The firearms industry has certain pillars which seem so ubiquitous and recognizable, that it could take some time to remember a time without one of its products. One of those companies is LWRCI, best known for its AR-style rifles that utilize either a proprietary piston or direct impingement system. In continuing GunMag’s coverage of various industry partners, we take a look at LWRCI’s legacy and products, and a look toward their future.
History of LWRCI
LWRCI didn’t start out as a manufacturer for the consumer market. Incorporated in Virginia in the late 1990s, LWRCI’s original dedication was towards Research and Development. The company’s name, Land Warfare Resources Corporation International, definitely points to that original ideal. The company evolved and eventually became a CAGE (or Commercial and Government Entity) and firearms manufacturer.
The company passed hands again in 2008 with further development happening on improving the direct impingement of the M4 carbine, producing the M6 series of weapons. The M6 series rifles feature LWRCI’s short-stroke gas piston system, which is self-regulating, and a new bolt carrier design. The company would go on to provide its products to the US and foreign governments along with consumer markets.
LWRCI Products
As mentioned previously, LWRCI made its mark with its proprietary short-stroke piston system. This patented system vents the trapped gases in the system out and keeps them from coming in contact with the bolt carrier group or the receiver. This helps keep the overall temperature down while reducing carbon fouling inside. The upside of less fouling means less required cleaning and field maintenance and better reliability. Thanks to those key qualities, LWRCI’s system raised the bar for short-stroke systems in the industry.
Another feature that sets the LWRCI weapons apart is the barrel, which is manufactured in-house. LWRCI’s cold hammer-forged barrels are constructed from 41V45 steel alloy with a NiCorr surface treatment. Cold hammer forging forms perfect rifling without any tool marks, thus giving a stronger and denser barrel. LWRCI barrels hold up under even the harshest of conditions with no loss of accuracy or velocity to the round. The NiCorr process makes the barrel more heat and corrosion-resistant than chrome barrel surfaces.
LWRCI IC Piston Rifles
Specifically, the IC rifle line descends from the original US Army’s Individual Carbine program. Obviously, it’s been updated since then. With new features added all the time, the updated platform is built around the M4/M6 base for versatility and function. This family of rifles is available in 5.56 NATO and .300BLK calibers in a variety of models. According to LWRCI, the IC family of rifles is used by over 60 countries. The rifles, as a whole, include LWRCI ambidextrous charging handles, short-stroke piston systems, and LWRCI’s spiral-fluted heavy-profile barrels. The rifles have different barrel lengths and options. The choices are endless for the end-user.
LWRCI IC DI Rifles
The Direct Impingement series of IC rifles is just as durable. These rifles are available in three different calibers (5.56 NATO, .300BLK, and .223 Wylde) and feature the company’s keyless bolt carrier design. Like other IC rifles, the DI versions have NiCorr barrels and NiCorr-treated DI gas blocks and gas tubes for a more efficient system. These rifles also feature ambidextrous lowers and 6-position buffer tubes and are compatible with their gas piston system by swapping the upper.
The Six8
LWRCI has more than just 5.56 NATO and .300BLK rifles. The company has an entire line of rifles dedicated to the 6.8 round, aptly named the Six8 series. Of course, there is a well-known issue with magazines from the M4-style platform functioning incorrectly with heavier projectiles. Before you side-eye the Six8, you should know these rifles were designed around the magazine. LWRCI worked alongside MagPul to design the first polymer 6.8 magazine specifically for the rifle series. The familiar M4/M6-style rifle is at the heart of the series and optimized from the ground up for the 6.8 round. Like the IC rifles, the Six8 series features fully ambidextrous receivers and a short-stroke gas system for reliability.
LWRCI REPR
The last family of weapons is the REPR MKII series of rifles, chambered in 7.62 NATO and 6.5 Creedmoor. The REPR (Rapid Engagement Precision Rifle) MKII was designed around the US Army’s CSASS requirements for a more compact sniper rifle. Featuring LWRCI’s short-stroke gas piston system with an impressive 20-position gas block, this rifle allows the user to dial in their shots with extreme accuracy and system function. The system is available in three different barrel lengths and comes from the factory with a Geissele SSA-E trigger, Magpul furniture, and LWRCI’s fully ambidextrous lower receiver.
Looking Forward
With a full array of rifles and accessories, LWRCI shows no signs of slowing down or stopping. The company manufactures 90% of its rifle parts, upholding the highest quality control and consistency. This is key in the industry. LWRCI uses cutting-edge technologies and manufacturing processes to meet consumer expectations time and again, and as long as it continues on that line, it won’t be hard for them to stick around.
Processes aren’t the only thing LWRCI focuses on. The company is constantly looking for the latest developments in materials to go above and beyond for their products. LWRCI’s patented nickel-alloy parts coating protects against the elements. They also use alloys developed for the aerospace industry to help the piston system withstand extreme heat and fatigue. These coatings never wear off, keeping these parts and components the way the company intended.
LWRCI started as a research and development powerhouse. Ultimately, they took that knowledge and drive and delivered quality products time and again to gain consumer confidence. From parts and accessories to full-blown turn-key systems ready to go out of the box, LWRCI products prove themselves through uniformity, reliability, and accuracy.
