THE BETA COMPANY 

Beta C-MAG 100-Round Magazine for AR-15 

The Beta C-MAG is a revolutionary twin-drum, high-capacity magazine for AR-15 (semi-auto) and M16 (full-auto) weapons. It has a 60,000- round service life, stores indefinitely while loaded without performance loss and requires no maintenance other than cleaning and lubrication. The Beta C-MAG is manufactured in the USA to the highest international production standards and meets or exceeds all applicable U.S. and NATO MIL-SPECS. Lifetime warranty support and customer service are provided by The Beta Company. 

• MODEL: CCM000-4; C-MAG magazine AR-15 with clear covers 
• CALIBER(s): 5.56mm, .223 
• CAPACITIES: Twin-drum 100-round magazine, full- and semi-auto fire 
• MATERIAL: Main components: filled thermoplastic; Minor components: non-corrosive steel, alloy 
• COLOR(s): Black with clear covers 
• MSRP: $230.00 
• betaco.com 

LWRCI

SMG UMP .45 ACP Magazines

Completely U.S.-manufactured, the LWRCI SMG UMP .45 caliber, 25- and 10-round factory magazines are constructed from a proprietary mix of the latest polymer technologies. The LWRCI SMG UMP magazines are built to be the lightest, most robust magazine possible. New design includes updated steel-reinforced feed lips for more reliable feeding and durability. 

• MODEL: SMG .45 ACP Magazines
• CALIBER(s): .45 ACP
• CAPACITIES: 10 and 20 rounds 
• MATERIAL: Polymer body, stainless steel spring 
• COLOR(s): Black 
• MSRP: $69.95
• lwrci.com 

MAGPUL (DEVELOPED WITH LWRCI)

6.8 SPC II PMAG for LWRCI SIX8

The 6.8 SPC PMAG for LWRCI SIX8 platform rifles features Magpul’s M3 polymer technology for enhanced strength, durability and reliability that exceed rigorous military performance specifications. The design includes aggressive, non-slip texture at the front and rear for superior grip, a paint pen dot matrix to increase durability of magazine identification and a strong, slim floorplate design that retains positive magazine handling and easy disassembly. The over-insertion stop on the spine helps ensure that the magazine will not over-insert on compatible weapons and the USGI-spec stainless steel spring for corrosion resistance and field compatibility.

• MODEL: SIX8 / .224 VALKYRIE PMAG 5- / 10- / 20- / 30-round options
• CALIBER(s): 6.8 SPC II / .224 Valkyrie
• CAPACITIES: 5, 10, 20, 30 rounds
• MATERIAL: Polymer body, stainless steel spring 
• COLOR(s): Black with red follower and indicator
• MSRP: $41.00
• magpul.com / lwrci.com

MEC-GAR

1911 10-Round 9mm Magazine

The 1911 10-Round 9mm Magazine is manufactured from heat-treated carbon steel with Mec-Gar’s proprietary anti-friction coating. The floorplate slides on from the rear to prevent it from popping off when dropped on the ground in a self-defense or competition situation. The floorplate includes dimples on the bottom which can be colored-in for easy differentiation between magazines.

• MODEL: MGCGOV910AFC
• CALIBER(s): 9mm
• CAPACITIES: 10 rounds
• MATERIAL: Carbon steel with an anti-friction coating
• COLOR(s): Black
• MSRP: $30.60
• mec-gar.com

MEC-GAR

CZ 75B 20-Round 9mm Magazine

The CZ 75B 20-Round 9mm Magazine is manufactured from heat-treated carbon steel with Mec-Gar’s proprietary anti-friction coating. The new Drop Protection System floorplate on this magazine will help reduce shock and reduce failures of magazines when they are dropped on hard surfaces such as in self-defense use or competition scenarios. The anti-friction coating allows rounds to slide easier while inside the magazine reducing malfunctions while shooting.

• MODEL: MGCZ7519DPS
• CALIBER(s): 9mm
• CAPACITIES:: 20 rounds
• MATERIAL: Carbon steel with an anti-friction coating
• COLOR(s): Black
• MSRP: $47.45
• mec-gar.com

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

The industry has seen much change over the last 10 to 15 years in caliber as well as weapon revivals. In the mid 1950s the AR-10 was placed on the Ordnance Corps scrap heap with all the other excellent ideas that were not invented by the Army. The 5.56mm cartridge entered the scene during the Vietnam War and set the course for the next 50+ years. Gene Stoner never gave up on his scrapped AR-10 and then in the early 1990s teamed up with C. Reed Knight Jr. at Knight’s Armament Company and brought back his AR-10 as the SR-25. Unfortunately, Gene Stoner would not live to see his AR-10/SR-25 succeed to equip the most elite units of the U.S. military as well as it being type classified as the M110.

