Small Arms Review
  • Home
  • Articles
    • Guns & Parts
    • Suppressors
    • Optics & Thermals
    • Ammunition
    • Gear
    • News & Opinion
    • Columns
    • Museums & Factory Tours
    • ID Guides
    • Interviews
    • Event Coverage
    • Articles by Issue
      • Volume 1
        • V1N1 (Oct 1997)
        • V1N2 (Nov 1997)
        • V1N3 (Dec 1997)
        • V1N4 (Jan 1998)
        • V1N5 (Feb 1998)
        • V1N6 (Mar 1998)
        • V1N7 (Apr 1998)
        • V1N8 (May 1998)
        • V1N9 (Jun 1998)
        • V1N10 (Jul 1998)
        • V1N11 (Aug 1998)
        • V1N12 (Sep 1998)
      • Volume 2
        • V2N1 (Oct 1998)
        • V2N2 (Nov 1998)
        • V2N3 (Dec 1998)
        • V2N4 (Jan 1999)
        • V2N5 (Feb 1999)
        • V2N6 (Mar 1999)
        • V2N7 (Apr 1999)
        • V2N8 (May 1999)
        • V2N9 (Jun 1999)
        • V2N10 (Jul 1999)
        • V2N11 (Aug 1999)
        • V2N12 (Sep 1999)
      • Volume 3
        • V3N1 (Oct 1999)
        • V3N2 (Nov 1999)
        • V3N3 (Dec 1999)
        • V3N4 (Jan 2000)
        • V3N5 (Feb 2000)
        • V3N6 (Mar 2000)
        • V3N7 (Apr 2000)
        • V3N8 (May 2000)
        • V3N9 (Jun 2000)
        • V3N10 (Jul 2000)
        • V3N11 (Aug 2000)
        • V3N12 (Sep 2000)
      • Volume 4
        • V4N1 (Oct 2000)
        • V4N2 (Nov 2000)
        • V4N3 (Dec 2000)
        • V4N4 (Jan 2001)
        • V4N5 (Feb 2001)
        • V4N6 (Mar 2001)
        • V4N7 (Apr 2001)
        • V4N8 (May 2001)
        • V4N9 (Jun 2001)
        • V4N10 (Jul 2001)
        • V4N11 (Aug 2001)
        • V4N12 (Sep 2001)
      • Volume 5
        • V5N1 (Oct 2001)
        • V5N2 (Nov 2001)
        • V5N3 (Dec 2001)
        • V5N4 (Jan 2002)
        • V5N5 (Feb 2002)
        • V5N6 (Mar 2002)
        • V5N7 (Apr 2002)
        • V5N8 (May 2002)
        • V5N9 (Jun 2002)
        • V5N10 (Jul 2002)
        • V5N11 (Aug 2002)
        • V5N12 (Sep 2002)
      • Volume 6
        • V6N1 (Oct 2002)
        • V6N2 (Nov 2002)
        • V6N3 (Dec 2002)
        • V6N4 (Jan 2003)
        • V6N5 (Feb 2003)
        • V6N6 (Mar 2003)
        • V6N7 (Apr 2003)
        • V6N8 (May 2003)
        • V6N9 (Jun 2003)
        • V6N10 (Jul 2003)
        • V6N11 (Aug 2003)
        • V6N12 (Sep 2003)
      • Volume 7
        • V7N1 (Oct 2003)
        • V7N2 (Nov 2003)
        • V7N3 (Dec 2003)
        • V7N4 (Jan 2004)
        • V7N5 (Feb 2004)
        • V7N6 (Mar 2004)
        • V7N7 (Apr 2004)
        • V7N8 (May 2004)
        • V7N9 (Jun 2004)
        • V7N10 (Jul 2004)
        • V7N11 (Aug 2004)
        • V7N12 (Sep 2004)
      • Volume 8
        • V8N1 (Oct 2004)
        • V8N2 (Nov 2004)
        • V8N3 (Dec 2004)
        • V8N4 (Jan 2005)
        • V8N5 (Feb 2005)
        • V8N6 (Mar 2005)
        • V8N7 (Apr 2005)
        • V8N8 (May 2005)
        • V8N9 (Jun 2005)
        • V8N10 (Jul 2005)
        • V8N11 (Aug 2005)
        • V8N12 (Sep 2005)
      • Volume 9
        • V9N1 (Oct 2005)
        • V9N2 (Nov 2005)
        • V9N3 (Dec 2005)
        • V9N4 (Jan 2006)
        • V9N5 (Feb 2006)
        • V9N6 (Mar 2006)
        • V9N7 (Apr 2006)
        • V9N8 (May 2006)
        • V9N9 (Jun 2006)
        • V9N10 (Jul 2006)
        • V9N11 (Aug 2006)
        • V9N12 (Sep 2006)
      • Volume 10
        • V10N1 (Oct 2006)
        • V10N2 (Nov 2006)
        • V10N3 (Dec 2006)
        • V10N4 (Jan 2007)
        • V10N5 (Feb 2007)
        • V10N6 (Mar 2007)
        • V10N7 (Apr 2007)
        • V10N8 (May 2007)
        • V10N9 (Jun 2007)
        • V10N10 (Jul 2007)
        • V10N11 (Aug 2007)
        • V10N12 (Sep 2007)
      • Volume 11
        • V11N1 (Oct 2007)
        • V11N2 (Nov 2007)
        • V11N3 (Dec 2007)
        • V11N4 (Jan 2008)
        • V11N5 (Feb 2008)
        • V11N6 (Mar 2008)
        • V11N7 (Apr 2008)
        • V11N8 (May 2008)
        • V11N9 (Jun 2008)
        • V11N10 (Jul 2008)
