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Quick review: LWRC REPR 20" .308 rifle

S

secondstoryguy

Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Apr 26, 2008
134
0
Austin, TX
#1
I've been in search of a reliable, accurate, and ergonomic .308 Semi-Auto rifle for some time. I've owned M1As, FALs, and AR10/SR25 varients. While they are all generally good rifles when they are built right, they each have their downsides. I've been waiting for the LWRC REPR which is essentially a blend of all of the above.
I finally got my hands on a 20" REPR, which is LWRC's "precision" version. Out of the box it looks really good. Clean machining and excellent fit/finish. It seems light for it's size, mainly because it balances quite well. Some of the features you immediately notice are the left side mounted non-reciprocating bolt handle(ala FAL), ambi bolt stop, the Geisselle match trigger, and the gas knob on the front end with 4 settings(Normal, Supressed, Adverse, and off). The handguard is comfortable and smooth with threaded holes to attach the included rail sections as needed.
I mounted a scope and got it out to the range twice this weekend and it shot great. My first 20 or so rounds were with 07' vintage M118 match and most groups were in the 1-1.25" range. After a few quick swabs and a few more M118 the groups shrank to the 1/2"-1" area where it settled in at consistant 1/2-3/4". The evening before I had thrown together some handloads with some once fired Lapua/BH match, using 4064 and Varget. Firing handloaded 155gr Scenars and 175gr SMKs the groups went down to 1/2" or better with a few groups hovering around the 1/4" mark. At 200 and 300 yards it was still holding an inch and 1.5-2" respectively, but it was getting dark so I might have done a little better if time allowed.
After 200 or so rounds there were no malfunctions and the gun was very pleasant to shoot. After the range session, the bolt and interior of the reciever was as clean as a whistle. Obviously it's too soon to tell if it's going to go the distance, but if it continues to shoot like this, it'll be a keeper. I'm going to get out to the range again next week and spend a little more time with it. Here's a few pics:
DSC02364.jpg

DSC02361.jpg
 
#2
Re: Quick review: LWRC REPR 20" .308 rifle

I got a chance to shoot one at the mdshooters.com fall shoot a couple weeks ago. It's a very sweet rifle indeed, but I gotta say for the price point they're asking, I'd probably rather have GAP build me an ar-10.

But that's just me. Congrats on the rifle, I know why you're happy with it.
wink.gif
 
#3
Re: Quick review: LWRC REPR 20" .308 rifle

Yea, they are a chunk of change. This one was $3450. But I figured Noveske's offering and other high end guns are close, so I jumped in. Although I've never owned a GAP AR-10, I've had enought bad experiences with the standard AR1Os/SR25s to not buy another. Not so much accuracy, as most shoot well, but reliability issues that manifest in inclimate conditions, specifically cold and dusty enviroments. It seems like about 1 outta every 4 AR10/SR25s run great, but the other 3 are hot and cold. I was going to wait for Larue's .308 OSR, which according to several sources is a super-reliable platform, but for now I'm going to lean towards this piston driven gun as a possible answer for the reliability issues I've seen in the past.
 
#9
Re: Quick review: LWRC REPR 20" .308 rifle

NF 3.5-10x50. I'm kinda on the fence when it comes to scoping this rifle. I really like the extra power of the 3.5-15 as the magnification is usefull as ranges increase but the 2.5-10x32 is an excellent scope and would save a bit of weigh and size.
 
#10
Re: Quick review: LWRC REPR 20" .308 rifle

Mine should be shipped in the next couple of weeks. I ordered the exact same setup and am looking at putting a Leupold Mark 4 6.5-20 TMR on it.
 
#12
Re: Quick review: LWRC REPR 20" .308 rifle

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BLI</div><div class="ubbcode-body">how smooth is the action when you cycle the bolt? Does it feel like it's on ball bearings or does it feel grity like a DPMS? </div></div>

I have this same rifle. It is a shooter! The action of the bolt is very smooth. I just got mine set up and then had to head out to Dallas for a job, when I get back I plan on spending the day at the range with it and my Valkyrie. I cant wait to see how it runs suppressed.
 
