LMT MARS-L
Lewis Machine & Tool Company · Carbine · In Production · 2014
Also known as: MARS-L, Modular Assault Rifle System Light, LMT MRP
Overview
The LMT MARS-L (Modular Assault Rifle System - Light) represents Lewis Machine & Tool's flagship fully ambidextrous AR-15 platform, adopted as the standard service rifle by the New Zealand Defence Force in 2015. The centerpiece of the MARS-L is the revolutionary MRP (Modular Rail Platform) upper receiver, which is milled from a single solid piece of aerospace aluminum forging and features LMT's patented quick-change barrel system. This system engages the barrel extension for a full 360 degrees and allows barrel removal and reinstallation in seconds with guaranteed return-to-zero accuracy. The 16.1-inch chrome-lined barrel features a 1:7 twist rate optimized for modern 5.56mm NATO loadings. The lower receiver features true ambidextrous controls including bolt catch, magazine release, and safety selector, making it equally suitable for left and right-handed operators. The monolithic upper provides 18.5 inches of continuous Picatinny rail on the 12 o'clock position, with the remaining seven sides offering M-LOK compatible attachment points.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3170 g (111.8 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 3740 g (131.9 oz) |
| Overall Length | 813 mm (32.01") |
| Folded Length | 813 mm (32.01") |
| Barrel Length | 409 mm (16.10") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated Direct Impingement |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Two Stage |
| Trigger Pull | 22 N (4.9 lbf) |
| Magazine Capacity | 30 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 945 m/s (3100 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 1787 J (1318 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 600 m (656 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 3600 m (3937 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 850 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 178 mm (7.01") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Aluminum Alloy |
| Barrel Material | Chrome Moly Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Hard Anodized |
Calibers
- 5.56x45mm NATO · primary · 5.56x45mm NATO — also known as 5.56mm NATO, 5.56x45mm, .223 Remington
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic, Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Ambidextrous Safety Selector, Half Cock Notch
- Features: Fully Ambidextrous Controls, Ambidextrous Bolt Catch, Ambidextrous Magazine Release, Ambidextrous Safety Selector, Mrp Modular Rail Platform, Quick Change Barrel System, Monolithic Upper Receiver, Chrome Lined Barrel, Low Profile Gas Block, Tool Less Barrel Removal, Return To Zero Capability, Continuous Picatinny Rail, Mlok Compatible, Cryogenic Barrel Treatment
Variants
- LMT MARS-L Piston — Piston Operated
- LMT MARS-L M-LOK — Mlok Handguard
Service history
Operators
- New Zealand Defence Force · adopted 2015 · as MARS-L
- British Armed Forces · as MARS-L
- Estonia Defense Forces · as MARS-L
- Swiss Armed Forces · as MARS-L
- Jordan Public Security Directorate · as MARS-L
- United States Special Operations Forces · as MARS-L
Production
Estimated total produced: 9,000 · Production years: 2014-present
At least 9,000 units contracted by New Zealand Defence Force alone; additional units for other military and law enforcement customers
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: Karl Lewis
Notes
The MARS-L's modular design allows operators to swap between calibers and barrel lengths without requiring additional lower receivers or serialized parts. The New Zealand Defence Force placed an order for 9,000 MARS-L rifles at a cost of $59 million, representing one of the largest international AR-15 platform contracts. The MRP upper receiver's monolithic construction provides exceptional rigidity and maintains zero through repeated barrel changes. LMT's proprietary barrel treatment includes cryogenic processing for enhanced durability and accuracy. The fully ambidextrous controls address decades of requests from military and law enforcement agencies for true left-handed support. The weapon is also available in piston-operated configurations for suppressed use or harsh environmental conditions. LMT produces rifles under contract for multiple NATO and allied nations' special operations forces.
Background
The LMT MARS-L was selected by New Zealand through one of the most rigorous military rifle trials in modern history, beating out competitors from around the world. The trial included extreme environmental testing from arctic conditions to tropical jungles, with the MARS-L demonstrating exceptional reliability and accuracy throughout. New Zealand soldiers dubbed it their 'National Rifle' with pride.