        • V11N11 (Aug 2008)
        • V11N12 (Sep 2008)
      • Volume 12
        • V12N1 (Oct 2008)
        • V12N2 (Nov 2008)
        • V12N3 (Dec 2008)
        • V12N4 (Jan 2009)
        • V12N5 (Feb 2009)
        • V12N6 (Mar 2009)
        • V12N7 (Apr 2009)
        • V12N8 (May 2009)
        • V12N9 (Jun 2009)
        • V12N10 (Jul 2009)
        • V12N11 (Aug 2009)
        • V12N12 (Sep 2009)
      • Volume 13
        • V13N1 (Oct 2009)
        • V13N2 (Nov 2009)
        • V13N3 (Dec 2009)
        • V13N4 (Jan 2010)
        • V13N5 (Feb 2010)
        • V13N6 (Mar 2010)
        • V13N7 (Apr 2010)
        • V13N8 (May 2010)
        • V13N9 (Jun 2010)
        • V13N10 (Jul 2010)
        • V13N11 (Aug 2010)
        • V13N12 (Sep 2010)
      • Volume 14
        • V14N1 (Oct 2010)
        • V14N2 (Nov 2010)
        • V14N3 (Dec 2010)
          • Ammunition
        • V14N4 (Jan 2011)
        • V14N5 (Feb 2011)
        • V14N6 (Mar 2011)
        • V14N7 (Apr 2011)
        • V14N8 (May 2011)
        • V14N9 (Jun 2011)
        • V14N10 (Jul 2011)
        • V14N11 (Aug 2011)
        • V14N12 (Sep 2011)
      • Volume 15
        • V15N1 (Oct 2011)
        • V15N2 (Nov 2011)
        • V15N4 (Jan 2012)
        • V15N5 (Feb 2012)
      • Volume 16
        • V16N1 (1st Quarter 2012)
        • V16N2 (2nd Quarter 2012)
        • V16N3 (3rd Quarter 2012)
        • V16N4 (4th Quarter 2012)
      • Volume 17
        • V17N1 (1st Quarter 2013)
        • V17N2 (2nd Quarter 2013)
        • V17N3 (3rd Quarter 2013)
        • V17N4 (4th Quarter 2013)
      • Volume 18
        • V18N1 (Jan Feb 2014)
        • V18N2 (Mar Apr 2014)
        • V18N3 (May Jun 2014)
        • V18N4 (Jul Aug 2014)
        • V18N5 (Sep Oct 2014)
        • V18N6 (Nov Dec 2014)
      • Volume 19
        • V19N1 (Jan 2015)
        • V19N2 (Feb Mar 2015)
        • V19N3 (Apr 2015)
        • V19N4 (May 2015)
        • V19N5 (Jun 2015)
        • V19N6 (Jul 2015)
        • V19N7 (Aug Sep 2015)
        • V19N8 (Oct 2015)
        • V19N9 (Nov 2015)
        • V19N10 (Dec 2015)
      • Volume 20
        • V20N1 (Jan 2016)
        • V20N2 (Feb Mar 2016)
        • V20N3 (Apr 2016)
        • V20N4 (May 2016)
        • V20N5 (Jun 2016)
        • V20N6 (Jul 2016)
        • V20N7 (Aug Sep 2016)
        • V20N8 (Oct 2016)
        • V20N9 (Nov 2016)
        • V20N10 (Dec 2016)
      • Volume 21
        • V21N1 (Jan 2017)
        • V21N2 (Feb Mar 2017)
        • V21N3 (Apr 2017)
        • V21N4 (May 2017)
        • V21N5 (Jun 2017)
        • V21N6 (Jul 2017)
        • V21N7 (Aug Sep 2017)
        • V21N8 (Oct 2017)
        • V21N9 (Nov 2017)
        • V21N10 (Dec 2017)
      • Volume 22
        • V22N1 (Jan 2018)
        • V22N2 (Feb 2018)
        • V22N3 (March 2018)
        • V22N4 (Apr 2018)
        • V22N5 (May 2018)
        • V22N6 (Jun Jul 2018)
        • V22N7 (Aug Sep 2018)
        • V22N8 (Oct 2018)
        • V22N9 (Nov 2018)
        • V22N10 (Dec 2018)
      • Volume 23
        • V23N1 (Jan 2019)
        • V23N2 (Feb 2019)
        • V23N3 (Mar 2019)
        • V23N4 (Apr 2019)
        • V23N5 (May 2019)
        • V23N6 (Jun Jul 2019)
        • V23N7 (Aug Sep 2019)
        • V23N8 (Oct 2019)
        • V23N9 (Nov 2019)
        • V23N10 (Dec 2019)
      • Volume 24
        • V24N1 (Jan 2020)
        • V24N2 (Feb 2020)
        • V24N3 (Mar 2020)
        • V24N4 (Apr 2020)
        • V24N5 (May 2020)
        • V24N6 (Jun Jul 2020)
        • V24N7 (Aug Sep 2020)
        • V24N8 (Oct 2020)
        • V24N9 (Nov 2020)
        • V24N10 (Dec 2020)
  • The Archive
    • Search The Archive
  • Store
    • Books
    • Back Issues
    • Merchandise
  • Podcast
  • Newsletter
  • Events
  • FrankenGun Challenge
  • About
    • About Small Arms Review
    • About Chipotle Publishing
    • Contact Us
    • Other Publications
      • Small Arms Defense Journal
  • Home
  • Articles
    • Guns & Parts
