V SEVEN Weapon Systems Lightweight AR-15 (4 Lbs 9 Oz)
Even without the use of skeletonized or minimalistic parts this rifle weights 4 lbs 9 oz! How did V Seven Weapon Systems manage to make this AR-15 so light and still keep it normal rifle size and looking like an actual rifle? The answer is in use of materials that each individual component is made of.
2025 lithium-aluminum, grade 5 titanium, 7068 aluminum, S7 tool steel, magnesium alloys – these are some of the materials used in this rifle. Sounds quite unusual, doesn’t it?
The enlightened upper and lower receivers as well as the Teflon coated buffer tube, are made of 2055 lithium-aluminum. The magazine catch button and the castle nut are made of 7068 aluminum. The gas block, bolt carrier, firing pin, muzzle brake, trigger and hammer pins, buffer retainer and even the grip screw are made of titanium. Other parts don’t have the exact material designation but almost all of them are described as lightweight, ultra-light or hyper-light.
The V Seven rifle also features a 14.5″ fluted stainless steel barrel with 1:7 twist rate and polygonal riflings. It is chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO. The muzzle device is pinned and welded to make the overall barrel length legal for a rifle. The H1 buffer and the recoil spring also feature Teflon coating for lubricity and smooth and quiet operation.
The rifle is listed on V Seven Weapon Systems’ website at an MSRP of $2,800. The complete upper receiver is available separately at $1,797.
I’ve always been a proponent of the use of new materials that allow to decrease the weight of individual parts without compromising their functionality and rigidity. However, my limited metallurgy knowledge doesn’t allow me to make a statement concerning whether some of the materials used in this rifle are strong enough. If you know more about these materials, please share your knowledge in the comments section.
Managing Editor Being a lifelong firearms enthusiast, Hrachya always enjoys studying the history and design of guns and ammunition. Should you need to contact him, feel free to shoot him a message at Hrachya@TheFirearmBlog.com
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I just finished my own build. A full size AR (16") with a total weight of 4 lb 9.5 oz and a cost of $700ish. With a little research and attention to sales it can be done. In my case I ordered the parts from 10 different online retailers, most who offered free shipping at the time. Also, be selective where you save weight e.g. don't spend $200 more to save 1 oz on an upper. It's better to spend $60 more to save 6 oz on a stock/buffer tube set. Weight savings to cost ratio is most important.
I used some V7, BAD, Faxon, 2A Arms, and other parts to put one together (on paper) that should come under 4 lbs 7 oz, WITH optic, irons, and white light.
Gonna cost around $3400, but I want to build it.