Sell me on LMT

[thedude824]

I keep reading on the forums about LMT. They are routinely referred to as "top tier" and superior to other companies. I have a number of systems including 5 ARs from Colt, Geissele, and Aero. To be blunt, I much prefer Aero. I am beyond intrigued about the LMT and I have convinced myself I need a new rifle for a couple of "long range" rifle courses I plan to attend over the coming months. While I understand this probably isn't a "marksman" style rifle, I'm no marksman despite carrying that classification for a couple years (we only shot to 100-150 yards). I considered building another precision bolt gun, but a bolt gun doesn't fit the reasons for taking these courses. Ive also got a Barrett M82 that I'd like to shoot better (I understand its not a precision rifle at all).
My question is... what makes the LMT so superior? I'm really only interested in their piston offerings as I'm not at all convinced it could replace the Aero's built specifically to my liking and I like the idea of shooting reliably under less than ideal conditions for an extended period of time.
Will the MARS piston with a 16" barrel be a feasible system for what I want? I believe these are the ones that allow you to swap to a different barrel very quickly and easily? I load my own 77 grain SMK and thus far my 16" guns like 24.1 grains of N140. My 16" Colt and Geissele both have stock barrels. I really want to see what is so amazing about this gun and I'm hoping it can be a reasonably accurate gun out to 600-700 yards. I saw that it has 6.8 SPC as an option. I mainly shoot suppressed and I'll be shooting from an Atlas bipod.

 

[Thorbeast]

If all you are looking for is accuracy, then just get a high end custom barrel.

The LMTs as rifle system have a number of unique features...

100% ambi forged lower (bolt catch and release on both left and right sides).

Monolithic upper made of 7075 AL (ideal for rifle mounted NV and lasers) allows for switch barrel setups (and most handguards are the weaker 6xxx series AL). I've heard people say that LMTs are a great precision rifle platform because the barrel sleeve needed for the QC barrels act as a heat sink for the barrel. I can't provide proof for that claim.

The gas blocks are pressed on with a hydraulic machine, and then pinned.

The gas port is drilled at a 45 degree angle and uses a straight gas tube (reduces port erosion).

The bolt carrier has a number of features to enhance reliability. One of the ports has been relocated to vent gas out the ejection port rather than
into the receiver. The cam path is elongated to delay unlocking, which allows the chamber pressure drop, which reduces stress on the cartridge and extractor during extraction.

The bolt has radiused lugs to increase strength. The bolt is made of a stronger, proprietary alloy. Stronger lobster tail extractor that uses 2 springs rather than 1. Chome finish.

I don't know much about their piston ARs, but I think if you get the correct monolithic upper (CQB, MLC, shovelnose) you can use their piston system, however if your goal is 600-700 yard shooting, I wouldn't get their piston setup. Nothing wrong with LMT's chrome lined barrels, they are accurate for chrome barrels, but they aren't equivalent to a high end stainless barrel from bartlein, kreiger, proof, ect. That's not what LMT designed the piston (or DI chrome lined barrels) for. LMT isn't setting out to make the most accurate rifles, they are basically trying to the make most reliable and durable AR platform available today. The stainless barrels offer good accuracy (under 1 moa in my experience), but they aren't "match" barrels.

Based on your post above, I'd get a MLR upper (or rifle) and then I'd get a couple of barrels. I'd get a 6mm ARC from a well respected gunsmith for the 600-700 yard stuff and send it to d. wilson to be converted for use with the MRP platform, and then I'd keep a 16" 5.56 for plinking and messing around with. Or I would go with a MWS in 6.5 creedmoor.

Hope this helps. This site has a big running thread on the MWS, you might want to check that out. AR15.com has a huge thread on the MRP, that also has a lot a great information in it.