#14
Re: Quick review: LWRC REPR 20" .308 rifle

That looks like a sweet shooting setup. What is the total weight with the PRS, Nightforce, and gun unloaded? I am guessing somewhere around the 14lb mark....which is not bad considering my buddies SPS Tact in a MCM A5 was 12 lbs unloaded with a similar scope...
 
#18
Re: Quick review: LWRC REPR 20" .308 rifle

I got the 18" and the action is very smooth. I can't wait to get my new loading room done, so I can crush my own, got to shoot factory for now. The Nightforce is a great scope for that gun. JPG
 
#19
Re: Quick review: LWRC REPR 20" .308 rifle

Secondstoryguy,
How has your experience been subsequent to this posting. I've got an opportunity on an 18" repf but am thinking the 20" is probably much more accurate.
 
#21
Re: Quick review: LWRC REPR 20" .308 rifle

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: targaflorio</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I just got my 20" REPR and shot 60 rounds Sat. Ran flawlessly. Looking for glass: Nightforce NXS 3.5 x 15 F1 is what I'm thinking with a Larue mount. Anyone with that set up on the REPR? </div></div>

That is my exact set up with a mil dot reticle and 1/10 mil adjustments. Got the scope from Optics Planet. For now, I use a Harris bipod on a Larue mount that shares duty with a couple other precision builds. I've put about 600 rounds of Federal 168 grain OTM without failure after the magazine catch modification. I've got it shooting 1/2" 5-shot groups at 100 yards and plan to zero it at 200 yards next week at Charlotte Rifle and Pistol Club.

As for the scope, I think that the F1 model best suits the design of rapid target ranging and engagement. It's clear, rock solid, and about $1K less than the competition (although a USO or SB would work just as well).
 
#22
Re: Quick review: LWRC REPR 20" .308 rifle

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DocLane</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: targaflorio</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I just got my 20" REPR and shot 60 rounds Sat. Ran flawlessly. Looking for glass: Nightforce NXS 3.5 x 15 F1 is what I'm thinking with a Larue mount. Anyone with that set up on the REPR? </div></div>

That is my exact set up with a mil dot reticle and 1/10 mil adjustments. Got the scope from Optics Planet. For now, I use a Harris bipod on a Larue mount that shares duty with a couple other precision builds. I've put about 600 rounds of Federal 168 grain OTM without failure after the magazine catch modification. I've got it shooting 1/2" 5-shot groups at 100 yards and plan to zero it at 200 yards next week at Charlotte Rifle and Pistol Club.

As for the scope, I think that the F1 model best suits the design of rapid target ranging and engagement. It's clear, rock solid, and about $1K less than the competition (although a USO or SB would work just as well). </div></div>

Bought the F1 with MIL turrets and the MLR reticle, mounted it on the REPR with a Larue QD 104 and took it to the C2 Range. 100 -300 yds. I think it's a perfect set up. Looking for a bipod: Harris? Atlas?
 
#23
Re: Quick review: LWRC REPR 20" .308 rifle

I have a REPR 20". I have not shot handloads, but, with Federal Gold Medal Match 168 grain, I say the gun is a solid 1 MOA shooter. I mean - I can go to range right now and expect to shoot 1 moa groups with it.

I have several sub moa groups (about 3/4), but in my book unless you can do it consistently and on demand, its what you shoot on the average.

Fit and finish are flawless, left side charging handle and right side bolt release are brilliant ideas.
I had problems with the magazines, sent the rifle back and they turned it back to me in about 2 weeks and it works fine.

Overall, I am very happy with the REPR - its a fun gun to shoot. But - for the $3400 I had spent for a 1 moa autoloader - I would have rather spent it at GAP for a Crusader and got a tight shooting bolt gun.

But I cant justify $3400 for a 1 MOA gun.

