LWRC REPR Magazine Failure Montage - Video

krecon1

Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Jul 16, 2003
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Abq, NM
Let me say up front that I think the REPR is a good design, but somewhere the ball was dropped with regards to the magazine and the numerous issues end users have been having.

Hopefully this won't start a storm, but wanted to post up what failures due to the mag issue I've been having. I've tried all the different SR25 pattern magazines and all sorts of different ammo with the same result - failure. Bottom line is I need to send my lower back to LWRC since it's non-mission capable.

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Re: LWRC REPR Magazine Failure Montage - Video

I have not had any trigger time with the LWRC so I don't know if they'll work or not, but have you tried the Magpul LR-20 PMAGs yet? I know several people who have had a variety of mag-related problems with various DPMS/KAC pattern rifles that were all 100% resolved by the LR-20's.

One way or another, pissed would be an understatement if I were in your shoes. Even if you can get one type of mag to work, it definitely needs to return to LWRC for an inspection and reliability work over. That is inexcusable for any rifle, much less a brand new $3k+ rifle!
 
Re: LWRC REPR Magazine Failure Montage - Video

Hey brother nice video. I was there with him during this and yes, rest assured the mags were seated securely before some says that. I posted something about this the other day, but its not my gun so I do not want to seem like I am bashing LWRC. They say they are gonna fix the issues. But fix it or not how does a $ 3200 rifle leave the shop with this type of issue is beyond me. I know there are alot of LWRC fans out there who will say, as long as they fix its good to go. To each their own, I guess.
 
Re: LWRC REPR Magazine Failure Montage - Video

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ORD</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have not had any trigger time with the LWRC so I don't know if they'll work or not, but have you tried the Magpul LR-20 PMAGs yet? I know several people who have had a variety of mag-related problems with various DPMS/KAC pattern rifles that were all 100% resolved by the LR-20's.

One way or another, pissed would be an understatement if I were in your shoes. Even if you can get one type of mag to work, it definitely needs to return to LWRC for an inspection and reliability work over. That is inexcusable for any rifle, much less a brand new $3k+ rifle! </div></div>
The only time I have had customers contact me with LR20 issues is when they use them in the REPRs. Sadly, I do not recommend them for use with the REPR platform.
 
Re: LWRC REPR Magazine Failure Montage - Video

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Cheese</div><div class="ubbcode-body">What are the most reliable mags?
I was considering getting a 18" version. </div></div>

I think it's really hit or miss with the REPR and mags - some guys can get them to run with PMags, SR25, DPMS, and C-Products. Not me - have not found one I can get to run 100%. I may be able to get five or seven shots off without a malfunction, but most of the time it is a couple shots then a malfunction. I'll be anxious to see how it runs when I get the lower back from LWRC.

I will say this, the ambi-bolt catch and left side charging handle makes the clearance drills fast.
 
Re: LWRC REPR Magazine Failure Montage - Video

With mine, I've found that old C-Products mags run 100%. I've also used SR25 mags, and they ran without a problem. I did manually cycle the bolt 100 times and clean off all of the really thick lube from the factory before I fired my first rounds--don't know if that made a difference.

I've had only one failure to feed--the bolt went completely over the top of the round when I hit the bolt release. I'm chalking that up to my failure to seat the magazine properly. I slapped the bottom, and the rifle ran fine.

I fit some older DPMS and a new PMAG in the rifle, but the mag was very loose in the magwell, so I didn't shoot with them.
 
Re: LWRC REPR Magazine Failure Montage - Video

This is very interesting and I too don't want this to turn into a bash LWRC especially since I have a 6.8mm M6A2 and it is a fine rifle. But that being said, with the amount of money that it takes to get one of these I would expect, no demand, that it is fixed. It would tick me off to no end to have that happen after I spent north of 3K for one minus the scope and it would not operate correctly.
 
