LWRC IC-A5
LWRC International · Carbine · In Production · 2014
Also known as: IC-A5, Individual Carbine A5, LWRCI IC-A5
Overview
The LWRC IC-A5 (Individual Carbine A5) represents LWRC International's refined take on the AR-15 platform, built around their patented self-regulating short-stroke gas piston system. Originally developed to compete in the U.S. Army's Individual Carbine competition, the IC-A5 incorporates advanced materials and design features intended to exceed M4 performance and reliability standards. The heart of the system is a short-stroke gas piston manufactured from aerospace-grade superalloys capable of withstanding extreme temperatures without strength degradation or fatigue. Unlike traditional direct impingement systems, the piston system vents gas forward and away from the action, keeping the bolt carrier group cleaner and running cooler. The 16.1-inch cold hammer-forged barrel features spiral fluting for improved heat dissipation and weight reduction while maintaining rigidity. The low-profile 2-position adjustable gas block allows seamless transition between suppressed and unsuppressed fire. The system can be accessed and maintained by loosening just two thumb screws, requiring no special tools. The nickel-boron coated bolt carrier group provides enhanced lubricity and corrosion resistance, while the monolithic upper receiver ensures exceptional accuracy and durability.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3311 g (116.8 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 3881 g (136.9 oz) |
| Overall Length | 813 mm (32.01") |
| Folded Length | 813 mm (32.01") |
| Barrel Length | 409 mm (16.10") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated Short Stroke |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Trigger Pull | 24 N (5.4 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) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 178 mm (7.01") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Aluminum Alloy |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Black Nitride |
Calibers
- 5.56x45mm NATO · primary · 5.56x45mm NATO — also known as 5.56mm NATO, 5.56x45mm, .223 Remington
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Ambidextrous Safety Selector, Half Cock Notch
- Features: Short Stroke Gas Piston, Self Regulating Gas System, 2 Position Adjustable Gas Block, Suppressor Ready, Cold Hammer Forged Barrel, Spiral Fluted Barrel, Nickel Boron Coated Bolt, Ambidextrous Controls, Tool Less Gas System Access, Monolithic Upper Receiver, Modular Rail System, Enhanced Fire Control Group
Variants
- LWRC IC-A5 Pistol — Pistol Configuration
- LWRC IC-A5 SBR — Short Barrel
Service history
Operators
- United States Law Enforcement (Various) · as IC-A5
- Military Personnel (Commercial Purchase) · as IC-A5
Production
Production years: 2014-present
Commercial production; no large military contracts awarded
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Notes
LWRC International was founded specifically to develop a piston-operated carbine to replace the M4 in U.S. Army service. Although the Individual Carbine competition was cancelled in 2013 without a winner, the research and development led to the entire IC family of rifles. The IC-A5 weighs 7.3 pounds, slightly heavier than direct impingement systems due to the piston components, but the added weight helps mitigate recoil. The self-regulating gas system automatically adjusts for ammunition variations, reducing the need for manual gas adjustments in most conditions. The 2-position gas block is optimized for use with suppressors, a critical feature for modern military and law enforcement applications. The cold hammer-forged barrel with spiral fluting provides a unique balance of weight savings, heat management, and barrel life. LWRC's use of aerospace superalloys in the gas piston components represents a significant material science advancement over conventional steels. The system's cleaner operation extends service intervals and improves reliability in adverse conditions.
Background
LWRC was founded with the ambitious goal of unseating the M4 as America's service rifle. Though the Army ultimately cancelled the competition and retained the M4, LWRC's engineering innovations pushed the entire firearms industry forward, proving that piston-driven AR-15 systems could achieve exceptional reliability while maintaining the platform's ergonomics and manual of arms.