LMT MARS-L 16" DMR (New Zealand)
Lewis Machine & Tool Company · Sniper Rifle · In Production · 2017
Also known as: MARS-L DMR, LMT NZ Reference Rifle, MARSL16NZR, LMT CQB16-MARS
Overview
The LMT MARS-L 16-inch DMR is the designated marksman configuration of the Modular Ambidextrous Rifle System - Light adopted by the New Zealand Defence Force. Selected after competitive trials conducted from March to June 2015, the MARS-L replaced the Steyr AUG as the primary individual weapon for all three NZDF services. The DMR variant features the 16.1-inch barrel configuration with a 1:7 twist rate, optimized for accurate engagement at ranges up to 600 meters with heavier 5.56mm projectiles. The rifle is built around LMT's patented Monolithic Rail Platform (MRP), milled from a single high-grade aluminum forging, which provides the only true one-piece upper receiver/rail system in the industry. The MRP engages the barrel extension for a full 360 degrees and allows barrel removal in seconds while minimizing point of impact shift. The CQB upper receiver provides 16.25 inches of Picatinny top rail with 8 inches of side rail and 7 inches of bottom rail. The fully ambidextrous lower receiver features an EDM-machined two-stage trigger, winter trigger guard, QD sling point endplate, ergonomic textured grip, and SOPMOD stock.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3175 g (112.0 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 3700 g (130.5 oz) |
| Overall Length | 922 mm (36.30") |
| Barrel Length | 409 mm (16.10") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated Short Stroke Piston |
| Firing Mechanism | Rotating Bolt |
| Trigger Type | Two Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 30 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 920 m/s (3018 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 1710 J (1261 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 600 m (656 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 3600 m (3937 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 178 mm (7.01") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Aluminum Alloy |
| Barrel Material | Cold Hammer Forged Chrome Lined Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Matte Black |
Calibers
- 5.56x45mm NATO · primary · 5.56x45mm NATO — also known as .223 Remington, 5.56mm NATO, 5.56x45mm
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine, Stanag Compatible
- Safety mechanisms: Ambidextrous Safety, Firing Pin Safety
- Features: Monolithic Rail Platform, Free Floating Barrel, Quick Change Barrel, Two Stage Trigger, Fully Ambidextrous Controls, Sopmod Stock, Qd Sling Point, Winter Trigger Guard, Ergonomic Pistol Grip, 16-25 Inch Top Rail
Base model
Service history
Operators
- New Zealand Defence Force · adopted 2017 · as MARS-L
- New Zealand Army · adopted 2017 · as MARS-L
- Royal New Zealand Navy · adopted 2017 · as MARS-L
- Royal New Zealand Air Force · adopted 2017 · as MARS-L
Production
Production years: 2017-present
Produced under contract for the New Zealand Defence Force and available commercially as the NZ Reference Rifle. Contract covered all three NZDF services.
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Notes
The NZDF MARS-L contract was one of the most significant small arms procurement programs in New Zealand military history, replacing the Steyr AUG that had served since the 1980s. The MARS-L's internal piston system (not direct impingement) provides enhanced reliability over traditional AR-15 gas systems while maintaining compatibility with the AR-15 form factor and manual of arms. LMT's MRP barrel change system is a key feature that allows the NZDF to quickly convert between barrel lengths and potentially calibers with minimal tools and zero re-zeroing impact. The commercial equivalent is sold as the 'New Zealand Reference Rifle' (MARSL16NZR) on the US civilian market. The rifle can be configured for both direct impingement and short-stroke piston operation depending on the upper receiver selected.
Background
When New Zealand went looking to replace its aging Steyr AUGs, it chose the LMT MARS-L over established competitors including offerings from FN, HK, and Colt. The decision surprised many industry observers, but the NZDF was drawn to LMT's monolithic rail platform -- the only upper receiver on the market milled from a single billet of aluminum. The NZ Reference Rifle has since become one of the most sought-after AR-15 configurations on the US commercial market, with shooters eager to own the same rifle trusted by the Kiwi military.