 

[Junkman768]

I regularly shoot my LMT MWS .308 in precision rifle competition and do very well with it out to about 1050yds. This is against bolt gun guys with 6.5cm 6cm .22gt etc. Comes down to you as a shooter and your knowledge of your system. LMT offers quick change barrels on everything with their MRP and MWS system uppers. you can get 6.5cm, and .308 in mws and a bunch of calibers in the MRP (.223, 6.8,etc). Monolithic rail platform is super solid. LMT offers advanced bolt designs and has been shown to be equal or better than KAC in almost all respects by top gun scribes.( google LMT vs KAC) (at 1/2 the price). Downsides are rifles are expensive and barrels are hard to find generally. Aero precision isnt even in the same league as LMT. you can get a really nice AERO rifle, but it wont have 1/2 the features or be battle proven like an LMT. Guys at the PRS matches have more issues with their bolt guns than I have with my MWS. I have a NZ reference rifle and its amazing too.

 

[GUNNER10]

I keep reading on the forums about LMT. They are routinely referred to as "top tier" and superior to other companies. I have a number of systems including 5 ARs from Colt, Geissele, and Aero. To be blunt, I much prefer Aero. I am beyond intrigued about the LMT and I have convinced myself I need a new rifle for a couple of "long range" rifle courses I plan to attend over the coming months. While I understand this probably isn't a "marksman" style rifle, I'm no marksman despite carrying that classification for a couple years (we only shot to 100-150 yards). I considered building another precision bolt gun, but a bolt gun doesn't fit the reasons for taking these courses. Ive also got a Barrett M82 that I'd like to shoot better (I understand its not a precision rifle at all).
My question is... what makes the LMT so superior? I'm really only interested in their piston offerings as I'm not at all convinced it could replace the Aero's built specifically to my liking and I like the idea of shooting reliably under less than ideal conditions for an extended period of time.
Will the MARS piston with a 16" barrel be a feasible system for what I want? I believe these are the ones that allow you to swap to a different barrel very quickly and easily? I load my own 77 grain SMK and thus far my 16" guns like 24.1 grains of N140. My 16" Colt and Geissele both have stock barrels. I really want to see what is so amazing about this gun and I'm hoping it can be a reasonably accurate gun out to 600-700 yards. I saw that it has 6.8 SPC as an option. I mainly shoot suppressed and I'll be shooting from an Atlas bipod.

First, I am not sure that what you looking for makes sense for what want to do. LMT makes nice barrels but if you are considering a longer range, accuracy type build its a little silly to chose a chrome lined, piston operated system over a Stainless DI set up. LMT CL barrels generally shoot around 1 MOA, the SS barrels will hover in the .75 range.

Pure accuracy is not really what makes LMT top tier, being able to combine good accuracy, with bomb proof reliability and the ability to go from say a suppressed Piston cqb barrel and 60 seconds later run a accuracy barrel.

If you would like to pick up a piston LMT cool, but for what you are doing I would recommend have a bartlien or krieger barrel converted to do what you need it to do

 

[TxWelder35]

If you want a super accurate AR their are better options out there than LMT.
Compass Lake, Craddock, or even a JP would all make better match guns than an LMT.

if you want a rifle that will be dead nuts reliable, designed to run suppressed, full auto, SBR, then LMT is your huckleberry. Mono uppers are the best platform to keeps IR lasers zerod, mounting NV/thermal, etc.

 

[Jsp556]

Not being a dick, but there’s an 84 page thread in the sticky section. There is good and bad feedback in that thread that dates back a decade and follows the system throughout its lifespan. You’ll gain more info there than the couple pages of responses you’ll get in this thread.
Research, compare it to comparable systems, and make your decision.

 

[Evolution 9]

I agree with most of what TxWelder said, but LMT’s monolithic ARs are among the most grossly overgassed guns out there, making them poor suppressor hosts and certainly not “designed to run suppressed”.

It’s been done, no doubt, but LMT wet the bed with their port sizes and many suppressor users shy away from them for that reason.