The niche it was made for is a military role. Where accurate sniper fire PLUS suppressive fire is asked of it.
In military engagments, the shots you take are usually rushed, and the target is usually not presenting itself stationary, and sometimes is shooting back at you, and you dont want to present youself for long periods of time.

This rifle is a bit heavy for that shoot and move, and sub moa accuracy is traded for reliability and longevity in the field.

This rifle fits that purpose well.
 
#25
Re: Quick review: LWRC REPR 20" .308 rifle

This rifle comes with 3 Ea 3" rail sections, 2 are standard Picatinny, the other has a 1" Picatinny section with a sling quick disconnect receptical, which they offer a Daniel Defense QD for on the website @ $15 + $8 shipping. I bought the QD and it's a nice addition. This rifle has really nice lines! Every detail was taken into consideration, in fact there is no quality of picture that does it justice. You need to hold and shoot one to appreciate the craftsmanship and engineering that went into it. I gawked at the price, fought over trying to justify owning one, then one night I broke down and did it. Now, I can say it was a good decision. I plan on hunting with it this Fall. I topped her off with a Leupold Mark IV Tactical in 4.5-14 X 50 MM. (You will need the Leupold Mark IV Ultra high rings to clear the upper)
 
#32
Re: Quick review: LWRC REPR 20" .308 rifle

what repr do you have? also it seems like the earlier reprs had issues but now they are worked out. am i wrong?

the repr to me is less like an obr (i would define an obr as a gas semi-auto precision gun made to shoot with the accuracy of a bolt gun) and more like a blaster with good accuracy. it is also an innovative design having the side charger. they both have a place. i just don't seem me ever shooting ball out of my obr. i care less about wearing on the repr.

YOU CANNOT SELL ! Next time you will be banned
 
#33
Re: Quick review: LWRC REPR 20" .308 rifle

I owned a LWRC REPR 20" for a little less than three months, before selling it with 300 rounds down the pipe. I purchased this rifle brand new for $3499 and it arrived sealed in plastic, in a sealed box. It is a great rifle but I would not buy another. LWRC makes high quality firearms and I have owned other rifles from them that I have been very pleased with.

My REPR was coated with flat dark earth Cerakote, which I personally feel is not very durable. All the Cerakote on the brass deflector chipped off after approx. 200 rounds and a two inch wear line developed on the upper, at the rear of the side charging handle channel. This was all cosmetic and obviously did not affect the function. The big problem I had was after shooting my first twenty rounds through the rifle, the barrel nut completely loosened. I spoke with LWRC and they were very surprised this happened. The turn around time for the warranty, including the shipping time there and back was less than two weeks, but I did pay $30 to have it shipped back second day air. Another issue I have is with the side charging handle that everyone seems to love. Yes, the side charging handle looks awesome and functions very nicely, but the foreword assist feature integrated into the knob is annoying and not really needed. Also, I do not like the side charging handle because it makes carrying the rifle with a sling very uncomfortable, unless you find the knob rubbing into your chest or back to be comfortable.

Although I would not consider buying another REPR, if I did, it would have to be priced more reasonably, and I would not get any Cerakote, and it's purpose would be a bench queen because I am a little cry baby that does not want a side charging handle digging into me while the rifle is slung. I know I only posted the negative issues I personally had with my REPR, but I felt it was not necessary to post all the great things this rifle has because I am sure everyone on this forum is already aware of the REPR's quality.
 
#34
Re: Quick review: LWRC REPR 20" .308 rifle

Actually, the REPR is still not all that well known, especially on this forum. I'd love to hear your accuracy experience, and what ammo you might have used. I'm waiting for a 16 incher myself.
 
#35
Re: Quick review: LWRC REPR 20" .308 rifle

Since I didn't own the rifle for very long I never found the time to really dial it in and aim for some tight groups on paper. When I did shoot, it was at a 12" circle at 400 yards and I basically never missed. I mostly used Black Hills 175 gr., Hornady Superformance 168gr. match, and American Eagle 168gr. My friend has a 16" REPR and really likes it. Just remember to use the appropriate grain bullet for your barrel's twist rate, or else your shot placement will be all over the place.
 
