Thanks very much guys.
Great answers.
For me, low weight would be the holy grail, so in looking at an M1A, I would be searching for way to lighten it.
So far, . . .lose the flash supressor.
Get the lightest stock possible. (Some say it is the standard G.I. fiberglass. Others say that the $600 carbon stocks are lighter.)
Lose the metal butt plate. (Replaced this with a plastic one.)
Ten round mag.
Light weight barrel? It seems as if in advertising M1As, Springfield and others offer a "light weight" barrel, but then in the fine print they say that this just means a "Standard G.I Barrel." I wonder, though, if somebody makes a true light weight barrel, signficantly lighter than the Standard G.I. Barrel? Can't find one advertised anywhere, but you would think that SOMEBODY would make one. If you have ever heard of one, please let me know.
On paper, it looks as if the new FN semi-auto military rifle is about 1 pound lighter than an M1A. But, I hate a pistol grip stock, and it doesn't look as if anyone makes a standard sporting stock for this new rifle. I wonder if a standard stock for a regular BAR sporting rifle would fit the new FN rifle? (The new FN is based off of the BAR receiver.) I sent FN an e-mail asking this question, but of course, no answer.
Also, the new FN rifle costs about $800 more than an M1A. (Gasp)
Thanks, Mannyrock