit or friction against the pins and smooth mating surfaces does play tricks on the pull weight sensation. This is a fast minimal traveling and resetting is making this trigger one of the fastest and smoothest triggers I have tested.
The one concern I had about the drop safety ever engaging while shooting is not there at all now, and with the added benefit of ensuring the rifle will not shoot by itself even when dropped, it does put my mind at ease. If only more or all companies would have this technology included. It would have saved at least two big brands a lot of money recently.
The assembly…
There are really no surprises or difficulties with this trigger system. Follow the instructions and their recommendations for an easy install. If you are replacing another trigger, it will not be the easiest, because 
The little FedEx box also gave us a surprise in the form of their Ambidextrous Speed Safety (push safety MSRP $39.95) and a Non-rotating Anti-walk trigger and hammer pin set (pin set MSRP $24.95). This safety is unlike the regular AR15 style that you rotate 30 degrees on the short-throw or 90 degrees standard. To engage or disengage the safety all that is needed is to push the safety left or right. Pushing left is for Firing and opposite for Safe.
The button does have a red ring around the right side to expose the color once the safety is removed. This push style trigger will provide an extra weight loss point since the safety does not have extensions to turn so even if it is minimal it is lighter than a standard safety lever. The extra trigger and anti-walk pin set have plates and a special locking tab, the best way I can describe it is that this pin system is exactly like the way the pins work on a bicycle or motorcycle chain. When you push the pins through the lower and trigger group, you will then put the full plate on, and the lock washer will slide into the pin grooves and hold everything in place.
Because the 3-gun trigger assembly uses tension screws through its body to hold the pins from moving, we will use the pin set in the “conventional” lightweight rifle.
elftmann 3gun trigger at brownells
Comparable products:
Timney skeletonized, JMT Saber Tooth, Rise Armament RA535 advance performance trigger, although none of these have the patented drop safety assurance.
Gears rating
Rubber City Armory Titanium Black Ti Complete BCG w/ Adjustable Gas Key – M16 profile review Carbon Fiber lightweight build
This treatment includes the following 3 steps: Molecular Realignment, using temperature to modify the structure of the metal to increase strength and wear resistance. Polymetric Absorption, using Fluoropolymer of Tetrafluoroethylene to the parts to reduce friction. BlackNitradePlus℠, proprietary Thermochemical deposit of Nitro carbon into the metal surface. This all related to what they claim to be an increase in wear-resistance, fatigue strength, corrosion resistance, lubricity, and cosmetic appeal.
The specs…
Titanium carrier w/ proprietary aerospace nitride coating.
- M16 profile- reduced weight at 7.8 ounces
- Bolt material 9310
- RCA ADJUSTABLE GAS KEY torqued and staked.
- Tool steel extractor and cam pin
- INCLUDES: Directions 3 1/8, 2 3/16 set screws, and wrench
- *LIFETIME WARRANTY*
- made in the USA
- MSRP $379.00
A truly specialized lightweight bolt carrier group. This titanium BCG has all the properties we have been looking for in a component for our specialized build, and the added adjustability we do not currently have, which is in the gas system. 
The mini product overview mini review…
The Rubber City Titanium BCG has been manufactured with incredible attention to detail.
Fit and finish…
All of the surfaces are smooth to the touch. The finish is not shiny, so I softly drug my nail against the surface and that is when I could perceive any type of texture. This is from the lathe and the cutter trimming the material to spec, not all of the surfaces need a complete polish, so nothing that I would worry about. After further inspection, there are some areas where there is a glossy finish, which clearly are the polished locations that are planned to minimize the friction coefficient and help the contacting areas to slide past each other with ease. 
The polished finish is performing great and all of the specialized coating and treatment performed on the bolt carrier shows no signs of wear and scratching. Yes, we have barely begun our testing, and time will tell on the longevity of the coating. So far after the initial lightweight rifles testing and accuracy tests where we shot about 150 rounds of various types between .223 Rem and 5.56, all I did was use a little bit of lube and a paper towel and to wipe it down and it looks like the day it arrived. I know that considering the life span of a BCG this is barely the diaper days for it, and we are planning on continuing our usage through the next months.