As the debate started in the early 2000s, the direct gas versus piston debate heated leading several companies to introduce piston operated 5.56mm rifles. One of the pioneers was LWRC, Inc. (LWRCI) who was primarily a research and development company. In 2008, essentially all assets of LWRC Inc. were bought by Richard Bernstein whom is well known on the Eastern Shore of Maryland for his many companies which are all defense related. This includes L3’s BAI Aerosystems, and Matech, Inc. LWRCI has had their weapons in the field for refinement and fine-tuning for more than a decade. But that was 5.56mm and 6.8mm SPC. LWRCI has picked up the torch, gone into full fledged manufacturing, and has expanded their line of products to include a 7.62mm rifle that has taken many years to design and refine. Initially the project was spurred by the promise of an open competition by the U.S. Marine Corps for a new semiautomatic sniper rifle, but to date, that has not surfaced.

The REPR (Rapid Engagement Precision Rifle) is a 7.62mm rifle that utilizes the LWRCI short stroke tappet piston system. Like other piston-operated rifles, the REPR uses a free-floating configurable handguard/rail system. One of the common criticisms of piston systems is that the operating rod is attached to the barrel assembly/gas block, which in many designs affects the natural harmonics of the barrel. Now how much that affects accuracy with the REPR will have to be seen at the range. LWRCI’s reason for utilizing the piston system not only revolved around their mantra of a cleaner, cooler more reliable operating system, but they felt it was essential to provide reliability with the shorter barreled versions of the REPR. The barrels can be had in 12-inch (light), 16-inch (light and heavy), 18-inch (heavy) and 20 inches (heavy). Depending on the need, you can have a lightweight carbine, a battle rifle or a sniper rifle configuration.

The REPR system was designed around the needs of a Special Operations Sniper/Assaulter. Sniper/Assaulters deploy with their Special Operations Assaulter teams taking down high value targets be they buildings, encampments or vehicles. Typically the Sniper/Assaulter provides infiltration cover, exfiltration cover and security for the team and target area. To date, the Sniper Assaulters have used either the venerable SR-25 or M110. Most carry a primary weapon as well – typically an M4 or a 10.3-inch barreled MK18 Mod0 5.56mm Carbine. They do this because the M110 and its mounted optic are not ideal for the job of clearing buildings, alleys, and rooms to get to their overwatch position. Sniper rifles usually have long heavy barrels making the system difficult to operate through tight quarters. This is exaggerated when a sound suppressor is in place making the system even longer.

LWRCI envisioned a system that takes advantage of the modularity of the Stoner design. Just push two pins to change the upper, and you have a completely different tool for the job at hand, complete with zeroed optics appropriate for the mission. With the REPR, the Sniper/Assaulter carries one primary weapon, one caliber of ammunition, and does not have to carry two types of magazines. A typical load out might be a 12 inch Assaulter REPR upper with an Aimpoint or EOTech 1X sight. On his back in a courier type tactical case a 20-inch complete with magnified illuminated optics. The 12.7-inch is short enough for CQB, even with a sound suppressor in place and is effective to 400 meters. Once in overwatch position, the upper can be changed out in 20 seconds extending the effective range of the Sniper/Assaulter to 800 meters. The short stroke gas piston allows the uppers to be swapped without changing the buffer or buffer spring ensuring the gun is reliable regardless of what size upper is used. LWRCI claimed they were looking for a rifle that acted like a sniper rifle, but was required to have the durability and reliability of an assault rifle.

One such technology was the adoption of a precision manufactured cold rotary hammer forged barrel. This is a solid departure from most of the other precision semi-auto rifles manufactured in North America. Hammer forging is much more common in Europe, and has not yet been accepted here in anything other than machine guns or assault rifles. Colt Canada (formerly Diemaco) has been using the process since the mid1980s in their C7 and C8 series rifles and carbines. Hammer forging forms the cold metal over a precision mandrel that has the reverse image of the rifling by use of high tonnage rotary hammers. The rifling is imprinted into the bore much like the heads and tails image of a coin is imprinted from a die under high pressure. This work hardens the steel and gives the barrel a much longer service life.

