The Commercial LM&T LM308MWS
Although the L129A1 is not commercially available, LM&T offers the LM308MWS (Modular Weapons System), which is basically the same rifle in black furniture without the British markings or some of the British-specific equipment. The backup sights are LM&T’s own design used by the U.S. Navy and SOCOM on their MK 18 CQB rifles. The robust BUIS is adjustable for windage and elevation, and it is essentially the rear of a detachable carrying handle, minus the handle. The front sight is a fixed tower mounted to the rail with the standard front sight post.

The MWS’s 16-inch-long, 1:10-inch-twist, chrome-lined barrel comes with the standard M16A2/M4-style compensator instead of the L129A1’s Surefire prong suppressor. Although some may be marked “308 Win,” all have 7.62x51 mm NATO chambers. Eventually LM&T will offer 18" stainless steel barrels, as well as chrome-lined barrels in both 1:10-inch and 1:11.25-inch twists. Also on the horizon are different-caliber barrels and bolts for this modular system and, perhaps, piston-operated conversion barrels and carriers.

The bolt carriers on the original LM308MWS rifles were the same chrome-plated carriers as on the L129A1s, but newer production commercial LM308MWSs come with a modified carrier with a proprietary finish that resembles satin nickel. Also, the rear of the carrier looks more like a selective-fire 5.56 mm carrier with anti-tilt skis. An inch-pound torque wrench set to 140 inch-pounds for installation of the barrel retention bolts is included. One aluminum, 20-round magazine is supplied.

The commercial LM308MWS was paired with an Aimpoint CompM4 and a Leupold Mark 4 LR/T 3.5-10X 40 mm with an illuminated reticle. The latter was mounted using ARMS No. 22 High rings with throw-lever mounts. Testing was conducted using Silver State Armory 168-grain OTM Match and 147-grain, full-metal-jacket M80 ball. In total, more than 1,500 rounds were fired with both optics under different tactical conditions. For a 7.62x51 mm rifle, the recoil was relatively mild, likely because of the inline design of Stoner rifles. At 100 yards, five-shot groups consistently ranged from 0.75 inches to 1.25 inches with the Leupold scope. The barrel was not babied, either, as rapid-fire drills and quick mag dumps were done to test reliability. No malfunctions of any sort were experienced.

Reports indicate the L129A1 is serving British sharpshooters well on the battlefield, and the LM308MWS will likely serve law enforcement and commercial customers just as well. The MWS covered here is just the beginning, as LM&T will undoubtedly release new barrels, calibers and operating systems. This is a top-notch rifle that competed with—and beat—the best in open competition. One would expect nothing less from Karl Lewis.

Manufacturer: Lewis Machine & Tool Co.; (309) 787-7151; www.lewismachine.net
Action Type: direct-gas operated, semi-automatic, center-fire rifle
Receiver: forged 7075 T6 aluminum upper and lower
Caliber: 7.62x51 mm NATO (.308 Win.)
Barrel: 16"
Rifling: five-groove, 1:10" (tested) or 1:11.25" RH twist
Magazine: 20-round detachable box
Sights: LM&T windage- and elevation-adjustable BUIS rear; post front BUIS; MIL-STD-1913 Rail
Trigger Pull: two-stage match, 4-lbs.
Stock: LM&T SOPDMOD Black synthetic collapsible
Overall Length: 35" to 38"
Weight: 9 lbs., 14 ozs.
Accessories: sling, inch-pound torque wrench, owner’s manual
Suggested Retail Price: $3,422