Chances are that if you landed here looking for skeletonized AR 15 parts, you already know what the draws are; if that’s the case, you might be wondering what parts of an AR15 can be reasonably skeletonized to shave weight. Here are the main ones, in no particular order.
- Upper receiver: AR15 upper receivers (like lowers) are typically made from aluminum, which is a very lightweight metal to begin with. As a result, AR uppers are already fairly light compared to other firearm receivers made of steel. Even so, an upper can still be fairly heavy compared to other AR parts (barrel excepted), so starting your build with a skeletonized AR15 upper can definitely save you a few ounces off the overall build, and ounces will add up over time.
- Skeleton grips for AR15 rifles: A skeleton grip for an AR15 rifle is one of the most practical parts to skeletonize as the grip needs certain contours but not mass to perform well. A skeleton grip for your AR15, like a skeletonized upper, can offer you some weight savings.
- The stock: An AR stock, particularly a solid fixed stock, can be a fairly heavy part. Therefore, like the upper and grip, a skeletonized AR stock is one of the most practical parts to lighten.
- The handguard: After the barrel, the heaviest part of your AR is likely going to be the handguard, especially if you have a Pic quad rail. That said, “skeletonized” handguards aren’t really a thing. Even so, there are alternatives to Picatinny handguards, like KeyMod and M-LOK rail systems, that are much lighter, and which will accomplish the same purpose of shaving weight.
- The charging handle: The AR15 charging handle is another part that can be skeletonized, thereby saving weight. But be aware, you won’t save much weight by installing a skeletonized charging handle. The main upgrade will be in terms of aesthetics.
- The trigger: Strictly speaking, a trigger can be skeletonized, but know this. If you install a skeletonized AR15 trigger, you’ll be doing it for the aesthetic, not because it saves you any meaningful weight. You’ll cut back by a few grams at most.
The BCG: Not Skeletonized, but Adjacent
While the term skeletonized is not typically used to describe bolt carrier groups, there are lightweight bolt carrier groups you can buy and install.
Also, there are some advantages to lightweight bolt carrier groups that are distinct from other AR parts, although they will technically also reduce weight.
Chief among these is that a lighter bolt carrier group will reduce reciprocating mass, which will slightly reduce recoil. With the reduction in reciprocating mass, you also get a corresponding increase in cycling speed, too.
The Argument for Skeletonized AR15 Parts
There is one main, big advantage to skeletonized AR parts, and it is that they will save weight. This can benefit you in multiple ways, not the least of which is that a lighter rifle will not just be easier to carry, but also to point and shoot.
A lighter AR will also make it easier for shooters, especially smaller-framed shooters, to carry and shoot for longer with less fatigue.
There is another potential benefit to skeletonized parts, depending on which you skeletonize, and it is that they can potentially help with heat dissipation. A skeletonized receiver, and either a KeyMod or M-LOK rail system, will both shed heat more quickly, or at least enable it to be shed more quickly, due in part to the larger surface area and to the more open design.
By the way, one other thing you can do to improve heat dissipation and lighten the gun is install a fluted barrel. While a fluted barrel is by no means a skeletonized part, it accomplishes the same goal of weight reduction and enhancing heat dissipation.
The Downside
While there are some serious advantages to consider with respect to a skeletonized grip for your AR15, or a skeletonized stock, it is important to remember that there are commensurate drawbacks.
Chiefly, skeletonized AR15 parts, since they have more surface area, will both be harder to clean, and will allow dust, fouling, and other particulate matter greater ingress. This can increase wear on parts if you do not meticulously keep the rifle clean.
Therefore, while skeletonized parts can result in a lighter rifle that handles more favorably for competition, they’re not ideal for field use because of the expanded opportunities for dust and moisture ingress.
The Choice Is Yours, Shop AR15 Skeletonized Parts Here
Whether or not you upgrade your AR with skeletonized parts is up to you, but we have parts to help you make those upgrades.
Shop our collection of skeletonized AR parts and get in touch with at Sales@MCSGearup.com if you have any questions before buying.