LWRC M6IC
LWRC International · Carbine · Discontinued · 2012
Also known as: LWRC Individual Carbine, M6 IC
Overview
The LWRC M6IC is a semi-automatic carbine chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO, produced by LWRC International since 2012. Featuring a 30-round magazine capacity, this carbine offers generous firepower for duty use and home defense.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3220 g (113.6 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 3790 g (133.7 oz) |
| Overall Length | 800 mm (31.50") |
| Barrel Length | 406 mm (15.98") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated Short Stroke Piston |
| 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 | 914 m/s (2999 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 1671 J (1232 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 500 m (547 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 | 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
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety Selector, Firing Pin Safety
- Features: Short Stroke Gas Piston, Self Regulating Gas Piston, Free Floating Rail, Chrome Lined Barrel, Spiral Fluted Barrel, Cold Hammer Forged Barrel, Rotating Bolt, Flat Top Receiver, Picatinny Rail, Ambidextrous Controls, Folding Front Sight, Folding Rear Sight
Variants
- LWRC IC-A5 — Improved
- LWRC IC-DI — Direct Impingement
- LWRC IC-SPR — Special Purpose
Service history
Operators
- United States Special Operations Command · as M6
- Various US Law Enforcement Agencies · as M6IC
Production
Production years: 2012-2016
Replaced by IC-A5 in 2016
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Discontinued: 2016
Notes
The M6IC's self-regulating gas piston system uses a unique cam path that automatically adjusts gas pressure, eliminating the need for manual gas adjustments when using suppressors. The spiral-fluted barrel reduces weight by approximately 4 ounces while improving heat dissipation and rigidity. LWRC's proprietary NiCorr surface treatment on the piston system provides extreme corrosion resistance. The rifle was succeeded by the IC-A5 in 2016, which featured further refinements including an improved rail system and enhanced ergonomics. The M6IC was popular with special operations units for its reliability in adverse conditions and reduced maintenance requirements compared to direct impingement systems.
Background
LWRC International (originally LWRC Arms) was founded to develop piston-driven AR platforms for military and law enforcement use. The M6IC represented the culmination of over a decade of piston system development, incorporating lessons learned from combat use in Iraq and Afghanistan. The rifle's development for the Army's Individual Carbine competition pushed LWRC to create one of the most refined piston AR systems available, even though the Army ultimately cancelled the IC program.