Assembly…
The best part of this Rubber City BCG is the adjustability that it has provided for our Carbon Fiber build. As amazed as we are by the Christensen arms barrel, Brake, and gas system, we wanted to have an adjustable gas block. Finding the adjustable gas block in the 0.936″ diameter has been very difficult, and this BCG allows us to moderate the blowback from within the receiver.
Following the instructions to set it up is very easy and straightforward. It does take some time and enough ammo, but it is easy. The staked gas key has a threaded port at the back that allows for a couple of Allen screws to be threaded in and lock in place reducing the amount of gas that passes into the BCG gas chamber and lets you tame down its rear momentum. This graduation makes for a lowered recoil and easier control of the rifle during operation. As I said, I went through several types of ammo until all of it would cycle correctly and I finally locked in the adjustment.
What Is To Cycle Correctly?
This is when: starting with only one round in the magazine, the bolt is pushed back after shooting the one round and the bolt is trapped by the catch when pushed by the magazine follower. Our testing has been done exchanging BCGs between our two builds. Both of the lightweight rifles have the same gas system length, so there have been no cycling problems or issues, regardless of which rifle we use this in. Considering that the BCG is usually one of the heaviest pieces in the rifle, the weight reduction of the titanium is great and is without compromising the functioning of the rifle. This Rubber City armory titanium BCG with adjustable gas key works great.
Rubber city Ti BCG in Brownells
Comparable products:
For lightweight JP Aluminum BCG,
For titanium Faxon BLK bolt carrier or Toolcraft TI BCG
Gears rating
Shield SIS reflex sight review Carbon Fiber lightweight build
The specs…
2 buttons + or – controls
- 12 levels of brightness
- automatic and manual brightness adjustment
- weight approx. 2.16 ounces
- 4 reticles in 1 the options are
- 8MOA
- 8MOA & Ring
- 1MOA & Ring
- 1MOA
- The price at Brownells is 499.99
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The mini product overview mini review…
One of the smallest and lightest red dot sights available for a rifle.
Assembly…
Setting it up and mounting it is a breeze. The sight comes with three base layers and sets of screws that attach to the sight. Then the whole assembly is set onto the Picatinny rail. The combination is helpful for adjusting the height of the sight to match the eye level of the shooter. The first layer is the Picatinny attachment and the other two are the extra height bases.
Fit and finish…
The SIS sight has a smooth finish with a matte black color. The fit between the bases and the sight is good but you do see the separation 
The Glass
The clear glass is also polymer so if you rub the dust off, it can be scratched easier than glass. This is one of the things that I believe is a drawback. The properties of glass are better than plastic for this kind of application in my opinion. Shield does provide a cover for protection that fits snug and will not fall off. This will lessen the chance of damaging the SIS.
The Sights
The 4 sight choices are a good way of providing the user with flexibility and choice of view. The option of running the sight with an 8 MOA center dot or a 1 MOA is excellent for the variety of field conditions. I would use the 8 MOA for closer targets and fast transitions and for longer distances. I would switch to the 1 MOA, that way I would not overshadow the target with the center dot.
The controlling two buttons at the left side of the sight are big enough that can be actuated with a finger. The only issue might be when using gloves since the two buttons are up and down from each other with a little gap in between. This small gap might have you press both buttons when you are not aware of if you are wearing gloves. It will activate the sight changing settings when you might have wanted to change the brightness of the dots.
All things considered, the sight has performed well and has kept the weight from increasing too much on the rifle. I like the different choices in the reticle and the option of running on 1 or 8 MOA dot. I would like it if there were a couple of color options for the bases so I could have matched some of the other accents visible in the rifle.
Comparable products:
Vortex Venom 3, or JP JPoint 4 MOA sight
Gears rating
Weaponsmart HolyRoller Skeletonized Receiver set and aluminum lightweight AR15 BCG review Carbon Fiber lightweight build
Through their experience, they prefer to offer products that are proven and tested to perform. Within their catalog, they have several products that seem to be proprietary or manufactured specifically for their brand. Such is the case of this set of skeletonized receivers the Holy Roller and aluminum BCG.