 

[thedude824]

I greatly appreciate the posts!! I didnt expect such detailed responses. I greatly appreciate the time, especially @ Thorbeast, put into a topic that Im sure has been beaten to death. I did not see the sticky, but I will look now, thank you @ Jsp556.
You guys addressed my questions exactly as I'd hoped. To be clear, I'm not a marksman anymore (not that I fit that criteria in this setting). I never will be. My LE career was ended after an on-duty accident left me with spinal cord damage. Its for that reason I couldn't be a surgeon. I am BEYOND thrilled if this platform can do MOA with proper handloads. Im hoping that the courses make me equally capable.
Im not wanting a "precision rifle" as Im not capable of being a precision shooter. I want a new rifle. I want something "top tier" to compare against my Aero guns and to give me a platform with the most resilience and reliability. Thats also why I want a piston gun. I assumed that the piston gun would have an adjustable gas block. I want to learn to shoot a semi auto at distance. Id be ecstatic to be able to make hits at 700 yards. Id honestly feel that I got my money's worth if I could maintain MOA at 500 to 600 yards. Im no where near the skill of many of you and I dont have the physical ability to get there. Ive been reading that there's a massive wait time on LMT, so I guess I'd better contact them now.
I have one last question. I stockpile wear and tear parts for all of my systems. Are there any items that are prone to failure with LMT's products? Im assuming they use a standard bolt, so buy a spare?
My plan was to get a shorter barrel, maybe 12-12.5" as most of my training and skills are in a "run and gun" urban-type setting since that's what we encountered in our typical role. A second 16" barrel for more distance really appeals to me and would allow me to train with a multi purpose system.

 

[Evolution 9]

“a platform with the most resilience and reliability. Thats also why I want a piston gun.”

I have no intention of derailing your thread with a DI vs Piston debate, and I won’t.

I’ll just encourage you, that if your above statement is really your goal, you might do some research into the assumption that piston is going to do that for you. If you’ve already done that research and settled on piston, then rock on!

 

[thedude824]

@ Evolution 9 Ive never owned a piston system. My understanding was that they run cleaner, less fouling, and were more reliable with a trade off in weight. I also liked that they typically include an adjustable gas block. All of my DI guns have adjustable gas blocks. Research is only as good as the source. Perhaps Im looking to the wrong sources?

 

[redx]

If you want the ultimate precision AR get a Lanxang tactical

 

[thedude824]

Not being a dick, but there’s an 84 page thread in the sticky section. There is good and bad feedback in that thread that dates back a decade and follows the system throughout its lifespan. You’ll gain more info there than the couple pages of responses you’ll get in this thread.
Research, compare it to comparable systems, and make your decision.

Would you say that information gathered from a large frame LMT would translate to the smaller frame that Im interested in? I know the AR10 style larger rifles are more finicky in general. Im only interested in 556 and 6.8 clamberings.

 

[TheOE800]

Piston LMTs don’t have adjustable gas blocks per se. They normally have two positions: normal and suppressed.

 

[TxWelder35]

I agree with most of what TxWelder said, but LMT’s monolithic ARs are among the most grossly overgassed guns out there, making them poor suppressor hosts and certainly not “designed to run suppressed”.

It’s been done, no doubt, but LMT wet the bed with their port sizes and many suppressor users shy away from them for that reason.

Guess I was more referring to the Enhanced BCG and bolt one of the above posters was talking about. That was the application it was designed for.

I’ll just throw this out there about DI. Reliability should not be a reason to not get a DI gun.

 

[newguy2k3v2]

Guess I was more referring to the Enhanced BCG and bolt one of the above posters was talking about. That was the application it was designed for.

I’ll just throw this out there about DI. Reliability should not be a reason to not get a DI gun.

Are you sure about that? I thought the e bcg came about from a request to get more life out of the bolt on carbine gas 14.5” barrels. The e bolt is fine across applications but I’ve never seen the e carrier recommended or endorsed for anything but that application. We know it can work on other setups though.

Op if you’re looking for a 6.8 then I’d say look past lmt unless you’re ok with having another barrel converted over. Lmt never moved past the original Saami 6.8spc chamber which limits the potential.