Generally, sniper rifle barrels are unlined precision cut rifled barrels in stainless steel alloy to ensure consistency and precision of the rifling. This provides an accurate barrel, but with one major trade off: life expectancy. A good stainless cut barrel may only last 2,000 rounds before the accuracy degrades. This would not be acceptable for LWRCI’s REPR due to its dual role as a battle rifle. LWRCI knew the major factors in accuracy are consistency of the bore diameter; lack of took marks or chatter in the bore, concentricity of the bore to the outside diameter of the barrel, a perfect crown, clean consistent rifling, concentricity of the chamber to the bore, and lack of structural stresses that might be present in the barrel. Their hammer forging process and finish machining create a very clean barrel devoid of the accuracy robbing problems stated above. Plating the bore with chrome does protect the bore but it is inconsistent in its application, and ruins the work you did to perfect the bore. Instead of plating the barrel with chrome, they developed a process they call NiCorr. NiCorr converts the surface of the material – case hardening it to a depth of 0.005 inch and turning it a lustrous black. They do this inside and out of the barrel. The black finish is from carbon being brought to the surface of the material in the NiCorr process. This same process is used to extend the life and sharpness of metal cutting and machining tools. The barrels are submerged and treated in molten salts followed by a quench and polish process. The temperature of the process is regulated to ensure the case hardening of the barrel while at the same time stress relieving the barrel. Just like heating up a spring until it is no longer springy, the stress relief process prevents the barrel from wanting to shift in one direction when firing the weapon and heating up the barrel. LWRCI claims NiCorr is harder than chrome, has a lower co-efficient of friction, more resistant to heat and does not interfere with the previous work of creating a perfect bore.

Historically the U.S. military would never accept an M16/M4 barrel that was hammer forged even when Colt offered. The U.S. government believes the sharpness of the leading edge of the lands cannot be duplicated in a hammer forge and that the sharp leading edge was critical to accuracy. Some claim the hammer forged barrels last longer and others say the button cut barrel is more accurate. This debate will reconvene for me on the range and be settled one way or another. As there are several technologies present here I have not seen used in combination, I will let the performance of the rifle decide.

LWRCI claims they configured their rifle to meet the requirements of its intended mission and make it as comfortable and ergonomic as possible. They threw out the traditional top rear mounted T shaped charging handle common to Stoner rifles in place of a left side mounted non-reciprocating charging handle with integral forward assist. The reasons cited were three fold. The users required the ability to operate the charging handle without breaking their cheek weld or eyes on target through the optic. If the weapon were to malfunction after a miss, or fail to fire, the valuable seconds required to clear or re-charge the weapon and regain your target in the reticle could be the difference between mission success and failure. They also have a gas shut off on their gas regulator allowing the use of the rifle and charging handle as a straight pull bolt gun. If a sniper was taking a long shot and did not want to leave brass on the battlefield, or when employing subsonic ammunition and a suppressor might prompt its use as a straight pull bolt gun to ensure elimination of any noise from the action. Since Sniper/Assaulters would run the REPR, there is a good chance a sound suppressor would be in use much of the time. The top-charging handle of the Stoner rifles allows a space for gas to escape directly into the shooters face when a suppressor is used. The side charger allowed LWRCI to close off this gap and eliminate AR gas to the eye altogether.

The side charger along with other minor configuration differences took some getting used to, but once it took it was clear LWRCI was on to something. The side charger was easier to manipulate than the standard. Eye relief requirements of powerful optics often cause the optic to overhang the top-charging handle of the M110 making the charging handle difficult to manipulate. LWRCI’s left sided charging handle fixes that annoyance as well. The handle has a forward bolt assist built into it eliminating the right side AR button style forward assist. Pulling back the handle, pressing the handle inward toward the receiver engages the bolt carrier allowing it to be forced forward and closed. The charging handle configuration has also changed the practicality of other operating controls like the bolt catch. Yes, there is still a standard bolt catch in the standard location, but they added another bolt catch to the right side operated by the trigger finger. This makes engaging and releasing the bolt catch very fluid while manipulating the charging handle.

