The race to the bottom has been running in earnest for the last few years. Various manufacturers have been vying to produce the lightest weight parts for Modern Sporting Rifles as the market has moved from heavy picatinny rail systems and barrels to the modular attachment systems and pencil barrels. There are reports of AR-15s being consistently below 4.5 lbs, unloaded using commercially available parts.

Expanding the appeal of their BAS-ASS system (Battle Arms Development – Ambidextrous Safety System), Battle Arms Development has a lightweight offering, the aptly named BAD-ASS-LW. The BAS-ASS-LW system reduces weight over the standard BAD-ASS by removing weight from the steel safety/selector barrel and by skeletonizing aluminum selector tabs. Weight for the entire system comes in at less than 1/2 and ounce–.42 ounces.

The BAD-ASS-LW is currently only offered as a 90-degree throw (but I am sure a 60 degree will be coming, as BAD was one of the first to introduce short-throw offerings).  Likewise, only two levers (long ans short) are available at this time. The LW is compatible with all standard AR-15 compatible Modern Sporting Rifles including the larger .308 cousins.

Retail pricing is set at $65. The system is available directly from Battle Arms Development or through their large domestic and international dealer network. Packing includes the steel core, aluminum levers, torx screws, selector detent (made by KNS), and selector detent spring.