LWRCI is a recognized industry leader in the development and manufacturing of short-stroke piston operating ARs. LWRCI’s entire reason d’être is the short-stroke piston and the improvement it offers over the original gas impingement design – especially when incorporated into short barrel platforms. It is no secret that the AR is not only the best selling civilian and law enforcement rifle in the U.S., but also gaining popularity around the world with the U.S. equipping/training so many armed entities. This has caused many manufacturers to jump on the AR bandwagon in recent years by offering their versions. Of late, the most attention seems to be on “improving” the AR platform via developing piston-driven ARs in lieu of Stoner’s original gas impingement design. Whether or not piston-driven ARs are superior to their gas impingement brethren often generates heated discussion. One thing that is not debatable is the number of manufacturers rushing to create piston-driven ARs even if traditional AR models already exist in their production line-up.

LWRCI offers numerous models ranging from LE/military-only select-fire versions, various barrel lengths/profiles ranging from 7-inch barrel UCIW model to 18-inch barrel M6A3 DMR. Other unique models include the M6A4 IAW that fires from a closed bolt on semiautomatic then goes to open bolt function on automatic fire and then ultimately the 7.62×51/308Win REPR. The REPR is quickly finding favor in U.S. law enforcement and military special operation communities. Another LWRCI model, and the one focused on in this article, is the PSD – Personal Security Detail. The PSD is one of LWRCI’s smallest, dimensionally speaking, contributions to the AR field. A LWRCI PSD upper was obtained for testing in lieu of a complete rifle. The flexibility of the AR platform is hard to beat considering one moment an 8-inch barrel PSD upper is fitted to NFA registered lower – if a civilian or LE – and the next an 18-inch heavy barrel DMR upper is installed if mission dictates it. This does not even get into the myriad of calibers that are coming on line for the AR ranging from 5.7 to .50 Beowolf with many stops in between.

LWRCI literature clearly lays out the thought process behind the development of the PSD. The 8-inch barrel PSD 5.56mm is designed for CQB and personal security detail (PSD) operations. It is best to view the 8-inch barreled PSD through the lens of a PDW or SMG weapon versus a rifle. The 8-inch barrel produces approximately 2,400-2,500 fps velocities when firing 50gr-62gr 5.56mm loadings. The PSD is also available in 6.8 SPC chambering; in fact it was the original chambering in the PSD product line. However, the decision was made to also chamber the PSD in 5.56mm based improvements in the 5.56mm cartridge in terms of bullets and powders. This re-evaluation is based on 5.56mm performance being greater than any pistol caliber combined with the compact dimensions of the LWRCI PSD rivaling a SMG. It only made sense from a business standpoint considering the vast number of individuals, departments, agencies, and units intimately familiar with the 5.56mm round and existing number of magazines/ammunition already in the supply chain.

The PSD utilizes LWRCI’s patented self-regulating, short-stroke gas piston operating system, ensuring reliability in the harshest theaters of operation. LWRCI literature points to several industry leading technological innovations incorporated in the PSD. LWRCI has sought to engineer a complete solution to the deficits found in the direct impingement AR family of rifles and carbines and was an early innovator in the AR gas-piston surge. The principal improvement comes from eliminating the venting of hot, carbon-laden gases into the receiver and bolt carrier group. This reduces the cleaning requirements associated with direct gas impingement ARs. It also means the bolt carrier group and associated springs are not subjected to the searing heat of the tapped gasses; this being one of the major causes of small parts failure. The LWRCI PSD utilizes cold hammer forged barrels made out of 41V45 steel alloy and treated with NiCorr surface conversion technology. NiCorr surface conversion has proved more lubricious, harder wearing, more heat and corrosion resistant than the hard chrome-lining normally used in a service rifles’ bore. LWRCI advertises its barrels as being able to handle 20,000 rounds before replacement, as compared to 6,000-10,000 rounds with standard chrome lined barrels. The bolt carrier of the PSD is coated with a proprietary nickel coating that nearly eliminates corrosion while providing greatly increased lubricity. This coating provides permanent lubrication to the moving parts and is similar to that being used by the U.S. Army Research Lab and USSOCOM to extend the service life of their weapons systems.