Unsuppressed reliability is certainly there but I’ve never had what I consider stellar accuracy from lmt factory barrels and like others have said their gas ports are really too large when you put a can in the mix. BRT gas tubes can fix that though.

Finally if you need a rifle in a few months LMT probably isn’t the one unless you get very lucky or pay inflated prices. Lmt is heavily backordered on basically everything

 

[thedude824]

I just realized that I've got an LMT EBCG sitting in the package that I picked up months ago from Primary Arms during the 5 minutes they were in stock. It must be a sign. Ill start looking for a MARS lower and the MRP upper. If I'm building it, having a barrel made isn't too outrageous. With the MARS lower I assume you need the LMT lower parts specifically?
I'll try to find some specific unbiased info on the piston versus DI thing, but every "review" I've read markets the piston system as cleaner and more reliable than DI.

 

[newguy2k3v2]

I just realized that I've got an LMT EBCG sitting in the package that I picked up months ago from Primary Arms during the 5 minutes they were in stock. It must be a sign. Ill start looking for a MARS lower and the MRP upper. If I'm building it, having a barrel made isn't too outrageous. With the MARS lower I assume you need the LMT lower parts specifically?
I'll try to find some specific unbiased info on the piston versus DI thing, but every "review" I've read markets the piston system as cleaner and more reliable than DI.

The only proprietary parts are the mag and bolt catches and they’ come installed on stripped Mars lowers.

 

[thedude824]

Are you sure about that? I thought the e bcg came about from a request to get more life out of the bolt on carbine gas 14.5” barrels. The e bolt is fine across applications but I’ve never seen the e carrier recommended or endorsed for anything but that application. We know it can work on other setups though.

Op if you’re looking for a 6.8 then I’d say look past lmt unless you’re ok with having another barrel converted over. Lmt never moved past the original Saami 6.8spc chamber which limits the potential.

Unsuppressed reliability is certainly there but I’ve never had what I consider stellar accuracy from lmt factory barrels and like others have said their gas ports are really too large when you put a can in the mix. BRT gas tubes can fix that though.

Finally if you need a rifle in a few months LMT probably isn’t the one unless you get very lucky or pay inflated prices. Lmt is heavily backordered on basically everything

Thank you! If I'm getting a custom barrel cut and I'd have to swap bolts anyway, perhaps a 6.5 Grendel and bolt would be a better idea? Im pretty sure JP makes an upgraded 6.5 Grendel bolt.
I'll do a search for what you guys are talking about with the suppressor use. Thats a big problem as all of my shooting is suppressed. Thats disappointing. It seems like I might be back to using a typical adjustable gas block and DI and having a smith pin it I guess.

 

[GUNNER10]

I agree with most of what TxWelder said, but LMT’s monolithic ARs are among the most grossly overgassed guns out there, making them poor suppressor hosts and certainly not “designed to run suppressed”.

It’s been done, no doubt, but LMT wet the bed with their port sizes and many suppressor users shy away from them for that reason.

Not sure that I would agree with not being designed to run supressed. 90 percent of the issues with LMT's and cans are the result of owners buying a can with the highest dB reduction ratings, that have the highest levels of back pressure and adding it to a system that is designed to run all ammo types in all conditions and being confused on why the system is overpasses.

Simple solution, like most things in life are get the right tool for the job. The overgassing issues are non existant with surefire, KAC, Dead Air or OSS cans.

Rather than get the correct can for the system, people end up with band aid solutions like adjustable gas blocks, gas tubes, and different buffer spring combos all to run a can that most likely was designed for a bolt gun.

Running a high pressure can on an lmt is like running skinny highway tires on corvette that goes to the track on the weekends and complaining the corvette was not designed for track use.

 

[Evolution 9]

Gunner, I agree that for many people that’s the issue. I’ve been preaching that for years. LMTs monolithic platforms however, are notoriously overgassed to begin with. No suppressor is going to REDUCE the gas and it’s already high.

I only run Surefire SOCOM cans for exactly the reason you stated, but I’ve had function problems on some hosts because even with the minimal back pressure cans, some guns just run too fast/hard.