    • Suppressors
    • Optics & Thermals
    • Ammunition
    • Gear
    • News & Opinion
    • Columns
    • Museums & Factory Tours
    • ID Guides
    • Interviews
    • Event Coverage
    • Articles by Issue
      • Volume 1
        • V1N1 (Oct 1997)
        • V1N2 (Nov 1997)
        • V1N3 (Dec 1997)
        • V1N4 (Jan 1998)
        • V1N5 (Feb 1998)
        • V1N6 (Mar 1998)
        • V1N7 (Apr 1998)
        • V1N8 (May 1998)
        • V1N9 (Jun 1998)
        • V1N10 (Jul 1998)
        • V1N11 (Aug 1998)
        • V1N12 (Sep 1998)
      • Volume 2
        • V2N1 (Oct 1998)
        • V2N2 (Nov 1998)
        • V2N3 (Dec 1998)
        • V2N4 (Jan 1999)
        • V2N5 (Feb 1999)
        • V2N6 (Mar 1999)
        • V2N7 (Apr 1999)
        • V2N8 (May 1999)
        • V2N9 (Jun 1999)
        • V2N10 (Jul 1999)
        • V2N11 (Aug 1999)
        • V2N12 (Sep 1999)
      • Volume 3
        • V3N1 (Oct 1999)
        • V3N2 (Nov 1999)
        • V3N3 (Dec 1999)
        • V3N4 (Jan 2000)
        • V3N5 (Feb 2000)
        • V3N6 (Mar 2000)
        • V3N7 (Apr 2000)
        • V3N8 (May 2000)
        • V3N9 (Jun 2000)
        • V3N10 (Jul 2000)
        • V3N11 (Aug 2000)
        • V3N12 (Sep 2000)
      • Volume 4
        • V4N1 (Oct 2000)
        • V4N2 (Nov 2000)
        • V4N3 (Dec 2000)
        • V4N4 (Jan 2001)
        • V4N5 (Feb 2001)
        • V4N6 (Mar 2001)
        • V4N7 (Apr 2001)
        • V4N8 (May 2001)
        • V4N9 (Jun 2001)
        • V4N10 (Jul 2001)
        • V4N11 (Aug 2001)
        • V4N12 (Sep 2001)
      • Volume 5
        • V5N1 (Oct 2001)
        • V5N2 (Nov 2001)
        • V5N3 (Dec 2001)
        • V5N4 (Jan 2002)
        • V5N5 (Feb 2002)
        • V5N6 (Mar 2002)
        • V5N7 (Apr 2002)
        • V5N8 (May 2002)
        • V5N9 (Jun 2002)
        • V5N10 (Jul 2002)
        • V5N11 (Aug 2002)
        • V5N12 (Sep 2002)
      • Volume 6
        • V6N1 (Oct 2002)
        • V6N2 (Nov 2002)
        • V6N3 (Dec 2002)
        • V6N4 (Jan 2003)
        • V6N5 (Feb 2003)
        • V6N6 (Mar 2003)
        • V6N7 (Apr 2003)
        • V6N8 (May 2003)
        • V6N9 (Jun 2003)
        • V6N10 (Jul 2003)
        • V6N11 (Aug 2003)
        • V6N12 (Sep 2003)
      • Volume 7
        • V7N1 (Oct 2003)
        • V7N2 (Nov 2003)
        • V7N3 (Dec 2003)
        • V7N4 (Jan 2004)
        • V7N5 (Feb 2004)
        • V7N6 (Mar 2004)
        • V7N7 (Apr 2004)
        • V7N8 (May 2004)
        • V7N9 (Jun 2004)
        • V7N10 (Jul 2004)
        • V7N11 (Aug 2004)
        • V7N12 (Sep 2004)
      • Volume 8
        • V8N1 (Oct 2004)
        • V8N2 (Nov 2004)
        • V8N3 (Dec 2004)
        • V8N4 (Jan 2005)
        • V8N5 (Feb 2005)
        • V8N6 (Mar 2005)
        • V8N7 (Apr 2005)
        • V8N8 (May 2005)
        • V8N9 (Jun 2005)
        • V8N10 (Jul 2005)
        • V8N11 (Aug 2005)
        • V8N12 (Sep 2005)
      • Volume 9
        • V9N1 (Oct 2005)
        • V9N2 (Nov 2005)
        • V9N3 (Dec 2005)
        • V9N4 (Jan 2006)
        • V9N5 (Feb 2006)
        • V9N6 (Mar 2006)
        • V9N7 (Apr 2006)
        • V9N8 (May 2006)
        • V9N9 (Jun 2006)
        • V9N10 (Jul 2006)
        • V9N11 (Aug 2006)
        • V9N12 (Sep 2006)
      • Volume 10
        • V10N1 (Oct 2006)
        • V10N2 (Nov 2006)
        • V10N3 (Dec 2006)
        • V10N4 (Jan 2007)
        • V10N5 (Feb 2007)
        • V10N6 (Mar 2007)
        • V10N7 (Apr 2007)
        • V10N8 (May 2007)
        • V10N9 (Jun 2007)
        • V10N10 (Jul 2007)
        • V10N11 (Aug 2007)
        • V10N12 (Sep 2007)
      • Volume 11
        • V11N1 (Oct 2007)
        • V11N2 (Nov 2007)
        • V11N3 (Dec 2007)
        • V11N4 (Jan 2008)
        • V11N5 (Feb 2008)
        • V11N6 (Mar 2008)
        • V11N7 (Apr 2008)
        • V11N8 (May 2008)
        • V11N9 (Jun 2008)
        • V11N10 (Jul 2008)
        • V11N11 (Aug 2008)
        • V11N12 (Sep 2008)