Re: LWRC REPR Magazine Failure Montage - Video

A gas gun that won't feed is a damn heavy club to take to war. I like the irony of having a better system for malfunction drills (side charging handle) but hate how often you have to use it. The REPR is the overall platform I'm leaning toward buying, but with all the new 308 gas guns coming out, I'm waiting on all the bugs to get worked out. LWRC makes a good product, I just think I'll hold my cash a little while longer until this stuff gets sorted out. Thanks for the video.
 
Re: LWRC REPR Magazine Failure Montage - Video

I also didnt want to turn this to an LWRC beat session. I own two LWRC 5.56 ARs and both have done well with no issues. But i personally think LWRC missed the ball with the REPR. This rifle should be a $1000 cheaper. When POF can give you a sub-MOA accurate rifle, with match grade Rock Creek barrel, fully NP3 coated which costs a pretty penny, and installed muzzle brake for $2500, then there is no reason that the competing LWRC should be a $1000 more. Specially when i see threads everywhere about minor issues that dont give you a warm fuzzy feeling.

When you have LMT ($2600) , SIG ($2500), FN SCAR ($3200) , and POF ($2500)either available now or within the new few months then you just have to sit back and wait. Why would anyone want to drop $3500 on this? Just too rich for my blood. But god knows it is a great time to be a semi-7.62 enthusiast cause the options are getting better by the quarter.
 
Re: LWRC REPR Magazine Failure Montage - Video

I have a LWRC REPR also, which does not feed in the P-Mag magazine that came with it. A call to their support, and they said they are aware of the issue and would gladly fix the problem. I have to send in the lower and they will make an adjustment to the mag catch.

I have to say, I am not worried about this as LWRC is standing up to their product and offering fixes.
Also, the Mag Pul magazines work just fine.

Tomcat
 
Re: LWRC REPR Magazine Failure Montage - Video

In fact I am so impressed with the REPR that I ordered a M6A3.

My REPR is shooting sub-MOA consistently with Gold Medal Match ammo.
Again, with the MagPul mags, I have not had any problem at all.

Further - LWRC asked that I send in the serial number and they would let me know when to send in the lower. This way they can schedule the repairs in batches so they dont get backlogged and are able to return my lower right away. They are guessing the work should take about a 7-10 days.

Tomcat
 
Re: LWRC REPR Magazine Failure Montage - Video

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Cheese</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Anyone try the REPR upper on a different lower?
</div></div>

SR25 lowers are a no-go, didn't try it on the DPMS LR308, but imagine that would be a no-go as well. The REPR's upper is significantly higher in the back, so even if it did fit (which I doubt it will) you'll have a large opening that wouldn't be good.
 
Re: LWRC REPR Magazine Failure Montage - Video


I am pretty happy with the performance of the REPR - all else has exceeded my expectations.
I am sure they will resolve the magazine issue, especially when the Mag Pul mags work just fine.
Dont rush to judgement over one thing. Its a sub moa autoloader. Thats pretty good.
 
Re: LWRC REPR Magazine Failure Montage - Video

The Magpul magazines do not work in his rifle. I was there with and him and tried it also. Maybe you got lucky, or he got unlucky. But it seems most people say the Magpul mags do not work. But, yes they are saying they are fixing the isues which says alot.
 
Re: LWRC REPR Magazine Failure Montage - Video

my REPR is back at LWRC...it sucks...my rifle ran C-products magazines 100% for me. LWRC thought they had design confidence with C products and magpul, and both changed the design of their magazines enough to cause problems with the REPR. My rifle will be shipping back to me this week, I'll let y'all know how it runs with both mags.

 
Re: LWRC REPR Magazine Failure Montage - Video

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Tomcat</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have a LWRC REPR also, which does not feed in the P-Mag magazine that came with it. A call to their support, and they said they are aware of the issue and would gladly fix the problem. I have to send in the lower and they will make an adjustment to the mag catch.

I have to say, I am not worried about this as LWRC is standing up to their product and offering fixes.
Also, the Mag Pul magazines work just fine.

Tomcat </div></div>

I think the bigger issue is that this is not an isolated problem that is being handled by good customer service.

It seems to be a very global design fuckup that occurred on a $3500 rifle. It shouldn't have happened.