The PSD’s ARM-R forend’s top rail is easily removable and reinstalled without effecting zero of any sights or target designators. Cleaning methods for the LWRCI are familiar to anyone with experience with the AR-15 with the operating rod mechanism easily accessed thanks to ARM-R design. The ARM-R rail allows for mission specific configuration with lights, lasers, target designators, and other items. As benefiting a rifle in the PSD’s price range and intended LE and military audience, the PSD comes standard with folding BUIS open sights that proved able to co-witness with a variety of optics mounted on the PSD. The PSD upper installed on a lower weighs slightly over 6 pounds and has an overall length of 24.5 inches with LMT SOPMOD stock collapsed and approximately 28 inches extended. The LMT SOPMOD is a favored stock type and the type affixed to lower mated with LWRCI PSD upper for a large portion of this T&E. The PSD’s 8-inch barrel features 1:7 twist and comes with an A2 style flash hider. The 8-inch barrel maximizes portability and handling while maintaining a ballistics and terminal performance superior to any pistol caliber carbine or SMG.

The key with the LWRCI PSD is having an 8-inch barreled AR that works at the same reliability level as longer barrel ARs. This is where the LWRCI short-stroke piston comes into play. Instinctually, piston driven ARs appeal too many by the very fact that hot gases and powder residue is not dumped into the action as in the original direct impingement (DI) design. Hands on experience of LWRCI bolt carrier being handled soon after long strings of fire and merely wiped down compared to their DI cousins reinforces this. The ability of the gas piston ARs to operate with barrel lengths below the generally accepted 14-inch barrel threshold of DI ARs reliability adds further legitimacy to the piston ARs. Do not take this as lampooning of the gas impingement ARs. The DI rifles are more robust than most give them credit for and sub-14 inch barreled rifles are possible with attention to detail by the manufacturer in terms of gas port sizes and timing of the ejection process.

LWRCI utilizes a piston design made up of three components. A piston cup fits over the gas plug located at the front of the PSD handguard with an intermediate rod placed between the piston cup and operating rod that acts on the bolt carrier group. The LWRCI push-rod system is self cleaning in that any excess gas is vented out of the handguard just behind the gas block. The gas cup has grooves that act as scrapers as the action is worked to prevent carbon build up in the gas cup. The rear of the gas-piston rod is what smacks against the bolt assembly’s integral strike plate operating the action. LWRCI’s pioneering work with the AR piston system has led to the use of an integral strike plate in lieu of a staked version. This is based on concerns of metal fatigue and not wanting to take the chance of a staked strike plate failing. Along these same lines the LWRCI’s bolt body features radial grooves that serve multiple functions; such as anti-tilt for the bolt assembly along with providing a certain amount of built-in tolerance against any debris that may find its way into the LWRCI’s action and buffer tube area. LWRCI’s short-stroke piston use of a “tappet” system to impart force to the piston driving the bolt carrier to the rear minimizes heat build up not only in the weapon’s action, but also along the weapon’s forend due to gas being confined to the gas plug/piston cup located behind the gas block; thus preventing hot gas from transmitting down the length of a gas tube ala direct impingement or long-stroke operating method.