Proper gas port from the factory AND low back pressure silencer, and you won’t need “bandaids”.

 

[aslrookie]

No, stop promoting LMT. It’s hard enough to get parts as it is lol

 

[rayrevolver]

I just realized that I've got an LMT EBCG sitting in the package that I picked up months ago from Primary Arms during the 5 minutes they were in stock. It must be a sign. Ill start looking for a MARS lower and the MRP upper. If I'm building it, having a barrel made isn't too outrageous. With the MARS lower I assume you need the LMT lower parts specifically?
I'll try to find some specific unbiased info on the piston versus DI thing, but every "review" I've read markets the piston system as cleaner and more reliable than DI.

I haven't posted here in forever, but here goes.

The LMT E-carrier was NOT designed to run with piston systems. I don't know anything about the enhanced bolts.

I run the E-carriers exclusively in everything, but bought into the system for suppressed SBRs (DI only). They work fine if you adjust the buffer for their increased carrier velocity. As noted in the first post, I understand them to delay extraction, which lowers the pressure in the fired case, and reduces the force required to extract the fired case. The result is faster carrier speeds with an LMT E-Carrier. If you have an already over gassed barrel, the E-carrier will really speed things up and I imagine cause problems. I think this is where people get confused when adding the E-carrier to their uppers.

A friend just bought a piston upper, Adam Arms. Shooting it alongside my suppressed 10.3 was eye opening... the piston had a very snappy recoil and was very sharp in comparison. Not for me and it checks with things I have read. A well setup DI is super smooth.

Like others have stated, if long range accuracy is your goal I am not sure anyone would recommend a piston AR. I have read they introduce barrel harmonics which opens up groups.

I like LMT. It was my first AR ever. For your mission, not sure an LMT piston upper makes sense. I had a 12.5" Noveske that was very accurate and I imagine a good shooter could do well at longer ranges.

 

[newguy2k3v2]

Not sure that I would agree with not being designed to run supressed. 90 percent of the issues with LMT's and cans are the result of owners buying a can with the highest dB reduction ratings, that have the highest levels of back pressure and adding it to a system that is designed to run all ammo types in all conditions and being confused on why the system is overpasses.

Simple solution, like most things in life are get the right tool for the job. The overgassing issues are non existant with surefire, KAC, Dead Air or OSS cans.

Rather than get the correct can for the system, people end up with band aid solutions like adjustable gas blocks, gas tubes, and different buffer spring combos all to run a can that most likely was designed for a bolt gun.

Running a high pressure can on an lmt is like running skinny highway tires on corvette that goes to the track on the weekends and complaining the corvette was not designed for track use.

I’m gonna have to disagree. I’ve had a lot of issues with a 308 mws and 6.8 with a 762rc can. LMT’s are over gassed for suppressed use. It can be fixed though

 

[Jsp556]

@thedude824 my bad. I ASSumed you were wanting a large frame. Guess I should pay more attention.

 

[candyx]

Wait till we invade Estonian and get a great deal on LMT Rifle never fired and only dropped once.

 

[ScarlettRed]

I love my lmt piston. I have the 12" barrel with an oss helix can on it. I find it extremely pleasant to shoot and worked up a load last fall with sierra 55g blitzkings, Norma brass, CCI 450s and IMR 8208 XBR at around 1/2 moa. I couldn't seem to get any heavies to do much better than 1 moa. It's my coyote gun so I'm good.

 

[RUTGERS95]

tina said it best, 'simply the best, better than all the rest'

 

[GUNNER10]

I don't discount that people have had issues with "overgassing" but considering the number of weapon systems that have been been deployed down range and have been evaluated in testing, running suppressed is never an issue. In at least two DoD test, LMT submitted weapons were able to completed testing with no issues running suppressed, of which one test was exclusively with 855A1. Is it overgassed if you can run 2000 rounds of 855A1 in a suppressed Mid length 14.5 with a SF can and have no failures?

Shit just works.