+1 for LWRC making an attempt to handle the problem

-10 for having to handle the problem.
 
Re: LWRC REPR Magazine Failure Montage - Video

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Tomcat</div><div class="ubbcode-body">In fact I am so impressed with the REPR that I ordered a M6A3.

My REPR is shooting sub-MOA consistently with Gold Medal Match ammo.
Again, with the MagPul mags, I have not had any problem at all.

Further - LWRC asked that I send in the serial number and they would let me know when to send in the lower. This way they can schedule the repairs in batches so they dont get backlogged and are able to return my lower right away. They are guessing the work should take about a 7-10 days.

Tomcat

</div></div>

"This way they can schedule the repairs in batches"

This line gives me the willies! do they have so many bad ones that they need to do a RUN???

good luck with your repairs and new order.
 
Re: LWRC REPR Magazine Failure Montage - Video

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BadBot</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Tomcat</div><div class="ubbcode-body">In fact I am so impressed with the REPR that I ordered a M6A3.

My REPR is shooting sub-MOA consistently with Gold Medal Match ammo.
Again, with the MagPul mags, I have not had any problem at all.

Further - LWRC asked that I send in the serial number and they would let me know when to send in the lower. This way they can schedule the repairs in batches so they dont get backlogged and are able to return my lower right away. They are guessing the work should take about a 7-10 days.

Tomcat

</div></div>

"This way they can schedule the repairs in batches"

This line gives me the willies! do they have so many bad ones that they need to do a RUN???

good luck with your repairs and new order. </div></div>

It does appear to be a good number of REPRs out there with the mag issue. I just check LWRC's site as well and didn't find any new info on guys that received their rifle back. They did take down my video I put up there, guess they didn't like the bad press? I never came off as bashing them, just trying to inform end users - I've stated that since the start. Hopefully when my REPR comes back from the mod I can post a video up running PMags, KAC, CProducts, and DPMS without a miss. Maybe they'll keep that one up.
 
Re: LWRC REPR Magazine Failure Montage - Video

and with every hit on this post the resale value goes down...down....down.
smile.gif
 
Re: LWRC REPR Magazine Failure Montage - Video

I got my REPR back from LWRC yesterday the magazine modification did the trick. I fired 80rds with no problems with either the C-products, or Magpul's LR20 PMAGS.

C products 20rds-unsuppressed
Magpul LR20 20rds-unsuppressed

C products 20rds-suppressed
Magpul LR20 20rds-suppressed

definitely a pain in the ass sending it back in to LWRC, but now I'm happy I did.I got it back just in time. Tommorrow I'm going to be taking it, and my M700 to a 4 day precision rifle class.I'll see how the REPR performs at the class.
 
Re: LWRC REPR Magazine Failure Montage - Video

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: blu109</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I got my REPR back from LWRC yesterday the magazine modification did the trick. I fired 80rds with no problems with either the C-products, or Magpul's LR20 PMAGS.

C products 20rds-unsuppressed
Magpul LR20 20rds-unsuppressed

C products 20rds-suppressed
Magpul LR20 20rds-suppressed

definitely a pain in the ass sending it back in to LWRC, but now I'm happy I did.I got it back just in time. Tommorrow I'm going to be taking it, and my M700 to a 4 day precision rifle class.I'll see how the REPR performs at the class.


</div></div> Blu109, what was the turn around time on the modification and what did they end up doing ?
 
Re: LWRC REPR Magazine Failure Montage - Video

LWRC emailed me a shipping label on 3/8, I packed up my REPR and shipped it back to the factory.My REPR arrived at LWRC on 3/17,LWRC shipped it back 4/6.I got it yesterday 4/13, and now have 160rds thru it without a hiccup.

The modification as described by Super Awesome Joe
http://forum.lwrci.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=6526&start=0

The modification will involve slight machining to the lower receiver to enlarge the open of the magazine release. This will allow the installation of a taller mag catch that will keep the mags sitting higher.

The gun is going to be optimized for use with the Magpul PMAGs but all others should fall in line.


