Vektor LM5
Denel Land Systems (formerly Lyttelton Engineering Works) · Carbine · Out Of Production · 1990
Also known as: LIW LM5
Overview
The Vektor LM5 is a semi-automatic-only carbine chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO, developed by Lyttelton Engineering Works (later Denel Land Systems) as the civilian and law-enforcement version of the select-fire R5 carbine. Derived from the Israeli IMI Galil SAR, it retains the R5's long-stroke gas-operated action, rotating bolt, chrome-lined 332 mm barrel and side-folding polymer stock, but is restricted to single-shot semi-automatic fire. It sits between the full-length LM4 and the compact LM6 in Vektor's semi-automatic sporting line.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3700 g (130.5 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 4300 g (151.7 oz) |
| Overall Length | 877 mm (34.53") |
| Folded Length | 615 mm (24.21") |
| Barrel Length | 332 mm (13.07") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated Long Stroke |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 35 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 920 m/s (3018 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 1700 J (1254 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 400 m (437 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 1000 m (1094 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 178 mm (7.01") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Phosphate |
Calibers
- 5.56x45mm NATO · primary · 5.56 NATO — also known as .223 Remington, 5.56mm NATO
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety, Hammer Notch
- Features: Chrome Lined Barrel, Rotating Bolt, Semi Automatic Only, Side Folding Stock, Polymer Furniture, Adjustable Iron Sights
Base model
Service history
Operators
- Civilian market (South Africa)
- South African law enforcement
Production
Production years: 1990s
Produced in limited numbers for the South African civilian and law-enforcement market as a semi-automatic derivative of the R5 carbine
Origin
Country of origin: South Africa
Notes
Part of the LM4/LM5/LM6 family of semi-automatic sporting rifles corresponding to the military R4, R5 and R6. The LM5 mirrors the R5 carbine's dimensions but is semi-auto only, with no full-automatic or burst capability. The 'LM' designation reflects a Lyttelton-Musgrave marketing arrangement for the sporting line.
Background
When the compact R5 carbine proved popular with South African aircrew and police, Lyttelton Engineering Works offered sport shooters a semi-automatic-only cousin, the LM5 - a Galil-based carbine legal for civilian ownership at the height of apartheid-era firearm enthusiasm.