This issue tends to arise on civilian guns where there is a wild amount variables at play. Hell I have even had issues on my 13.5 and 16 inch MWS when I attempted to run a full size, Gemtech can that was designed for bolt gun on it. Incredibly violent with failures to feed. Replaced the Gemtech with a Sandman, problems disappeared, I would even venture to say that I like shooting it more than my SR25.. Was the gun over gassed or did i introduce a variable into the system that impacted performance?

Additionally, just like one can take two high quality barrels from say Krieger or Bartlien, have them chambered and profiled identically and given the same ammunition, one will shoot faster than the other, thus having higher chamber pressure, each barrel can have own personalities to a certain extent, and while I don't think that LMT reducing gas port size by 5 or 10 percent would be an issue, I am not sure how this would play out on the back end where they are getting mil based contracts because they currently have a reputation for having some of the most bomb proof and reliable AR's on the market.

I think that if one desires a smoother weapon, with a more effective gas system with great durability, I think KAC fulfills that requirement incredibly well at a premium price.

I think there are cheaper options out there that may be an excellent option for people that want a more efficient gas system such as the URG-I from Giselle, but while that comes at discounted price, one is sacrificing robustness to a certain extent.

 

[Runnineh]

I don't want to rain on the parade, but op said he wants one to compete in a couple months. Unless you're buying used, I'm pretty sure the wait for one is about 8-9 months.

 

[GUNNER10]

I don't want to rain on the parade, but op said he wants one to compete in a couple months. Unless you're buying used, I'm pretty sure the wait for one is about 8-9 months.

Really depends what he wants to pay, if he is willing to pay a premium, he can probably source everything by the weekend. If he wants below MSRP, get in line.

 

[Evolution 9]

Gunner,

some of LMTs guns are gassed properly (my 10.5 non-monolithic upper is perfect), but that was a military contract/purchase item at one point.

The government HAS recognized the importance of proper gassing, which led to the “Crane spec” .070 gas port on 10.5” guns where .08-.09 had been common before. Why? Because silencer use became common and overgassed guns weren’t working well.

This is a WELL documented problem with LMT monolithic platform guns, and as I said previously, silencer choice isn’t the problem when you run Surefire RC cans exclusively.

maybe they port military trial/contract guns properly? It’s quite common in the industry to overgassed civilian guns so they’ll run cheap crap ammo since there’s more cheap ass fudds out there than suppressor users and they don’t want “my gun won’t run XYZ brand ammo” posts going around.

 

[Des_Draws]

I have an LMT MWSE. It's been mentioned already but I can't say enough about reliability and good accuracy (w match grade HL or factory)
their barrels are good and have excellent life span one of my barrels has 2500 + down the pipe and still very accurate.

The downside is getting a replacement
Barrel is not so easy anymore. They don't seem to sell em out of their online store anymore. Maybe they are just out of stock , but I have been checking for a year or so and .. no joy So it can be frustrating if you want to swap to 65cm or whatnot
if you are new to AR10 platforms and don't want the hassle of building your own then yeah buying one makes good sense. You won't regret it

after building my own AR308s ( one Mega and one Stag) and going through the learning curve I can tell you it's possible to put a very good big bore AR together for less than $2k all in with premium components

 

[Castloader]

@ Evolution 9 Ive never owned a piston system. My understanding was that they run cleaner, less fouling, and were more reliable with a trade off in weight. I also liked that they typically include an adjustable gas block. All of my DI guns have adjustable gas blocks. Research is only as good as the source. Perhaps Im looking to the wrong sources?

I’ve had a Defender 2000 MRP for about 10 years with piston barrels for 5.56, 6.8SPC and a DI 300BLK. All LMT parts. I have run the 6.8 and 300 barrels suppressed with a .30 cal Reaper by SAS. I haven’t bought the brake to run the 5.56 with the can but imagine the total effect would be similar to the 6.8.