If your having problems with your REPR send it in, I'm glad I did!... cheers
 
Re: LWRC REPR Magazine Failure Montage - Video

I got on the list to return my REPR last week. They did not give me a timeline of when I can send in my gun.

This is quite disappointing. It is a nice system but, problems like this really suck. It should have been designed to fit all those mags to begin with.
 
Re: LWRC REPR Magazine Failure Montage - Video

I was looking at buying one. Can't believe they shipped that
many bad ones out. Regardless of how quick they fix it, there
seems to be a very serious quality control issue in a rifle
thats 1000 more than it should be. Thanks for bringing this to
our attention. Maybe later, when the problems are ironed out.
 
Re: LWRC REPR Magazine Failure Montage - Video

i've gone through many issues with my POF a bit ago... Cproducts mags for my 308. They would feed low and into the area before the feedramps. I think it was the magazine feed lips themselves on the metal mags. Sent my pof back in and it came back with all new parts - they took a tool and looks like they polished the inside of the chamber.

In the mean time while i was waiting - i got some pmags - but i also took my cproducts mags that would feed low/or not at all, and slightly bent the front of the lips up - maybe 1mm or 2. I got my rifle back, and so far everything fires with fully loaded 20 rnd mags. Not sure if thats the same thing you're running into since your mags don't stay in even - wonder if yours maybe be seated too high? when the bolt tries to slam shut - is it scraping?
 
Re: LWRC REPR Magazine Failure Montage - Video

Just a small rant...

New systems often require revisions. My early Armalite AR10 needed revisions to run reliably (mags, bolt carrier, other pieces). KAC updated their gas systems on their SR25s, and POF had some initial QC teething issues. We won't even go into the basic AR-platform teething issues.

I'm not affiliated with LWRC or an engineer, but the gas regulator system and the side-charging handle revisions were innovations to the AR308 platform. LWRC thought they had the most recent C-Products mag design for their rifle and they advised users to go with those mags. The C-Prod design changed in the middle of rifle shipping and without LWRC's knowledge. The PMAGs weren't available to test prior to release. LWRC scrambled to notify those of us who bought them and to get a fix in place. Now, they are updating the rifle to fix it (3 months after the problem was identified). **And** they are managing the version control issue on the CP mags when they could have put that on our shoulders.

As a customer, I am satisfied with the way the company treated the problem and I am more than satisfied by the way they've treated me. Every inquiry I've made to the company has been answered to my satisfaction within hours.

My rifle runs 100% off of older C-Prod mags (as it was designed), but it is hit-or-miss with some KAC mags. So, when my number comes up, it goes back.

I've had to execute the equivalent of factory-recalls/updates on $3K+ scopes, $2K+ rifles, and $200+ bipods. I'm sure many of us have... I look at this as a byproduct of dealing with good companies run by human beings who also stand behind their products. SNAFUs happen even with the best companies. Those that publicly acknowledge and then quickly fix the problem are in the minority. LWRC is one of those companies.

 
Re: LWRC REPR Magazine Failure Montage - Video

Well said. My LWRC products run like raped apes, and I love 'em. Soon as I save up enough, I'm going to get the REPR. S*@t happens, but LWRC fixes it when it does. Good company making good products.
 
Re: LWRC REPR Magazine Failure Montage - Video

I have a 1 gen REPR also. Just sent it back to LWRC. Did not shoot at all out of the box and actually jammed a live round in the chamber from a double feed. Doubt its an ejector issue but most likely magazine feed as everyone else is reporting. I can tell you that shooting a group with open sites at 100 yds was quite something...this rifle is accurate. I heard the same thing as Blu...C Prod changed the specs on the magazine but guns in this price range should each be shot and cycled plenty before they leave the factory IMHO. I am not unhappy...just anxious to get her back in working condition!
 
Re: LWRC REPR Magazine Failure Montage - Video

Does anyone know if the magwell will or is already on newer rifles, built to tighter specs. The ones with the magazine issues, besides the feeding issues the magazines rattle around inside the well, like there is way to much clearance inside. Any idea if this also been addressed or is going to be.
 