      • Volume 12
        • V12N1 (Oct 2008)
        • V12N2 (Nov 2008)
        • V12N3 (Dec 2008)
        • V12N4 (Jan 2009)
        • V12N5 (Feb 2009)
        • V12N6 (Mar 2009)
        • V12N7 (Apr 2009)
        • V12N8 (May 2009)
        • V12N9 (Jun 2009)
        • V12N10 (Jul 2009)
        • V12N11 (Aug 2009)
        • V12N12 (Sep 2009)
      • Volume 13
        • V13N1 (Oct 2009)
        • V13N2 (Nov 2009)
        • V13N3 (Dec 2009)
        • V13N4 (Jan 2010)
        • V13N5 (Feb 2010)
        • V13N6 (Mar 2010)
        • V13N7 (Apr 2010)
        • V13N8 (May 2010)
        • V13N9 (Jun 2010)
        • V13N10 (Jul 2010)
        • V13N11 (Aug 2010)
        • V13N12 (Sep 2010)
      • Volume 14
        • V14N1 (Oct 2010)
        • V14N2 (Nov 2010)
        • V14N3 (Dec 2010)
          • Ammunition
        • V14N4 (Jan 2011)
        • V14N5 (Feb 2011)
        • V14N6 (Mar 2011)
        • V14N7 (Apr 2011)
        • V14N8 (May 2011)
        • V14N9 (Jun 2011)
        • V14N10 (Jul 2011)
        • V14N11 (Aug 2011)
        • V14N12 (Sep 2011)
      • Volume 15
        • V15N1 (Oct 2011)
        • V15N2 (Nov 2011)
        • V15N4 (Jan 2012)
        • V15N5 (Feb 2012)
      • Volume 16
        • V16N1 (1st Quarter 2012)
        • V16N2 (2nd Quarter 2012)
        • V16N3 (3rd Quarter 2012)
        • V16N4 (4th Quarter 2012)
      • Volume 17
        • V17N1 (1st Quarter 2013)
        • V17N2 (2nd Quarter 2013)
        • V17N3 (3rd Quarter 2013)
        • V17N4 (4th Quarter 2013)
      • Volume 18
        • V18N1 (Jan Feb 2014)
        • V18N2 (Mar Apr 2014)
        • V18N3 (May Jun 2014)
        • V18N4 (Jul Aug 2014)
        • V18N5 (Sep Oct 2014)
        • V18N6 (Nov Dec 2014)
      • Volume 19
        • V19N1 (Jan 2015)
        • V19N2 (Feb Mar 2015)
        • V19N3 (Apr 2015)
        • V19N4 (May 2015)
        • V19N5 (Jun 2015)
        • V19N6 (Jul 2015)
        • V19N7 (Aug Sep 2015)
        • V19N8 (Oct 2015)
        • V19N9 (Nov 2015)
        • V19N10 (Dec 2015)
      • Volume 20
        • V20N1 (Jan 2016)
        • V20N2 (Feb Mar 2016)
        • V20N3 (Apr 2016)
        • V20N4 (May 2016)
        • V20N5 (Jun 2016)
        • V20N6 (Jul 2016)
        • V20N7 (Aug Sep 2016)
        • V20N8 (Oct 2016)
        • V20N9 (Nov 2016)
        • V20N10 (Dec 2016)
      • Volume 21
        • V21N1 (Jan 2017)
        • V21N2 (Feb Mar 2017)
        • V21N3 (Apr 2017)
        • V21N4 (May 2017)
        • V21N5 (Jun 2017)
        • V21N6 (Jul 2017)
        • V21N7 (Aug Sep 2017)
        • V21N8 (Oct 2017)
        • V21N9 (Nov 2017)
        • V21N10 (Dec 2017)
      • Volume 22
        • V22N1 (Jan 2018)
        • V22N2 (Feb 2018)
        • V22N3 (March 2018)
        • V22N4 (Apr 2018)
        • V22N5 (May 2018)
        • V22N6 (Jun Jul 2018)
        • V22N7 (Aug Sep 2018)
        • V22N8 (Oct 2018)
        • V22N9 (Nov 2018)
        • V22N10 (Dec 2018)
      • Volume 23
        • V23N1 (Jan 2019)
        • V23N2 (Feb 2019)
        • V23N3 (Mar 2019)
        • V23N4 (Apr 2019)
        • V23N5 (May 2019)
        • V23N6 (Jun Jul 2019)
        • V23N7 (Aug Sep 2019)
        • V23N8 (Oct 2019)
        • V23N9 (Nov 2019)
        • V23N10 (Dec 2019)
      • Volume 24
        • V24N1 (Jan 2020)
        • V24N2 (Feb 2020)
        • V24N3 (Mar 2020)
        • V24N4 (Apr 2020)
        • V24N5 (May 2020)
        • V24N6 (Jun Jul 2020)
        • V24N7 (Aug Sep 2020)
        • V24N8 (Oct 2020)
        • V24N9 (Nov 2020)
        • V24N10 (Dec 2020)
  • The Archive
    • Search The Archive
  • Store
    • Books
    • Back Issues
    • Merchandise
  • Podcast
  • Newsletter
  • Events
  • FrankenGun Challenge
  • About
    • About Small Arms Review
    • About Chipotle Publishing
    • Contact Us
    • Other Publications
      • Small Arms Defense Journal
No Result
View All Result
Small Arms Review
No Result
View All Result
Home Articles