The receiver set specs…
Made in the USA
- Skeletonized 7075 Billet
- Multi-caliber
- Ultra-lightweight @ 13.1oz combined
- MSRP $339
The BCG specs…
- Made in the USA
- High quality 7075 aluminum alloy
- Weighs 5.9oz
- Hard anodized coating
- Steel cam pin and gas key
- MSRP $169
The quick product overview mini review…
So the wait was over and as I was filling up the transfer paperwork, I got to open the box and pick up the receivers. For starters, they are light.
Fit and finish…
The milling is sharp and even and the cuts follow a good scheme through both sides of the receiver. The lower and the upper have considering lines that take the milling from one to the other making the organic connection that gives a great professional look to the set. One prominent feature in the lower receiver is a W on the wall that encloses the trigger.
As you all see in the pictures. The finish and color are flawless. Also, the black is even on all inside and out surfaces and along every edge and cut out from the skeletonizing. The upper does have the locations for the dust cover and the push forward assist. 
What Else Could Cause Problems?
What about the dust or other smaller debris causing problems? So far I have shot the rifle several times without issues caused by it. Then about all the burns on the face and arms because of all the gas blowback? That is probably the biggest misconception about this and any other skeletonized receiver.
Gas System
The gas system designed by Mr. Stoner is optimized to work with the 16 to 18″ barrels. The powder has almost completely burned once the bullet exits the barrel and the bolt has opened. I am a left-handed shooter and the fact is that I have not suffered burns or have had my face peppered by the blowback. In fact, there is more gas directed to my face from the conventional lightweight rifle. How so? well, it’s a matter of smaller opening and the gas direction.
Think of it like an inflated balloon that you are pinching shut. If you hold the balloon but let go of the pinch, then you can clearly feel the air exhausting. But do you feel the air releasing when you pop it instead? Usually not, because it is not concentrated or being released through a smaller port. The holes or milling of the material from the receiver does not allow for any pressure to be increased in the receiver. So, there is just not an increase of gas directed to my face, and I shoot left-handed!!!
Assembly…
I did not have any difficulty completing the receivers. The lower and upper pin and assembly kits went on without any problems. The only possible issue that needs to be cared for is the torquing of the barrel on the upper and the buffer tube in the lower. Having the proper tools is key to eliminate the possibility of damaging the HollyRoller skeletonized AR15 set.
On the part of the lightweight aluminum BCG, this thing is light and the red color really compliments the Elftmann 3Gun trigger that shows through the skeletonizing. The BCG conforms to specs and has worked well in both of the lightweight rifles assembled in the project. We have gone through the initial testing and shooting to ensure proper functioning. One of the things we have noticed is that the red finish color has started to show wear marks from being in contact with the surfaces of the receiver. I made sure that both items were lubed properly, which is disappointing since the BCG is still new. This wear is not concerning in functioning, but it does make me think that its lifespan might be shorter than what I would like.
Comparable products:
F1 Firearms has a couple of them, the BDR15-3g and UDR15-3g, Lead Star Arms LSA-15
Gears rating
Precision Reflex Gen III Delta Carbon Fiber Handguard
They started with the manufacturing of accessories for shooting. Their main focus then was sights and scope bases. Their clientele was mainly law enforcement. Precision Reflex made high-strength rings out of 4140 steel that was heat-treated for strength and durability and they continue with the same practice of utilizing the same steel in their line of products. They were awarded several patents in the ’80s for their creations.
Now they continue to make changes and add products to their catalog. For example, we have their Gen III Delta Handguard. This handguard is different than the majority of companies that have carbon fiber products because instead of following the round or multilateral (hexagonal, 
The quick product overview mini review…
The big surprise, after 10 months of searching, researching, reaching out to companies for the various products for our build. I came home one afternoon to find a package addressed to Gear-Report, to my surprise, from Precision Reflex. The box contained the last piece of the puzzle; the coveted carbon fiber handguard that was missing from our Carbon Fiber AR Build.
The specs…
- Black Finish
- 4 rails, 8.5″ rail on top, and then 3 3″ rails at 3,6 and 9 O’clock positions
wrapped carbon fiber
- aluminum barrel nut and collar
- The total length of the forearm is 14.5″
- weighs 15oz. including barrel nut
- clearance from the centerline of the barrel to the underside of the forearm is 1.1″
- the barrel nut is 1.075″ Custom sizes for other diameter barrels can be made.