When LWRCI started the REPR project, they went through several iterations; the first being the SABR, or Sniper Assaulter Battle Rifle. They felt the SABR needed to lose some weight, improve in the ergonomics department, and had to be user configurable. They also sought to strengthen and elongate the interface between the barrel and the receiver to limit flex between these assemblies. The stiffer interface would also limit some of the point of impact shift that can occur when a sound suppressor is installed. The threaded front receiver extension was extended almost twice the size that of an AR-10 pattern. They created a new barrel nut that was also very long, and pulled double duty as the handguard/rail mount providing perfect alignment with the receiver. The rail itself is a free float design with a removable top with an integral Mil-Std-1913 rail that is designed to allow access to the piston system and return to zero once reinstalled. The 3, 6, and 9 o’clock rails are user configurable. You only need to install the length of rail you need in a particular location for the accessory you need. This makes the handguard/rail very comfortable, low profile, and cuts unneeded weight.

LWRCI uses an interference fit between the barrel extension and the receiver. Cold, these parts do not fit. To install the barrel, the receiver must first be heated expanding the orifice, the barrel inserted, then it cools and contracts for the interference fit. Under use, this is one of the hottest parts of the weapon, which causes the same expansion. It makes sense to fit these parts while hot. Then they use a lock nut that allows them to put a very precise torque on the barrel. LWRCI felt the current semi-auto sniper rifles were just scaled up AR-15 type rifles with heavy barrels and believes these details have been overlooked when you consider the mission, the accessories, and the user. Getting to some of the mechanics of the rifle, the operating system is made up of the gas block, regulator, piston cup, intermediate rod, operating rod and operating rod spring. The regulator has four positions: an off position making the rifle a single shot, one for suppressed fire, a normal setting and an adverse conditions setting. Disassembly of the operating system is done by removing the top rail of the handguard. Unscrewing the two locking screws located on the face of the end of the handguard and lifting the top rail off is all that is required to accomplish this. With the bolt carrier removed, pull rearward on the intermediate rod and remove the piston cup. Then remove the intermediate rod followed by the operating rod. Simply reverse the process to reassemble the operating system.

LWRC has evolved their 5.56mm bolt carrier over the years and many of those changes were incorporated into their REPR. LWRCI basically scaled up their latest iteration of the 5.56mm bolt carrier group but removed the forward assist notches and added the grooved to the left side of the carrier where the cocking handle will engage. The bolt and carrier are coated with a proprietary Nickel Boron coating that is superior to the previous DuPont Teflon, and Nickel Teflon used. They also coat the barrel extension, the bolt, and the cam pin. Unlike previous 5.56mm iteration carriers, the impact key is not a separate component – it is now machined into the carrier increasing the strength. The bolt carrier also incorporates sand cuts on the running surfaces of the bolt carrier. These simply allow a place for sand and dirt to reside without causing interference to the bolt carrier.

The lower receiver is manufactured from a billet and accepts an SR-25-type detachable box magazine with a capacity of 5, 10 and 20 rounds. KAC, C-Products, Magpul LR20 Mag and DPMS magazines are all compatible for this rifle. The REPR was provided with C-Products 10-round magazines. Acquired for testing were 20-round C-Products magazines as well as the newly introduced Magpul PMag 20LR Mag. The selector lever settings are in the popular pictogram form and have a witness notch on the right side of the selector as well as selector settings on the right side allowing a left handed shooter to know the condition the rifle is in. The stock may either be fixed or retractable. The sample rifle was set up for a sniper rifle and was equipped with the MagPul PRS stock that is adjustable for length as well as cheek weld. The PRS stock is a little on the heavy side but in this authors experience is the finest precision stock for any black rifle. On the heavy barrel sniper variant of the REPR, the PRS’ weight balances the rifle. The lower was also equipped with a Magpul MIAD pistol grip and enhanced trigger guard. LWRCI has teamed with Magpul on all of their weapon systems and use Magpul’s stocks, pistol grips, trigger guards and magazines. The trigger used is manufactured by Geissele Automatics and is adjustable or fixed determined by the model. The sample rifle was equipped with the adjustable trigger that was a two-stage configuration which was very comfortable and smooth to pull. A good trigger is critical on a sniper rifle or any rifle for that matter. Another very innovative feature of the REPR is the ability to tighten the upper receiver so there is no play between the upper and lower receivers. Under the pistol grip is a screw that is tightened by the operator to the desired tension. This ensures a lifetime tight fit regardless to wear on the pushpin holes of the receiver and eliminates the requirement for aftermarket wedge devices.

Both detachable front and rear sights were provided on the sample rifle. The folding front sight attaches directly to the handguard/rail rather than the barrel. It has ears to protect the post and is activated and deactivated by a spring loaded lock. The rear is similar in that it is engaged and disengaged by a spring loaded pin. The rear sight is adjustable for windage only and the front for elevation only. Both sights provided were manufactured by Troy Industries with the LWRCI logo on them.