LWRC PISTON OPERATED CARBINE

SAR Staff by SAR Staff
August 2, 2022
in Articles, Articles by Issue, Guns & Parts, Search by Issue, V12N5 (Feb 2009), Volume 12
LWRC PISTON OPERATED CARBINE
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

By Christopher R. Bartocci

Rochester Police Department Emergency Task Force Operator Henry Favor test fires the LWRC M6A1 rifle. The rifle is equipped with the Magpul CTR Stock, MIAD grip and PMag magazine. The optic is an Insight Technology ISM-V combination red dot and laser and M3X tactical illuminator with its pressure pad mounted on a Knights Armament Company vertical pistol grip. The rear sight is the GI issue MaTech BUIS.

LWRC (Land Warfare Resources Company) began as Leitner-Wise Rifle Company. The company was a research and development firm dedicated to making large bore direct impingement M16-type rifles. The rifle was chambered for the large .499 LWRC cartridge, which gained the interest and a developmental contract by the U.S. Coast Guard. In an attempt at making the .499 more reliable, a short stroke gas piston system was developed; its basic architecture similar to the WWII G43. That was not enough to produce a reliable large bore rifle as the large bore straight walled .499 cartridge was not optimal for feeding or extracting reliably in the M16 receiver. Mid development, the company was faced with a dilemma. There was no future military use for large bore cartridge M16 but saw huge potential in applying the operating system to the NATO standard M4 5.56mm carbine. The company had to figure out a way to introduce something different than the standard rifle. Around this time (early 2000), Heckler & Koch began showing their HKM4, now their 416 weapon system – a piston operated version of the M4 carbine. This is basically an AR18 type piston system. Heckler & Koch concentrated on military and law enforcement sales and decided not to serve the commercial market with their piston-operated rifle. LWRC would not dismiss any potential market or customers. Several prototypes later, they had working rifles. The goal was not to re-invent the wheel and change the entire M4 Carbine, but to make the M4 work cleaner and more efficiently and make it more reliable in adverse conditions. The company was about to go through a major change from an R&D company, to a firearms manufacturer. The company was bought in a management buyout in early 2006 and the company changed the way they conducted business. The company name would remain LWRC, but to reflect the change in management the company would be known as Land Warfare Resources Corporation. In the spring of 2008, LWRC was having difficulty meeting the explosive demand for their rifles. LWRC sought a partner familiar with mass manufacturing for large and small government orders. Majority share of the company was sold to RifTech in an asset buyout. RifTech is a company whose same shareholders own MaTech and several other significant defense product manufacturing companies on the eastern shore of Maryland. LWRC also added International to their name to reflect their efforts to manufacture for allied countries. The new CEO, Mr. Richard Bernstein, former CEO of L3 Communication’s Aerospace division, brings the experience and leadership required to take the company to the next level. Moving forward, the new team at LWRC International feels this partnership between the design and development crew at the old LWRC and the manufacturing experience of the new crew will give the company a competitive edge with potential U.S. and foreign government contracts.

Markings on the left side of the receiver of the M6A1 rifle. The fit and finish of the rifle was top rate. Notice the hieroglyphic selector markings similar the type used by H&K.