#36
Re: Quick review: LWRC REPR 20" .308 rifle

We got a 20" test REPR, our department is looking at buying 5. I will say that I am pretty impressed with it. We have right at 8,000 rounds through it now, and haven't had a lick of problems out ot the gun. It shoots right at MOA, or better, and it is one tough SOB! I am seriously considering buying one of my own if I can get the LEO pricing on it.
 
#37
Re: Quick review: LWRC REPR 20" .308 rifle

I have a 20" REPR and a buddy has 18" REPR. Here is what we found:
Groups with the 20" measure about 3/4" (100yds) with 165 GFMM. With my 175 SMK and 44.5 Varget they go probably more toward the 3/4 group.
Groups with 18" measure usually 3/4"+ with 165 FGMM, but you really have to concentrate to get that.

Both our rifles, and other used REPR's we have inspected have this problem: The bolt lug impacts the inside of the receiver in the bolt lug cutout near the ejection port. There is a 1/16 groove where the bolt lug has worn a channel in the receiver.
I have not called LWRC about this. My buddy did call LWRC, and they told him that some rifles did that, - I can't quote the conversation as it was over a year ago. Im okay cause the rifle shoot pretty well. Though my buddy is pretty frustrated because with a $3K rifle this should not happen, I tend to agree.

Overall, generally, we are happy with our LWRC's, the left side charging handle and right side bolt catch and release are, simply, BRILLIANT. I expect that soon, all AR's will have this feature, no shit, its that good.

Apart from the 'self machining' bolt to receiver fit, we are generally happy.

Oh, both guns hold that 3/4 to 1 moa out to 800 pretty well if we do our part.
When the barrels heat up, the group size goes to shit, and thats about after 10 rounds on a 65 degree day.


 
#38
Re: Quick review: LWRC REPR 20" .308 rifle

I've got a 20in repr used in a DMR role. Topped with a USO 1.8x-10x-37 and an offset Burris fastfire II and surefire scout light, Harris bipod, tbac 30p-1 can. Shoots southwest Ammo 175gr smk with lapua brass at consistent sub moa groups less than 650 yards and slightly closer to 1 moa from 650-1000.

It shoots like a bolt gun with the gas system off......shoots as well,as a bolt gun in my opinion. Yes, they are a bit over priced for what you get but I love mine and have no,plans to give it up.

People stop at the range to gawk at it.....especially since I only shoot suppressed.
 
#39
Re: Quick review: LWRC REPR 20" .308 rifle

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Tomcat</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
Both our rifles, and other used REPR's we have inspected have this problem: The bolt lug impacts the inside of the receiver in the bolt lug cutout near the ejection port. There is a 1/16 groove where the bolt lug has worn a channel in the receiver.


</div></div>

Are you talking about a lug on the bolt....or the cam pin? I've seen folks inquire about the cam pin wearing a short channel into the upper receiver on pretty much all AR platforms, and it really is a normal thing that happens.
 
#40
Re: Quick review: LWRC REPR 20" .308 rifle

Yes, what I meant, not what I wrote. The cam bolt, has worn a channel in the receiver. Its sloppy engineering now matter how you slice it, normal or not.

I have 3 Noveskes and 2 Rock Rivers, none of them do it.
 
#41
Re: Quick review: LWRC REPR 20" .308 rifle

I would send it back to LWRC and have them fix it or replace it.....their warranty will cover it and I am sure they will pay for shipping. Just happen to mention your problem it getting some attention on Snipershide and they will snap to and have your rifle fixed and back in less than a week.
 
#42
Re: Quick review: LWRC REPR 20" .308 rifle

Cam pins make a groove and then its over, and most rifles have a bit of that. Don't worry about it. Now the groups opening up when the barrel heats up, that would be a problem for me.
 
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