Hillary, the Ranch AR...

I've built over a couple dozen AR's starting in the early 1980's. A very fun hobby that has exploded. Still a fun easy pastime with parts and supplies everywhere.

In the closing days of the last election I just knew our Goose was cooked. So I hurriedly put together my last legal AR. Back in the day I always kept a HBAR configuration as they functioned best and shot aces, every one I did. So I used an inexpensive Anderson lower and picked a 5.56 1x8" spin 20" chrome lined HB. Shoots great, but a bit heavy and muzzle inclined, which really aids off hand shooting. I put a little less than $700 in it, going rate at the time. So we named it Hillary and placed it in the utility role, not a bad ranch gun.

I've grown bored with it, can't stomach the loss to sell, and the heft keeps me from letting it tag along many times. I got the idea remembering one spacial build where I made up basically an A2 and SP1 clone using the very light barrel. It shot MOA and was a delight with neutral balance. Researching the project all over again I have determined the difference is right at one pound. Wow, that pound sure makes a difference in feel. I may think about buying a barrel, swapping, and re-selling my low count HB. Roman, I try to be a cool Dad, wants me to get a stls. barrel and spring for the grey triangle retro-furniture kit. Keeping the A2 upper and round button FA. I'm not sold but it sounds like it would make things interesting. I can sell the old black furniture but for about half what the prissy grey costs. Still not out much. Maybe worth it if it lights his fire.

I always have to have some weird hook to gain my interest.

One pound.