LWRC has been actively competing for weapons contracts. As of this writing, LWRC is entering a submission into the Marine Corps Infantry Automatic Rifle (IAR) program. This is a highly modified version of their proven piston system with the addition of a closed bolt semiautomatic operation and an open bolt fully automatic operation. They will undoubtedly be challenged by Colt Defense, Knights Armament Company, FNMI and H&K. Their rifles are seeing use in all three markets (commercial, law enforcement and military). Their piston system is not unlike any other piston operated firearm. A short-stroke tappet system uses an operating rod that impacts the face of a highly modified carrier key to drive it rearward. Then the operating rod would reciprocate back into the receiver. What is truly unique about the LWRC system is how it releases excess gas from the moving piston. The HK416 bleeds excess gas out the front of the gas block with a valve. The Colt LE1020 bleeds gas from the sides. The LWRC vents it under the handguard. The piston itself directs the excess gases forward preventing any gas from getting near the receiver and bolt group while the operating rod pushes rearward and strikes the carrier key retracting the bolt.

The LWRC system can retrofit an existing impingement gun as well as they make many different rifles of their own. With their own rifles, they use some of the most high-speed accessories to enhance their weapon. They provide the Magpul CTR stock and MIAD adjustable pistol grip. They are provided with Magpul PMags, which are a synthetic magazine that might just be the most durable and reliable M16-type magazine on the market. The rifle looks very much and feels like an issue M4. In fact, the lower receiver is the same.

Shown is how the rail is secured to the upper receiver. The rail attaches to the barrel nut and is located and centered on the upper receiver by two legs that grip the side of the upper receiver. The top collar is placed over the barrel nut and secured to the rail with four set screws.
The M6 and M6A1 gas piston assembly assembled. Notice the use of the standard M16/M4 front sight base (top). The second gas block is used on the M6A2, which is solely a gas block. Due to the slender nature of the gas block, the rail extends past the front sight base.

The three sample LWRC rifles have excellent fit and finish. They were equipped with Magpul CTR stocks (6-poition), enhanced trigger guard and MIAD grip. The safe and fire position was ambidextrous and used hieroglyphic marks similar to H&K. The LWRC piston guns all use the H2 buffer (2 tungsten and 1 steel weight) that are the same weight as a standard rifle buffer. Two rifles each came with a 2-stage match trigger and the third used the standard trigger group. Controls are identical to any other GI M16/M4 family of weapons. The M6A2 rifle was provided with the proprietary LWRC olive green anodized receivers, MIAD pistol grip and CTR stock.

Nozzle attached to a standard rifle front sight base. Notice the two captive pusher screws, which hold the top rail in place.

Three of the sample rifles had the LWRC monolithic Rail Adapter System upper receiver with quad Mil-Std 1913 rails. The top rail is removable by two set screws on the face of the rail to enable access to the operating system for maintenance. Like the standard rifles, the M6 series of carbines have a forward assist, fired cartridge case deflector and ejection port dust cover. The M6 and M6A1 use standard front sight bases. The M6A2 is basically the same as the M6A1 with the major change being to the barrel and handguard. The standard front sight assembly is removed in favor of a low profile gas block and the handguard/rail extend past the gas block giving additional length of available rail for mounting accessories. The M6A2 model utilizes a folding front sight. The M6 rifle has standard M4-type removable two piece handguards. The M6 rifle looks nearly identical to that of the standard M4 carbine. As of the 2008 SHOT Show, several manufactures are introducing rail systems that can be used with either the standard gas tube or the various piston operated weapons. This would be the LWRC equivalent to the standard issue M4 carbine. One M6A1 rifle was equipped with a Canadian hammer forged 15.9 inch SFW barrel, Trijicon ACOG sight with a mounted red dot sight. The back-up sight was the Government Issue Matech BUIS. The M6A1 rifle used for test and evaluation was equipped with a 16-inch heavy barrel in the free floating LWRC M6A1 upper receiver. The accessories used on the rifle were an Insight Technology M3X flashlight with a pressure pad activation mounted to a Knights Armament vertical pistol grip, Insight Technology ISM-V red dot/laser sight module and a LaserMax UniMax green laser sight. The fully automatic testing was conducted with this rifle’s upper receiver placed on a Colt M4 lower receiver equipped with a Magpul UBR stock and a H2 buffer.

The bolt carrier has a similar look to the standard M16 but with some changes. First to notice is the carrier key is totally different. The key on the LWRC bolt carrier is hardened super alloy and locked in place by a dovetail fit. The rear of the carrier is flared outward leaving a larger diameter at the rear than the rest of the carrier. The purpose of this is to keep the carrier in alignment with the buffer extension. Due to the use of a piston, when the carrier is struck and it begins to move rearward, it is also moving on a slight downward angle. The flare aligns the carrier with the buffer extension and prevents any damage to the buffer extension from the bottom edge of the carrier. The interface between the piston rod and carrier key is mated with a beveled face of the carrier key and a rounded profile of the piston rod. This keeps the piston rod centered at the moment of impact with the carrier key. Also noted is the removal of the gas exhaust ports. Due to this being a piston system, there is no gas to be bled off. This also will prevent any dirt from entering the inside of the carrier. Originally, the carriers were black and coated with a DuPont Teflon finish. As of April 9, 2007, LWRC changed to a Teflon Nickel coating that is matte gold in color. This finish has excellent lubricating properties and is more durable than the previous DuPont Teflon coating. For $29.95 and a return of your black carrier, LWRC will send you out a new carrier with the updated finish.

