There is something to be said for using good quality parts. You can't co wrong with a Colt M16A2 upper and Bolt carrier group, or with a well used Colt SP1 lower parts kit. It is well worn in, very smooth, and maybe 4.5 pounds, but even. The only cheap thing I used was the no nome M4 stock that I pinned. (it seem blasphemy to pin a Magpul!). The working parts, though I replaced. I used a USGI M4 spring I had new in wrap and the H buffer. Very satisfying. Almost 400 rounds since I built it, and zero malfunctions. It is a carbine I can really bet my life on!