Regarding cleanliness, unsuppressed, you’ll see a big difference. After 100-150 rounds, you’ll notice little tiny brass shavings inside the upper. This is from the rounds being fed and chambered. Same thing that normally happens, but it’s usually too covered in fouling to see. Kinda cool. Super easy to clean. You could just punch the bore and put it away really, the gun will not mind.

When suppressed, backpressure down the barrel as the bullet traverses the can will completely coat the inside of the upper and the first few rounds in the mag with a bunch of crap. I suppose it might be less than a suppressed DI gun, but it’s still a lot. Having a piston doesn’t really fix the dirty problem too much.

Reliability for my LMT has always been stellar and I have a couple MOA loads worked up for each caliber. I’ve never shot beyond 100 with the LMT, but groups and chrono info is good

 

[Castloader]

Also, between my two piston barrels, the 5.56 gas block has “on/off” whereas the 6.8 has “supp/unsupp” with different port diameters. Its just a 1-piece plug that can be swapped between gas blocks. I’m sure that getting one with a custom port size would not be too challenging, but I’ve never tried.

 

[matchman]

My MWS with match amo 100yds 5 shot groups vary 3/4 to 1.25
16in chrome lined standard barrel. A solid MOA rifle is feasible call.

 

[Evolution 9]

Still showing 67 in stock. Not live inventory?

 

[thedude824]

I greatly appreciate all of the experienced responses! I want an LMT so I'll stop trying to justify it. Ill grab a monolithic upper from LMT and a lower from V1 this weekend if they actually have them in stock. I appreciate the piston vs DI discussion and I'll go with DI. Ive got a 30 cal Griffin can and Ill see how that works. Maybe I'll go with a 14.5" barrel. Is there anything unique about the buffer system? Maybe a Vltor A5 system would help with the back pressure from a suppressor? Ive also got a Radian Raptor SD that I didnt need after setting the gas appropriately.
My purpose for the course is to learn how to shoot semi-autos at distance.
I'll build an SPR type rifle with one of my other ARs for the class. Ive got a complete factory Colt LE6920 I bought more than a decade ago from my Department and haven't touched it in as long. I actually bought 2 and my other was my first time "building" an AR. On the factory one I could do a new SPR barrel, FF handguard, trigger, AGB, A5 buffer with UBR, and a Razor 3-15 should put me into "precision" AR especially if I add in a new bolt and do 6.5 Grendel.
Ill take my time researching the LMT threads for build ideas. Is there a specific trigger you all trust and find as reliable as the LMT system? I love my Rise triggers, but I'd rather learn from the experiences of others rather than make my own mistakes.
Thank you all again!

 

[Jigstick]

Most certainly a Seekins SP10 would be sufficient. Doubtful you can outshoot it’s potential. And it’s significantly less money than an LMT.

It also is fully ambidextrous. has an adjustable gas block. The 6.5CM models are now coming standard with +1.5in gas systems. And they are now making their BCGs in house as well.

save yourself some money. Use that money on glass and ammo.

 

[thedude824]

V1 is down to 61 of the MARS-H stripped lowers now...

@thedude824, the lowers that V1 has in stock are for the MWS platform, not the MRP.

Thats unfortunate. I looked up older prices and it looks like LMT parts cost is up 30%. I should've done this a couple years ago. This is why I buy stuff when its on sale whether I need it or not. Hopefully supply starts approaching demand.

 

[thedude824]

Most certainly a Seekins SP10 would be sufficient. Doubtful you can outshoot it’s potential. And it’s significantly less money than an LMT.

It also is fully ambidextrous. has an adjustable gas block. The 6.5CM models are now coming standard with +1.5in gas systems. And they are now making their BCGs in house as well.

save yourself some money. Use that money on glass and ammo.

I like them, but I was looking for a small frame build. Im sure I'll eventually want a 6.5 Creedmoor so I'll start looking into them. Thank you

 

[newguy2k3v2]

Thats unfortunate. I looked up older prices and it looks like LMT parts cost is up 30%. I should've done this a couple years ago. This is why I buy stuff when its on sale whether I need it or not. Hopefully supply starts approaching demand.