The LWRC bolt carrier group. Notice the Teflon Nickel finish on the bolt carrier and how the rear of the carrier is flared to keep it centered with the receiver extension.

LWRC has also introduced a new bolt for their family of weapons. The LWRC Advanced Combat Bolt looks similar to the Lewis Machine and Tool Enhanced Bolt but with a few changes. Like the LMT bolt, the LWRC Raptor extractor has a “lobster tail” appearance with dual buffered extractor springs. There are no undercuts on the lugs adjacent to the extractor. The bolt is manufactured from “Unobtanium” (i.e., proprietary metal LWRC does not want you to know about). The bolts can be used in standard direct gas/impingement guns as well. The bolts from LWRC all use gas rings. The purpose is ease of assembly and it keeps the bolt in good alignment with the barrel extension.

LWRC offers a wide variety of barrel lengths including 8, 10.5, 14.5 and 16.1 inches. All rifles feature the M4-type extended feed ramps on the barrel extension as well as the upper receiver. Both civilian/law enforcement semi-auto only as well as selective fire rifles are available. LWRC sells the rifles in both black and flat dark earth colors. The M6A2 DMR (Designated Marksmanship Rifle) is a match grade rifle equipped with either a Magpul PRS (Precision Rifle Stock) or a UBR (Utility Battle Rifle) stock. The barrel is match grade and comes in 16 and 18 inches in length and to add to the solid feel of the rifle, the Magpul MIAD pistol grip and Enhanced Trigger Guard. The trigger is upgraded to a Rock River two-stage match trigger. This model is offered in 5.56x45mm as well as 6.8 SPC.

Top rifle is the basic M6 rifle. This model is their basic M4-style rifle using a standard M4-type upper receiver, handguards and front sight base. The middle is the M6A1 rifle. This is the model that utilizes the LWRC proprietary free floating rail system but retains the standard rifle front sight base. The bottom rifle is the M6A2 rifle that uses a cut down gas bloc with a extended rail system.

The M6, M6A1 and M6A2 are offered with an array of barrel lengths suited for nearly any combat scenario. With the market place being what it is, the LWRC rifles can literally have most any design update, BUIS, optic, flashlight, pistol grip and stock enhances and trigger upgrades as that of the standard M16 and M4 carbines.

All the test rifles functioned flawlessly without lubrication. The M6A1 rifle was fired more than 1,500 rounds. More than half was fully automatic fire. The accuracy was up to par with any M4-type carbine and the overall system was flawless. Three Beta C-Mags were fired to test reliability. All three magazines were fired in a single 100-round burst. Again, the rifle functioned flawlessly. During testing it was a conscious decision not to use lubrication as this author believes the Teflon Nickel coating of the bolt and carrier significantly enhanced the performance without lubrication. The finish on the bolt carrier made only a rag necessary to clean it. It has been my experience that piston operated versions of the M16/M4 weapon system experience slightly sharper recoil than the direct gas guns and the LWRC guns were no exception. This sharper recoil is the result of the piston striking the top of the carrier key and that pushes downward on the bottom rear of the bolt carrier. This changes the felt recoil of the normal in-line construction of the direct gas guns. With the direct gas guns, the recoil energy is distributed evenly in the rear of the inside of the bolt carrier driving in rearward in line with the buffer and the shooters shoulder.

Noted arms expert, trainer and former Delta Operator Larry Vickers endorses the LWRC family of weapons stating he feels this is the best piston operated M16 variant commercially available. This is a very bold statement of the quality of the LWRC family of weapons. LWRCI is certainly a company to be taken seriously for potential military contract competition. The management of LWRCI has clearly demonstrated they are committed to quality, durability and reliability. Is the piston operated rifle the future? That is unknown. Many companies have come out with piston operated rifles due to it being customer driven. Thus far the U.S. Army has made its position very clear on the issue believing that the existing M4 and its proven direct gas system are working well and are the weapon of choice by our American warfighter. Nevertheless, there my be an open competition for the U.S. armed forces next battle rifle over the next few years. There is no question the battle proven M16A4 and M4 carbine will be the baseline and the weapons the competitors will try to beat and those weapons to challenge the mainstay will undoubtedly be piston operated rifles. You can rest assure piston operated entries will be entered by Heckler & Koch, Colt and FNMI. But do not be surprised to see a LWRC International entry to compete for the gold.

The test and evaluation rifle was fired more than 1,500 rounds. The rifle is equipped with Magpul CTR Stock and MIAD grip. The optic is a Insight Technology ISM-V combination red dot and laser and M3X tactical illuminator with its pressure pad mounted on a Knights Armament Company vertical pistol grip. The rear sight is the GI issue MaTech BUIS. The magazines are coupled Lancer L5 translucent magazines.
This article first appeared in Small Arms Review V12N5 (February 2009)

Author

  • SAR Staff
    SAR Staff

    View all posts

Tags: 2009Christopher BartocciChristopher R. BartocciLand Warfare Resources CompanyLWRCV12N5
Previous Post

HISTORIC MACHINE GUN CARTRIDGES

Next Post

INFINITE CAPACITY – SURGICAL ACCURACY: THE M240 SLR FROM OHIO ORDNANCE WORKS, INC.

