LMT Defense® MARS-LS Piston 12" semi-automatic rifle / caliber 5.56×45 mm

This is a limited edition SBR, a short-barreled rifle, from the leading American manufacturer of AR-15 based rifles, LMT, for the European market. It is highly likely that LMT will not release a rifle in this configuration and barrel length for the civilian market again!

Rifle from the state of John Wayne

Lewis Machine and Tool Company (LMT) is an American arms manufacturer founded by Karl Lewis in 1980. LMT is a producer of various weapon systems, including the M4 carbine variant and M203 grenade launcher. LMT products are used by the armed forces of the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Estonia and the United States. LMT previously manufactured forged receiver housings for FAL rifles as a subcontractor for DS Arms.

Manufacturer from the Big Three

LMT is often referred to as a member of the Big Three. This is a group of three companies that offer the highest quality factory-produced service rifles based on the AR-15 in the USA. The other two companies are considered to be Noveske and Knight's Armament Company.

Enhanced bird cage

SureFire Warcomp Closed Tine is a muzzle device based on the standard A2 NATO Bird cage muzzle device (A2 NATO "bird cage"). However, in SureFire's version, it is the ultimate device for reducing flash signature while also improving weapon behavior during shooting due to neutral porting. The SureFire Warcomp Closed Tine also includes a platform for mounting a sound suppressor with a Surefire interface. Here, for example, we use B&T suppressors.

Easy installation

SureFire Warcomp Closed Tine has machined surfaces on the sides that greatly facilitate installation. It is done using an appropriate wrench. The DLC coating provides the weapon with maximum protection in harsh conditions and makes cleaning easier even after extreme use.

AR-15 with a piston

LMT barrels are specifically designed for the LMT monolithic handguard. The MARS-LS Piston 12" semi-automatic rifle / caliber 5.56×45 mm LMT Defense is equipped with a short-stroke piston rather than the usual AR-15 system with direct gas impingement. This solution elevates the already high-quality LMT weapons to an even higher, almost unattainable level of reliability.

Additional benefits of the short stroke solution

This solution also adds other benefits. For example, the ability to adjust the gas flow for normal shooting or shooting with a sound suppressor, which is done using a switch on the gas block. It also reduces the amount of gas ejected from the ejection port when using a sound suppressor. The barrel is cryogenically treated. The barrel's rifling is hard chrome-lined to increase durability and corrosion resistance.

Revolutionary monolithic handguard

LMT has developed a monolithic handguard (Monolithic Rail Platform - MRP). It is nothing less than a handguard and upper receiver made from a single piece of aluminum. The handguard is equipped with a Picatinny rail along the entire top side, continuing onto the Picatinny rail on the upper receiver. It also features an M-LOK interface around the entire circumference. This design provides the weapon with incredible rigidity and toughness while maintaining a free-floating barrel.

Quick barrel change

The handguard is equipped with a quick-change barrel system. The manufacturer states that there is minimal difference in point of aim when changing the barrel. The barrel can be changed in field conditions in just a few minutes. The change is done using the provided tool.

Innovative bolt carrier and bolt design

Lewis Machine and Tool Company redesigned the bolt for AR-15 platform rifles. The change lies in the improvement of the cartridge extractor. This patented change to the extractor improves extraction under adverse conditions and in heavy weapon contamination. LMT also manufactures a redesigned bolt carrier that improves the operation of rifles using direct gas impingement.

Fully ambidextrous controls

The semi-automatic MARS-LS Piston 12" rifle / caliber 5.56×45 mm from LMT Defense is equipped with fully ambidextrous controls. This means that the magazine catch, bolt catch, fire mode selector and charging handle can be operated effortlessly by both right-handed and left-handed shooters, or right-handed shooters in a reversed guard position. And that's not all!

A solution appreciated by left-handed shooters

The magazine catch on the left side of the weapon is lowered, allowing left-handed shooters to comfortably press it with their index finger, which not all ambidextrous magazine catches offer. This solution is especially appreciated by left-handed shooters with larger hands. At the same time, this button has an elevated guard, appreciated by right-handed shooters, as it prevents accidental pressing of the button, for example, against equipment, preventing unwanted ejection of the magazine from the well. Members of a certain unnamed Legion could tell us about this.

Designed for adverse conditions

LMT rifles are designed as weapons for adverse conditions and the roughest handling. However, LMT is well aware that for accurate shooting even in such conditions, a trigger with a good and smooth operation is necessary. The heart of every MARS weapon system is one of the best two-stage triggers installed in service category weapons. At LMT, this trigger is called AXLE. It is a whole family of trigger systems based on a patented design.

AXLE Euro trigger

It combines the following key features: trigger components manufactured using high-precision wire EDM, new geometry of the hammer catch and free axis of the trigger mechanism. The standard AXLE trigger features a pull weight of approximately 4.5 lb (about 2 kilograms). It offers smooth, clearly discernible operation and a short reset. The AXLE Euro trigger has an interesting specific feature for an AR-15 platform rifle: it allows the weapon to be secured even with the hammer down. The trigger is protected in the weapon's body by an enlarged trigger guard, making it easy to operate in both tactical and winter gloves.

SOPMOD stock

The LMT SOPMOD stock is the preferred stock of USSOCOM operators. That's where its name comes from. The stock, made of durable polymer, has a rubberized non-slip buttpad. It also has an improved shape and angle, ensuring more natural and comfortable cheek weld. Additionally, it has two waterproof storage compartments for batteries, small items or accessories. A pleasing bonus is the QD sling slots on both sides.

Benefits you need to know about:

• unmatched manufacturing quality
• high durability and weapon reliability
• adjustable piston system
• ambidextrous controls
• monolithic handguard with M-LOK interface
• SureFire Warcomp Closed Tine