C.R. Newlin, Echo Valley Training Center owner, generously allowed access to his select-fire AR lower for testing with the LWRCI PSD upper supplementing a registered semi-only lower already on hand. Range testing commenced with functionality test consisting of dumping multiple magazines at several targets in rapid fashion once sight zeros were verified. Any fighting rifle must be reliable to be worthy of further consideration. The importance of quality magazines can not be overstated in terms of impacting a weapon’s reliability. The majority of malfunctions in a select fire, or even semi-auto rifle, can be traced to a faulty magazine. Brownells’ AR magazines are primarily used for most T&Es for this reason, though random magazines are mixed into testing at times. The LWRCI’s short-stroke gas piston operating rod system proved its worth in keeping the bolt carrier group cooler and cleaner compared to direct impingement AR rifles. While not trying to be unrealistic or overly harsh, the LWRCI PSD was exposed to multiple magazine dumps at various times of the T&E. The method was not mindless ammunition wasting, but rather wanting to confirm beyond a doubt that the PSD delivered as advertised under the most extreme circumstances of operational functioning. It was quickly noticed how little heat was transmitted not only to the PSD’s action, but also into the PSD’s quad rail forend with shooters able to grip the weapon without resorting to gloves or installing a vertical forward grip. Anyone with experience with AKs or direct impingement ARs know how fast forends can heat up with only a few magazines worth fire.

It was decided to take full advantage of the PSD’s flattop upper by accessing multiple optics for use during testing. A Trijicon RX30 Reflex was mounted on the PSD with it sharing time with a Leupold Prismatic. A Hi-Lux/Leatherwood Optics CMR 14×24 was also employed to ascertain the PSD’s accuracy potential via 4x magnification capability. The CMR scope was designed for when a shooting situation gets up close and personal. The CMR (Close Medium Range) has 1x-4x magnification based on a compact 30 mm tube. The relatively short 30 mm tube scope does not add a lot of weight to the rifle, and thanks to the large diameter of the scope tube, it lets in a lot of light for a bright target image. Hi-Lux/Leatherwood literature points out, “…an extremely practical circular reticle that aids in quick target acquisition by drawing the attention of the shooter’s eye to the center of the scope. Along these same lines, to insure that the target is fully visible, the reticle has only a horizontal crosshair, with a partial vertical lower crosshair. The upper half of this reticle leaves the scope clean and uncluttered. Plus, the lower crosshair features short bar aiming points calibrated for standard .223 and .308 service ammo, which are very precise out to 600 meters. The center dot and the small circle of the reticle are available with either green or red illumination.” It was discovered that the PSD’s rear flip-up sight had to be removed to provide clearance for the CMR to mount properly, which would be a negative for many considering the PSD’s likely CQB role in the field.

The optic types intended to be left on the LWRCI PSD after accuracy testing would be the Trijicon RX30 Reflex or Leupold Prismatic; though some may be inclined to leave the Hi-Lux/Leatherwood CMR mounted. The Trijicon RX30 and Leupold Prismatic sight offer the capability to engage multiple targets in rapid sequence compared to open sights, while at the same time providing adequate accuracy out to a couple hundred yards. As many “maturing” shooters can attest to, a single focus plane is easier to shoot accurately than coordinating front and rear sights. The 5.56/.223’s flat trajectory aids in making hits out to 250 yards without having to compensate excessively for bullet drop even with the short 8-inch barrel.

A 150 yard zero provides for +2 inches at 100 yards, -5 inch at 200 yards, and -13 inches at 250yds.

The PSD was evaluated at Echo Valley Training Center (EVTC). EVTC is fast becoming a major provider of training on the East Coast with multiple organizations conducting courses onsite. The private facility has multiple 100 yard bermed enclosed bays capable of handling numerous students conducting “square” range drills or more dynamic/fluid types of training. In conjunction with the individual training bays, Echo Valley Training Center features multi-stepped target berms that are strewn with reactive steel MGM targets, fluid drained automobiles, and moving targets at ranges varying from 150 yards out to 350 yards.