- MSRP $380
notice of advice from Precision Reflex Inc.
“The receiver and the rail on the forearm are not at the same elevation.”
The quick product overview mini review…
The main thought behind using this handguard was for the lightweight material. I can say that compared to many handguards this is a great weight reduction on the carbon fiber portion. The one thing that does disappoint is that the complete attaching assembly is stout and does add weight. Combining it with the Christensen Arms barrel does tip our balance forward.
Assembly…
This was an easy process where the only thing to follow is the order of the pieces. The assembly has several parts that serve the purpose of both tightening and securing the barrel. Also, it secures the handguard which uses the threading ring to tighten it over the barrel. Standard tools are used so it is not difficult to apply onto the rifle. The handguard ring is hand tightened, but I have not had issues with it loosening or backing out.
Fit and finish…
The delta shape has rounded edges and increased interior volume. The design does provide more than ample space to use a piston system or adjustable gas block that tends to be a little bulkier than others. On this added volume, there is a drawback and that comes in the height of the peak of the triangle.
This is addressed by precision in the added note I quoted above. This might be of concern to many, but to us, this is not anything to our worry or detriment. Our intention for this build is to use a light SIS reflex sight provided by Shield, so there is no need to worry about the rail height alignment. I removed the original 4 rails that come included with the handguard system.
This added to the weight loss amount and helped the maneuverability of the rifle. This weight balance helps with canceling the inertia created when sweeping from target to target. Another thing that I tried was flipping the handguard to have the delta attached upside down, and because of our low profile gas block, this does work and it looks like it would make the rails height differential a lot smaller and could potentially let you use standard iron sights that way.
The color and texture are interesting since it is very well coated with a black finish. The look on the exterior has a spiraling effect from the manufacturing process. Although I would have liked for the carbon fiber pattern to be evident, I am impressed with the performance and fit with the rest of the rifle.
comparable products:
Aluminum: UltralightHex handguard by Unique Ars, Odin works O2 lite.
Carbon fiber: Faxon 15″ Streamline Carbon
Gears rating
Cedar Mill AR15 Charging Handle
The last product provider for the AR15 build comes from Cedar Mill, based in Montana.
Their contribution is with an awesome case to protect our two rifles and a charging handle that is skeletonized. We were missing to match the specialized Weaponsmart Holy Roller Receiver set.
The specs…
- Ambidextrous Design
- Allows for Palm or Finger Thumb operation
- Aircraft Grade 7075 Aluminum
- Mil-Spec Hard Coat Anodized Type III-(Black)
- per Mil-A-8625F, Type III, Class 2
- MSRP $49.99
The mini product review overview…
The characteristic I appreciate the most is that it is ambidextrous. This rifle is standard but I shoot lefty, so now charging with either hand is easy. The biggest point of comparison is the price. There are several other brand options in the market, but the Cedar Mill Charging handle is surprisingly budget-priced.
Fit and finish…
The surfaces are even and conform to the required specs to work on the Holy Roller upper receiver. In performance, the charging handle has not disappointed us. It has also worked properly in our second “Conventional” Lightweight AR Build, but many have the mentality exemplified by the phrase “you get what you pay for.” What is the benefit of paying extra or not just extra but double or more for a comparable item with the same performance? This is one of those products that several companies offer, but most of them are out of the Cedar Mill pricing realm. This price does not mean you get a cheap product, it means you were wiser and made a great investment.
Assembly…
The assembly is easy and there is no need for tools. Exchanging the standard charge handle with the Cedar Mill ambidextrous one and follow it with the BCG and pin the upper back onto the lower.
Gears rating
This is how our Carbon Fiber Lightweight AR15 Build performed…
The conglomerate of parts used has proven to us of each one of the companies’ quality of manufacturing and adherence to specifications. As one of the most customized rifles in the USA, we had not one issue putting the rifle together.
