The MARS-H 16" rifle is the flagship of the LMT rifle line. This rifle now features fully ambidextrous lower hardware and MLOK monolithic upper receiver group, with full barrel change capability. The .308 rifle becomes a 6.5 Creedmoor. The 16" tactical DMR becomes the 20" sniper rifle. The do-it-all MARS-H has the robustness of a combat proven weapon system, the pedigree of an accurate long range rifle, and the versatility of our MARS modular system. Featuring a 1/10 right-hand twist, 16″, chrome lined barrel, and two stage trigger, this carbine can shoot with precision for a long time.
There is no mil spec for the AR10 type platform, so a LaRue, JP, Armalite, DPMS, Troy, Knights Armament or LMT all have their own features. The LMT is known as an SR25 pattern, so many of its parts are interchangeable with KAC and LaRue, if that helps. LMT invented the monolithic upper receiver platform, and it has evolved from the original quad rail to M-LOK, all the while maintaining its patented design and barrel swap features.
LMT has been providing the US Government and foreign friendly nations with outstanding rifles for 40 years. Karl Lewis and Reed Knight collaborated early on with Eugene Stoner to take his early ideas on the AR10 and make outstanding rifles. The rest of the shooting world is waking up to notice that LMT is sheer quality inside and out. During the early days of the Global War on Terror, Knights Manufacturing and Lewis Machine and Tool make parts for each other's rifles, so the similarities are no accident, and LMT uppers, lowers and bolt carrier groups are all for the most part interchangeable with each other, as are some LaRue 7.62 rifles.
The MRP monolithic upper receiver which includes the handguard and the quick-change barrel retention system is a machining work of art, now incorporating MLOK features. The upper allows the user to change barrels in about one minute. This means the ability to change barrel length, weight, or even calibers (depending on intended use) with only one Torx driver, rather than an entire armorer's toolbox. The fit, finish, and tolerances of the mating surfaces between the upper and barrel, it instills confidence that the entire weapon is going to exceed your expectations.
Most AR style rifles secure the barrel to the receiver with the backward force of the barrel nut. With the LMT MRP system, utilizes much greater clamping surface area. The LMT MWS upper clamps down around the barrel with 2 Torx bolts that thread into steel inserts in the other side of the upper. The bearing surface of the barrel extension is 2.57” long and the upper clamps down around almost the full 360 degrees of the barrel. This results in approximately 10.9 square inches of the surface area holding the barrel in place, far more than standard designs. This design also means 2.5” of locked down alignment of the barrel as well.
In addition, the forward clamping bolt fits through a slot machined in the lower portion of the barrel to index the barrel and seat it properly. The large bearing surface, close tolerances, and alignment bolt all help to ensure proper fit when changing barrels. This also means, necessarily, that the tolerances of all their barrels are also very high.
The monolithic upper is heavier than traditional designs, however, it is very rigid and also includes the barrel mounting system, so doing a 1:1 comparison is not so easy.
The rigidity of the free-floated handguard portion of the upper allows for a solid surface for mounting scopes, dots, bipods, lights, and lasers, all with a free floated barrel. The rifle length upper has 19.25 inches of Picatinny rail for plenty of mounting space, and MLOK at 3, 6 and 9 O'Clock.
MARS-H barrels utilize a low profile gas block and straight gas tube. They possess proprietary coating and are cryogenically treated for long term durability. The barrel is chrome-lined for durability and protection from harsh environment of combat or tactical situations. The Chrome-Moly steel alloy is milspec phosphate treated, and is interchangeable with other LMT barrels in 7.62 NATO and 6.5 CM, with lengths ranging from 13-1/2" to 20", and options for the durability of Chrome-Moly chrome-lined or the accuracy of stainless steel match grade sniper barrels.
Machining of the lower and fit to upper is seamless. In fact, to disengage the upper, some pressure is needed to force the upper in a downward direction, so there is no slop here. The MARS-H is considered to be one of the finest large caliber lower receivers ever built. Again, it is interchangeable with its cousin, the Knights Armament SR25 Ambi lower.
The ambi controls just work. They will change the way you operate the rifle. Many will find that it is more natural to lock back the bolt with the trigger finger while pulling the charging handle back with your support hand; this allows keeping the rifle in a firing grip. The safeties are just the right size, easy to operate but not so large to interfere with trigger manipulation. The Ambi-magazine release buttons function reliably.
The LMT trigger is a 2 stage that averages right at 4 ½ lbs. It’s a good weight for a battle rifle, plinker, or tactical environments. It’s light enough to be shot well and heavy enough to be safe in all environments.
An LMT over-molded grip and enlarged trigger guard make for a secure grip and comfortable operation. The magazine well is generously flared to aid in making rapid reloads. The LMT SOPMOD stock provides a reliable cheek weld while riding on a dry lube coated 6 position extension tube.
For review, read Guns America Digest
Photos courtesy of LMT Defense and Guns America
Buying and shipping through Charlie’s is easy, but there is some information you need to know. This item must ship to FFL holder. No civilian exceptions.
1) Check your state laws to make sure the federally regulated item you want to purchase is legal in your state.
2) Find your FFL… Have your dealer send us a copy of their FFL to Charlie’s (Make them earn their fee!!!)
3) Be patient! You should hear from our compliance department within 3-4 business days. If not, feel free to reach out for a status update.
That’s it! We try to make this process as simple as possible for our customers. Please click the “Buying a Firearm” tab at the top of this page for more information.
California residents, click here. The process may be different due to state specific laws.
NOTE: The free shipping option does not apply to full rifles, unless purchased with a scope. If you choose free shipping at check-out, we will bill you for shipping later.
THIS IS A SERIALIZED FIREARM. It must ship to a Federal Firearms License holder. No civilian exceptions.
Buying and shipping through Charlie’s is easy, but there is some information you need to know. Only a federally licensed firearms dealer may receive a firearm or federally regulated serialized item (like a receiver or suppressor). We cannot ship these items directly to you. Please follow these steps to process your transaction:
1) Check your state laws to make sure the federally regulated item you want to purchase is legal in your state. Your FFL dealer should be able to give you all of the necessary information regarding your state specific laws. But, if we ship to your FFL, and there is a legal issue, we cannot accept a return. So please make sure that you know and follow your local and state laws.
2) A quick google search will show you what Federal Firearms Licensed (FFL) dealers are in your area. When you are ready to purchase, contact the FFL dealer you would like to use and get their shipping address. During the check-out, put YOUR address in the “billing” section and the FFL DEALER’S address in the “shipping” section. If you don’t know your FFLs address, that’s okay. You can send the information later.
3) After check out, make sure to contact your FFL dealer to ensure they will receive your shipment for you (most do this for a small fee, but you should always double check).
4) Have your dealer send us a copy of their FFL to FFL@CharliesCustomClones.com. Charlie’s does not reach to your FFL (MAKE THEM EARN THEIR FEE!!!)
5) Be patient! In order to ensure we remain compliant with all federal laws, our compliance department is kept separate from our sales and operations team. Please allow a few days for our compliance officer to verify all of your dealer’s documents and ensure all federal laws are being observed. You should hear from our compliance department within 3-4 business days. If not, feel free to reach out for a status update.
That’s it! We try to make this process as simple as possible for our customers, but if you are unfamiliar the process or have any other questions, please visit our How to Buy a Firearm page for more details.
California and New York residents please, click here. The process may be different due to state specific laws.
NOTE: The free shipping option does not apply to full rifles, unless purchased with a riflescope. If you choose free shipping at check-out, we will bill you for shipping later.
LMT Defense
LMT Defense