Ammunition tested with the PSD was a combination of Black Hills Ammunition 55gr FMJ and 50gr TSX, Winchester Ammunition 55gr FMJ and Federal Premium Law Enforcement 55gr Triple Shok and 62gr Bonded SP loads. Loads evaluated chronographed between 2,400-2,500 fps; which was a pleasant surprise considering the short PSD barrel. The PSD kept all loads tested at 1 inch or better at 50 yards with the Federal Premium 55gr Triple Shok and Black Hills 50gr TSX producing near MOA groups out to 200yds. Overall, the accuracy level was more than acceptable considering the barrel’s profile. Most bulk range firing utilized the Winchester and Black Hills Ammunition 55gr FMJ. Ammunition such as the Black Hills 50gr TSX and Federal 55gr Triple Shok and 62gr Bonded loads elevate 5.56mm terminal ballistic performance and barrier penetration across the board; especially in short barreled rifles such as the PSD.

AR ergonomics are hard to beat even on a full size AR with the compact PSD even handier and easier to wield in tight quarters. Drills moving around barricades and training evolutions involving firing and evacuating from vehicles clearly bore this out. A short barrel rifle like the LWRCI PSD is what individuals will choose to work with in such an environment where the trade off in size is worth any loss in bullet performance due to reduced velocity. Prior training experiences with Suarez International, Tactical Response, and Storm Mountain assisted in providing a baseline foundation of what qualities are desirable in a fighting rifle along with proofing ancillary gear such as BlackHawk chest rig for carrying magazines and BlackHawk single-point sling in case the PSD needs to be slung freeing up use of both hands. The PSD’s performance is superior to any SMG and it does not take a backseat to full-size rifles in the sub-200 yard arena, which is what was what the PSD was designed for by LWRCI.

Sites of Interest

LWRC International, LLC

Cambridge, MD. 21613
Phone: (410) 901-1348
www.lwrci.com

Leatherwood/Hi-Lux Optics

3135 Kashiwa St
Torrance, CA 90505
Phone: (310) 257-8142
www.hi-luxoptic.com

Black Hills Ammunition

PO Box 3090
Rapid City, SD 57709
Phone: (605) 348-5150
www.black-hills.com

Leupold & Stevens Inc

14400 NW Greenbrier Pkwy
Beaverton, OR 97006
Phone: (800) LEUPOLD
www.leupold.com

Echo Valley Training Center

251 C Prosperity Drive
Winchester, VA 22602
www.echovalleytrainingcenter.com

Trijicon Inc.

49385 Shafer Ave
Wixom, MI 48393
Phone: (248) 960-7700
www.trijicon.com

ATK/Federal Cartridge Company

900 Ehlen Drive
Anoka, MN 55303
Phone: (800) 322-2342
www.federalpremium.com

Winchester Ammunition

427 N. Shamrock St
East Alton, IL 62024
www.winchester.com

Lewis Machine & Tool, Inc

1305 11th W
Milan, IL 61264
Phone: (309) 732-9527
www.lewismachine.net

SIG Sauer Introduces New M400 Carbine

SIG Sauer, Inc., the leading manufacturer of commercial, law enforcement and military firearms, introduces an improved version of the current 5.56x45mm military issue centerfire tactical carbine, the SIG M400. The SIG M400 has been introduced for consumers who prefer the direct impingement gas system and have an inventory of parts and accessories for the original M4-style carbine. Built with SIG Sauer quality and reliability, the SIG M400 is also an exceptional value for those seeking an AR-platform rifle. To increase accuracy over mil-spec carbines, the SIG M400 features a tensioning device designed into the lower receiver that ensures a tight lockup and eliminates accuracy-robbing play between the upper and lower receivers. The lower receiver has all the same features as the SIG 516 such as an ambidextrous magazine release and rear quick-detach sling mount. Both receivers are machined from 7075-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum forgings and coated with a durable phosphate finish. The upper receiver features an integrated Mil-Std 1913 accessory top rail for mounting optics and accepts most M16/AR-15-style furniture. A six-position collapsible polymer stock offers adjustability to fit all shooters. An enhanced version of the SIG M400 features all Magpul furniture. Chambered in 5.56 NATO, the SIG M400 will be available in semiautomatic for commercial users. Three-round burst or fully automatic versions will be made available for military and law enforcement. Built to full military specifications, the SIG M400 features a 16-inch chrome moly steel barrel with a chrome-lined chamber and bore. A direct-gas impingement system operates a seven-lug, rotating bolt. The muzzle is threaded 1/2 x 28 TPI to accept a variety of flash hiders, compensators or suppressor mounts. An M16A2 flash compensator is included. A removable sight assembly and carry handle, 30-round magazine and hard case are standard features on this rifle. For more information please contact SIG Sauer, Inc., Dept. SAR, 18 Industrial Drive, Exeter, NH, 03833. Phone: (603) 772-2302. Fax: (603) 773-2113. On the web at www.sigsauer.com.