The accuracy…
I performed the zeroing at 40y. and accuracy test at 100y. by shooting with the support of our Hyskore Dual Damper Precision Shooting Rest review (link for Amazon). For this test I am using the Vortex scope, that way I can see the target better. These are the very first strings of shots taken for the barrel. The break in process has not been finalized, but we wanted to have a gauge of initial performance. The groups seen in the target will most certainly tighten up after a couple of hundred rounds have been shot, in which the copper fouling 
What Is Recoil?
Another point of discussion with lightweight rifles is the recoil. On this topic, I would have to ask what is recoil? The first quality that this barrel has that has helped the recoil is that it does have more mass than other lightweight barrels.
This is not heavy in comparison but it provides the bull barrel profile and performance at a fraction of the weight of an all-metal bull barrel or even a heavy barrel profile. The weight is more in line with a standard barrel. Another recoil reduction is the aggressive cuts and angle for the Christensen Titanium Brake. This Titanium Brake does an excellent job at redirecting the gases and reducing the recoil effect. Because of the aggressive break, the sound effect and percussion are felt a lot more by the people shooting next to you at the range.
Bolt Carrier Groups
The other part that has helped to lessen the recoil within the rifle is the choice of BCGs, the 
Balance
The last thing to mention about a well-built lightweight rifle is that the main focus for it is to achieve the proper balance. As for many rifles built for accuracy, the user places them in the bench or bi-pod realm. The rifles are heavy and usually, the rifle will not need to be moved much. In the case of our lightweight build, the mentality is to have the balance more neutral centering the mass at the magazine. If possible, moving it closer to the pistol grip.
Why Is Center Of Balance Important?
This center of balance allows for rapid transitions, making this rifle an ideal tool for shifting the muzzle to a new point of aim. It is my belief that we have accomplished to make a rifle worthy of competition, where the transitions would be easy and 
An update… I must look to add a better or captured spring buffer system even if it adds a little weight. But because it is at the rear of the rifle, it will benefit the balance for target transitions.
The 100 yards results…
- left 1 Defender ammo 55gr. FMJ Boat Tail 2.787 inch
- right 1 Defender 77gr. 2.070 inch
- left 2 Sig Sauer 223 77gr. OTM Match grade 1.417 inch
- right 2 Defender ammo 223 69gr. SMK Match Re-manufactured 2.482 inch
- left 3 Federal ammo 73gr. open tip target boat tail 1.374 inches
- right 3 American eagle 50gr. JHP Varmint & Predator 1.248 inch
These results are using a 4x power scope to help in holding the rifle on target. The trouble I found
The Break-in Process
The other aspect that I know is that the breaking-in process of the rifle has barely begun. It will take extra shooting to get the copper fouling to “seal.” Also to line the barrel and make it more accurate. I will continue to break in the barrel and in the future and will update the test with a new batch of ammo and a better scope.
Completion
After completing the AR15 rifles, I realized that I needed a better transport and protection case. We contacted Cedar Mill and we now have one of their Waterproof & Airtight Tactical Rifle Cases to protect the rifle. This is truly a great case that allows you to customize the foam to hold your rifles securely in place. The case has plenty of space for extra items.
Gears rating
Final price tally…
Within each one of the articles are links for you to purchase. Here is the list again.
- Smoke Composites buttstock $189
- Christensen barrel $585 & muzzle brake compensator $225
- Elfmann 3G trigger $279 & Speed Safety $39.95
- Weaponsmart Lightweight Aluminum BCG $169
- Weaponsmart Holy Roller Upper & Lower set $339
- Rubber City Titanium BCG $379
- PRI Gen III Delta handguard $380
- Venom Defence and Design Stealth pistol grip $149
- Shield SIS CD Reflex sight $499
- Cedar Mill case $249
- Cedar Mill Ambi charging handle $49.99
- total- 3103 w WS BCG -3313 w RCA BCG
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Ammo for testing provided by
Without the support of our ammo suppliers, we would not be able to review as many guns.
Defender Ammunition Company
Defender provided .223 Remington ammo for this test.
Sig Sauer
SIG provided .223 Remington ammo for this test.
Gorilla Ammunition
Gorilla Ammo provided reman and factory .223 Remington rifle rounds for this test.
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Jeff shooting the Quarter Horse Arms AR15 Full Auto from the Project Humvee Battlewagon
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