Next Post
INFINITE CAPACITY – SURGICAL ACCURACY: THE M240 SLR FROM OHIO ORDNANCE WORKS, INC.

INFINITE CAPACITY - SURGICAL ACCURACY: THE M240 SLR FROM OHIO ORDNANCE WORKS, INC.

TRENDING STORIES

  • U.S. NAVY MK18 MOD O CUSTOM CLOSE QUARTER COMBAT WEAPON FOR THE SEAFARING SERVICE

    U.S. NAVY MK18 MOD O CUSTOM CLOSE QUARTER COMBAT WEAPON FOR THE SEAFARING SERVICE

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Recreational Use Of 40MM Grenade Launchers

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Customizing the Already Custom SIG P320 Spectre Comp

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Col. Rex Applegate: The Knife Designs of a Close-Combat Legend

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Evolution of the U.S. Grenade Launcher From World War II to Today’s Conflicts

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Trending
  • Comments
  • Latest
U.S. NAVY MK18 MOD O CUSTOM CLOSE QUARTER COMBAT WEAPON FOR THE SEAFARING SERVICE

U.S. NAVY MK18 MOD O CUSTOM CLOSE QUARTER COMBAT WEAPON FOR THE SEAFARING SERVICE

Recreational Use Of 40MM Grenade Launchers

Recreational Use Of 40MM Grenade Launchers

SIG Spectre Comp with AXG Grip Module

Customizing the Already Custom SIG P320 Spectre Comp

Col. Rex Applegate: The Knife Designs of a Close-Combat Legend

Col. Rex Applegate: The Knife Designs of a Close-Combat Legend

New Review: V19N1

New Review: V23N3

SAR|Special

SAR|Special

The Grand Power Q100

The Grand Power Q100

A Fading Star: The star S135 Submachine Gun, That is

A Fading Star: The star S135 Submachine Gun, That is

The Iron Door: Soviet Russian Weapons Designers Stop the Germans in Their Tracks

The Iron Door: Soviet Russian Weapons Designers Stop the Germans in Their Tracks

The American FN FAL Rifle: In Search of the Perfect Lightweight Rifle

The American FN FAL Rifle: In Search of the Perfect Lightweight Rifle

Ahead of Its Time: British Fosbery Pump-Action Shotgun with “Stoner” Bolt

Ahead of Its Time: British Fosbery Pump-Action Shotgun with “Stoner” Bolt

The Big Bang! : Great American Fun at the 2018 Big Sandy Machine Gun Shoot in Wikieup, AZ

The Big Bang! : Great American Fun at the 2018 Big Sandy Machine Gun Shoot in Wikieup, AZ

QUICK LINKS

  • About Chipotle Publishing
  • About Small Arms Review
  • Advertise with Us
  • Write for Us

CONTACT DETAILS

  • Phone: +1 (702) 565-0746
  • E-mail: office@smallarmsreview.com
  • Web: www.chipotlepublishing.com
  • Chipotle Publishing, LLC 631 N. Stephanie St., No. 282, Henderson, NV 89014
Small Arms Review

FOLLOW US

  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclaimer

© 2022 Chipotle Publishing | All Rights Reserved

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Articles
    • Guns & Parts
    • Suppressors
    • Optics & Thermals
    • Ammunition
    • Gear
    • News & Opinion
    • Columns
    • Museums & Factory Tours
    • ID Guides
    • Interviews
    • Event Coverage
    • Articles by Issue
      • Volume 1
      • Volume 2
      • Volume 3
      • Volume 4
      • Volume 5
      • Volume 6
      • Volume 7
      • Volume 8
      • Volume 9
      • Volume 10
      • Volume 11
      • Volume 12
      • Volume 13
      • Volume 14
      • Volume 15
      • Volume 16
      • Volume 17
      • Volume 18
      • Volume 19
      • Volume 20
      • Volume 21
      • Volume 22
      • Volume 23
      • Volume 24
  • The Archive
    • Search The Archive
  • Store
    • Books
    • Back Issues
    • Merchandise
  • Podcast
  • Newsletter
  • Events
  • FrankenGun Challenge
  • About
    • About Small Arms Review
    • About Chipotle Publishing
    • Contact Us
    • Other Publications
      • Small Arms Defense Journal

© 2022 Chipotle Publishing | All Rights Reserved

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In

Add New Playlist

This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this website you are giving consent to cookies being used. Visit our Privacy and Cookie Policy.

Subscribe To Our Weekly Newsletter

Are you in the know?
Stay up to date with the latest articles.

Facebook-f Linkedin Instagram

Redirecting to External Website

You are leaving the Small Arms Review website and will be redirected to an external link in a 5 Seconds.
VISIT NOW!