Leatherwood/Hi-Lux Announces new 8X USMC Sniper Scope

One of the most recognized names in military sniping during the Vietnam conflict was Marine Corps marksman Carlos Hathcock. During his two tours, he was credited with 93 confirmed kills. The rifle he relied on for very precise long range shot placement was a Model 70 Winchester, of .30-06 caliber, topped with an 8x Unertl scope. Scopes of this design, with micrometer click external adjustment, were once favored by long range precision shooters, and quite a few different scope manufacturers offered very similar models. Today, an original USMC marked scope in mint condition can sell for as much as $5,000 to $6,000. With the current interest in shooting and competing with vintage style sniper rifles, just a working standard model scope in very good condition can still bring $2,000 or more. Leatherwood/Hi-Lux Optics is now adding an 8X USMC-SNIPER model to its Wm. Malcolm line of vintage style riflescopes. Not only will this scope match the originals for extremely precise adjustment of windage and elevation, the new made scope also offers the advantages of modern lens making, with fully multi-coated lens surfaces for maximum light transmission. This scope offers the brightest, clearest, and sharpest optics ever in a riflescope of this design. The scope will be marked with the Wm. Malcolm name over the USMC-SNIPER model designation, and each will be serial numbered – as were the original USMC models. The Marine Corps utilized this style of scope on sniper rifles during WWII and Korea. The new Wm. Malcolm 8X USMC-SNIPER captures the look, the precision and the accuracy capable with riflescopes of this type. At the $549 suggested retail price, it is far more affordable than a serviceable original from the 1940s, or even the 1970s when they were still in production. Like all Leatherwood/Hi-Lux Optics, the Wm. Malcolm USMC-SNIPER model comes backed with a limited lifetime warranty. You can contact them at Leatherwood/Hi-Lux Optics, Dept. SAR, 3135 Kashiwa Street, Torrance, CA 90506. Phone: (310) 257-8142. Fax: (310) 257-8096. Website: www.hi-luxoptics.com.

New High Tech Suppressors From Thompson Machine

Thompson Machine’s Poseidon series of sound suppressors represent something truly new on the sound suppressor market. While most 9mm and .45 ACP pistol suppressors are 7 + inches long and weigh in at around 10 ounces or more, Thompson Machine’s Poseidon 9mm is a scant 4.25” in length and weighs a barely-there 3.5oz. Designed to suppress your sidearm to a hearing-safe level without significantly affecting its handling characteristics, the Poseidon series of suppressors uses artificial environment technology combined with a cutting edge baffle design to provide shocking efficiency and sound suppression in an impossibly small package. Perhaps most amazingly, the Poseidon .45 which quiets the bark of the mighty and venerable .45 ACP cartridge is only 4.5 inches long and weighs less than 5oz. In addition to their line of micro-suppressors (which includes a 4-inch .22 LR suppressor called the Wasp for rimfire enthusiasts), Thompson Machine manufactures a full range of suppressors, from 4 different models of .22 LR muzzle suppressor up to 5.56 and .30 cal. centerfire rifle suppressors. Everything that Thompson Machine makes is easily disassemble-able for cleaning and user service, which is also a feature that sets their suppressors apart. For more information you can contact them at Thompson Machine, Dept. SAR, 172 Center Street, Panacea, FL 32346. Phone: (805) 408-5161. Website: www.thompsonmachine.net.