Re: LWRC REPR Magazine Failure Montage - Video

A friend of mine has had so much trouble with his 18" Reaper I have decided to go a (sigh) different route.
I do own an LWRC M6A2 and have run several hundred rounds through it with zero failures.
To spend that much money on a Reaper or a "fixed" reaper just sets off too many bells.
I'll be looking very seriously at an Armalite Super SASS for use with a suppressor.
 
Re: LWRC REPR Magazine Failure Montage - Video

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: hitman</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Does anyone know if the magwell will or is already on newer rifles, built to tighter specs. The ones with the magazine issues, besides the feeding issues the magazines rattle around inside the well, like there is way to much clearance inside. Any idea if this also been addressed or is going to be. </div></div>

I spoke to Darren Mellors today about this. New production has a tighter mag well (front to rear) so there is not so much magazine movement. In early guns, the mag catch is being moved 20 thou for proper positioning. There are other details that could be mentioned but they don't want to pass the buck on this. It was an internal control failure. This has been an embarrasing situation for them that they are correcting on all older guns that owners send in. There are approximately 1800 guns with this issue and most have already had the mag catch mod. They blame themselves for not tightly monitoring the mag makers (specifically C-Products) and are fixing the guns as quickly as possible. This is a high priority. Mag movement does not seem to cause any problems other than not seeming quite right. I know mine hasn't had any problems since the modification and works with any mag I've tried except the original C-Products. You can call LWRCI at 410-901-1348 for the mag catch mod, they will send you a FedEx label and provide quick turnaround. This is a high priority.

Teething pains.

Disclaimer: I have a close relationship with LWRCI but do not work for them, and do not speak for them.
 
Re: LWRC REPR Magazine Failure Montage - Video

Do they have a S/N range/list on these?? be nice to know what rifles they believe are affected and would also be an easy reference to those that own a REPR to follow.
 
Re: LWRC REPR Magazine Failure Montage - Video

As a former REPR owner(sold them all at a loss), several questions bounce around in my head when I think about LWRC. How can you trust a company that releases a product at that price point with so many problems? Reliabilty problems aside, both of mine rattled like bags of nails. Their responces to my issues seemed lukewarm and elitist. I think LWRC has some huge issues with their QC. Did they even test the fucking thing before it hit the shelves, and if so, how? The only way they could make it right in my book is to do a complete redesign and offer a trade in program.
 
Re: LWRC REPR Magazine Failure Montage - Video

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Cheese</div><div class="ubbcode-body">A friend of mine has had so much trouble with his 18" Reaper I have decided to go a (sigh) different route.
I do own an LWRC M6A2 and have run several hundred rounds through it with zero failures.
To spend that much money on a Reaper or a "fixed" reaper just sets off too many bells.
I'll be looking very seriously at an Armalite Super SASS for use with a suppressor. </div></div>

All I have to say is: LMT 308
 
Re: LWRC REPR Magazine Failure Montage - Video

I have a 20" REPR and it has had no issues to date.... but I totally understand why a person would be irate. And what scares me is that the 18" models where the last to hit the market (I believe) and there are still units shitting the bed! for me I can use any mag on the market and it eats what's in the lunch box.
 
Re: LWRC REPR Magazine Failure Montage - Video

I spoke to Joe in customer service and was told that the guns with serial numbers of under 1700 or so need the modification. The way to tell if a gun needs the mod is to remove the mag catch, if the inside face of the catch has a dimple it needs to be changed out, if it is smooth it doesn't. Not sure if it is a do-it-yourself fix but I suspect it can be done without shipping the gun back to LWRCI. Call Joe at 410-901-1348.
 
Re: LWRC REPR Magazine Failure Montage - Video

My 18" REPR is in the 800 serial number range. It hasn't had one failure of any kind in over 500 rounds, suppressed, and un-suppressed. I don't know if my mag catch has the dimple or not. But mine eats every kind of ammo out of C-Products, KAC, and P-mags. Perhaps I am lucky, but For a suppressed 7.62 AR, mine is a REPR. JPG