The cycle of operation of the REPR is as follows: The trigger is pulled releasing the hammer which in turn strikes the firing pin. The firing pin strikes the primer detonating the cartridge sending the bullet down the barrel. Once the bullet reaches the gas port, gas is bled into the regulator. Depending on the setting, the valve regulates the amount of gas that enters the nozzle. The gas chamber/expansion chamber is created between the inside of the nozzle and the piston cup. The piston cup, which is attached to the intermediate rod, pushes rearward on the operating rod which is spring loaded. The operating rod strikes the top of the bolt carrier driving it rearward with a hammer like-blow. As the bolt carrier moves rearward the operating rod spring returns the operating rod, intermediate rod and piston cup back into battery on the gas block. The bolt unlocks and extracts and ejects the fired cartridge case. The buffer/action spring move the bolt carrier group forward stripping a round from the magazine feeding and chambering the round and finally the bolt locks ready for the next shot. Excess gas is bled out of the gas block between the nozzle and the piston cup; therefore no gas enters the bolt carrier group keeping the bolt carrier group clean and cool.

Overall the weapon was extremely impressive. The fit and finish was superb. Every attention to detail was paid and the best choices for the stock and pistol grip were made in my opinion. If this was my rifle these would be the exact accessories I would add. There were no machining scuffs or nicks on the rifle and the anodizing matched on the upper and lower receivers.

Testing was conducted using Silver State Armory (SSA) ammunition. SSA is known for manufacturing some of the highest quality duty and match ammunition in the industry at competitive pricing. Silver State Armory just moved to a state-of-the-art facility in Packwood, Washington where they have a 100 meter underground range and the facility meets United States Department of Defense requirements to manufacture military contract ammunition. They manufacture their own brass. All SSA ammunition is loaded with custom blends of powder geared towards the specific loading. They offer several loadings in 5.56mm, 7.62mm NATO, 6.8SPC and .499 LWRC. They are also one of the only ammunition manufacturers in the United States to manufacture armor piercing rifle ammunition in 5.56mm, 7.62mm NATO and 6.8SPC.

Function testing was done with their 150gr Nosler Accubond cartridge (SSA10084-N150). Approximately 200 rounds were fired for function testing with no malfunctions. Now is the opportunity to see if a hammer forged barrel and a piston have much effect on accuracy in a precision rifle. This load shot consistently just under 1 MOA at 100 yards. For accuracy the Silver State Armory 168gr Sierra OTM was used (SSA10084-OTM). This round consistently shot between 1/2 to 3/4 MOA at 100 yards. The accuracy of the REPR will challenge any bolt action sniper rifle on the market today as well as any other semi-auto out there. The combination of a premium quality barrel, match grade ammunition and an excellent trigger produced respectable groups by any sniper’s standards. Recoil was quite moderate for a semi-auto rifle. Engagement and follow-up shots were quick and accurate, which are the attributes that expand the capability and role of a sniper armed with a semi-auto. I suppose this ends some of the debates I mentioned earlier, however, it is my belief from looking at the multiple design and technology changes LWRCI has made that no one feature is singularly responsible for this performance. It is the proper combination of these design features and technologies working together as a system. This includes the ammunition.

The REPR has undoubtedly added to LWRCI’s opportunities to compete in both the U.S. and international markets on both 5.56mm and 7.62mm rifles. The REPR could be used as a police sniper rifle, competition rifle, military rifle or sporting rifle. It is just that versatile. It comes in carbine and rifle configurations and will serve any need that come up where 7.62mm firepower is needed. The REPR is already in service with the Drug Enforcement Administration F.A.S.T. (Foreign-deployed Advisory and Support Teams) as well as the DEA’s Office of Global Enforcement in Afghanistan and other less than friendly parts of the globe. These are being used in the Sniper/Assaulter role described previously as the teams generally helo insert to a target compound, clear it of bad guys, then take up sniper overwatch security duties while other members of the team or USSOCOM conduct their mission of searching for and destroying drug and weapon caches. The predecessor to the REPR, the SABR are employed by the Pentagon Force Protection Emergency Response teams and can been seen daily in the overwatch positions facing the entrances to the Pentagon. Internationally, LWRCI is has agreed to team with the King Abdullah II Design and Development Bureau to co-manufacture rifles in Jordan for use by the Jordanian Special Forces and Sniper Battalion.