New Bezel Option for Elzetta Flashlights

Elzetta Design, LLC is pleased to announce the release of a third bezel option for its popular line of ZFL-M60 LED Flashlights. The new Low Profile Bezel provides a sleek new look for the Elzetta line, reduces bulk, and accommodates many commercially available filters. Elzetta ZFL-M60 Lights are built to order with all components available separately for complete modularity and easy modification to suit personal preferences and missions. All Elzetta products are made in the USA to the highest standards. More information is available from Elzetta Design, LLC, Dept. SAR, P.O. Box 54364, Lexington, KY 40555. Phone: (859) 707-7471. On the web at www.elzetta.com.

Israeli Special Forces DVD from Mako Defense

With the release of its DVD titled Israeli Special Forces Training: Counter Terror Carbine, Mako Defense now offers video training information that enables anyone to understand and apply the unique advantages of the Israeli Method of fighting with a tactical carbine. This DVD parallels the live Mako Defense courses currently being offered across America. It gives viewers the opportunity to learn and practice techniques that can save their lives and the lives of innocent victims. The Israeli Method of fighting revolves around the concept of using speed and accuracy to quickly neutralize any threat, while protecting bystanders. As presented by Mako Defense, it is designed to give U.S. law enforcement officers the most effective methods for working alone, with a partner, or in a team; to give military combatants the skills required for a successful mission; and enable civilians to become highly competent in every aspect of using their tactical rifles for home defense as well as shooting sports. Mako Defense Training – live and on DVD – is fast-paced, exciting and readily understood by everyone. Even in live classes where law enforcement officers, military personnel and civilians often train together, each person is able to learn at their own pace and within their different physical capabilities. DVD training can be repeated and reviewed endlessly at no additional cost, to perfect the Israeli Method techniques shown. Each technique is presented, demonstrated, and then broken down, while being filmed from multiple angles, before being demonstrated at speed in live fire drills. Viewers can experience dry-fire practice of the methods taught in the DVD course. Mako Defense instructors are experienced warriors who have seen extensive action as members of Israel’s most elite special operations units. They are certified as instructors by the Israeli government and teach the Israeli Method on a daily basis in Israel and around the world. The lead instructor featured in these videos has responded to most hostage situations in Israel from 1995 to the making of the video. Instructors were also members of the leading Israeli Police counter-terror and hostage rescue team. They have completed years of service in both a military unit that is the equivalent of the U.S. Delta Force, and in an undercover unit that specializes in the abduction or elimination of high-level terrorists. For more information contact The Mako Group/Mako Defense, Dept. SAR, 1 Lenox Avenue, Farmingdale, NY 11735. Phone: (631) 880-3396. Fax: (631) 880-3397. Website: www.themakogroup.com.

New Tactical Pens From Tuff-Writer

Tuff-Writer, Inc. produces a line of tactical pens that are now used by military, SWAT, EMT and civilians that require a pen built to function under extreme conditions. The USA Made Tuff-Writer pen is designed to not only function under the harshest of environmental conditions, but also as a defensive tool where life-saving reliability is an unconditional must. Tuff-Writer pens are precision machined to aerospace tolerances in the United States. Made from 6061-T6 aluminum hard anodized to MIL-A-8625 “F” Standards for maximum durability, the pen’s custom designed spring steel clip is attached with hardened bolts and then chemically bonded. Tuff-Writer pens utilize a pressurized cartridge made by Fisher, which writes at any angle, even upside down. The pens are designed with a screw-on cap so when the pen is closed, it functions as one solid piece, critical as a self defense tool. All Tuff-Writer pens are guaranteed against material and workmanship defects for the life of the pen. For more information please contact Tuff-Writer, Inc., 4292 E. Agave, Phoenix, AZ 85044. Phone: (480) 329-6105. On the web at www.tuffwriter.com.