We’re going on 2 years of demand greatly exceeding supply on lmt stuff. Good luck

 

[TheOE800]

Thats unfortunate. I looked up older prices and it looks like LMT parts cost is up 30%. I should've done this a couple years ago. This is why I buy stuff when its on sale whether I need it or not. Hopefully supply starts approaching demand.

Yup. LMT was fairly affordable before February of this year then they went off the deep end high off their own farts.

 

[mkollman74]

Don't need to sell you on LMT. If you know, you know...

Reliability> Accuracy> Everything else...

 

[4thandbleek]

LMT is simply a high quality manufacturer with some Mil contracts. The only knock on LMT (which isn't a big deal for most users) is that they phosphate their barrels with the FSB in place and they don't use taper pins on their FSBs.

 

[GUNNER10]

Thats unfortunate. I looked up older prices and it looks like LMT parts cost is up 30%. I should've done this a couple years ago. This is why I buy stuff when its on sale whether I need it or not. Hopefully supply starts approaching demand.

Yeah....

It's generally not the best time to look for high end guns parts durring a democratic administration, combined with self imposed covid restrictions, the highest inflation levels on almost two decades. The H lowers are about 150 bucks higher than last year but that is really not really significantly higher than the cost of steel, fuel, beef, lumber, housing, and cars as a percentage of cost.

 

[redneckbmxer24]

I agree with most of what TxWelder said, but LMT’s monolithic ARs are among the most grossly overgassed guns out there, making them poor suppressor hosts and certainly not “designed to run suppressed”.

It’s been done, no doubt, but LMT wet the bed with their port sizes and many suppressor users shy away from them for that reason.

Non issue with the enhanced BCG.

 

[Evolution 9]

That’s the only BCG I’ve used in 15 years. I’ve still had issues.

in fairness, I shoot Black Hills 5.56 TMK exclusively, and that’s loaded pretty hot.

 

[rayrevolver]

Maybe a Vltor A5 system would help with the back pressure from a suppressor?

I am a big fan of the Vltor A5 and use them on all my builds. But they will not help with suppressor back pressure, even with the heaviest A5H4 buffer. They do contribute to a smooth firing cycle and I believe (but cannot prove) they help with reliability.

I have found that even with an adjustable gas black + enhanced carrier you end up at the A5H4.

 

[thedude824]

Yeah....

It's generally not the best time to look for high end guns parts durring a democratic administration, combined with self imposed covid restrictions, the highest inflation levels on almost two decades. The H lowers are about 150 bucks higher than last year but that is really not really significantly higher than the cost of steel, fuel, beef, lumber, housing, and cars as a percentage of cost.

I agree. It was just an observation. Ive been acquiring equipment, education, and resources at a feverish pace since Obama started us down this horrific path. I dont see things improving so I continue to make the best of the time we have.
The MRP platform does make sense given my recent investment in night vision and my desire to have a rifle with a DBAL D2. Those purchases have made my current "go-to" systems less than optimal.
I outfitted another rifle for the long range course. Now I need to decide on MRP rail length. My previous "go-to" rifle was an 8" 300blk out since all of my weapons are suppressed. That has me leaning toward the 9.25 MRP with a 10" 300 blk out barrel. That seems like a good justification for the new rifle. I could then have a 12.5" 556 barrel to swap. Im hoping the LMT E BCG, A5 buffer system, and specifically spec'd gas tube for each upper make an AGB unnecessary.
I seriously appreciate all of this discussion. All of it is helpful to me

 

[thedude824]

I am a big fan of the Vltor A5 and use them on all my builds. But they will not help with suppressor back pressure, even with the heaviest A5H4 buffer. They do contribute to a smooth firing cycle and I believe (but cannot prove) they help with reliability.

I have found that even with an adjustable gas black + enhanced carrier you end up at the A5H4.

Have you tried the gas tubes with different port size? The only rifle I own that isn't suppressed full time is my Barrett. Im a set it and forget it type.