Making my way down the line at SHOT Show 2023 Media Day at the Range I came across the SCR Bandito pistol from FightLite. I loved the modern take on the classic “Mares Leg” and had to shoot it. After sending a full magazine downrange, I can truly say I had a blast. Pun intended. This is a fun little firearm that is easily stowed for travel.

The FightLite SCR Bandito Pistol

Chambered in your choice of 5.56 or .300 BLK the Bandito has an overall length of 21.25 inches. The grip will be available in either polymer or billet aluminum. Fortunately, due to the fact that it is a pistol grip, it will not be affected by the ATF pistol brace ban. Likewise, since it is a pistol, it is also not subject to FFL SBR requirements.

Featuring a modern “Mares Leg” pistol style, the Bandito fires modern, rifle-caliber ammunition via detachable AR-type magazines. In fact, it accepts any AR-15 or M16 magazine. However, it comes with one 10-round magazine, ready to go.

Constructed of high-strength aerospace alloys, it is finished with non-reflective MIL-Spec coatings for maximum corrosion resistance. As a result, it can perform under extreme operating conditions, including ice, sleet, sand, rain, and mud.

The Bandito features a 7.25-inch 4150 Vanadium, gas-ferritic nitrocarburized barrel for maximum accuracy. Likewise, the barrels are threaded ½-28 TPI on 5.56 NATO barrels and 5/8-24 TPI on .300 BLK barrels. As a result, the Bandito is ready to accept common suppressor mounts, flash hiders, muzzle brakes, and other devices out of the box.

Designed for complete configuration by the end user, the SCR (Sport Configurable Rifle) Bandito is compatible with many MSR parts and accessories. This includes magazines, upper receivers, barrels, bolts, optics, and more.

Similarly, the Bandito comes equipped with a 12-inch-long Picatinny top rail for the mounting of most modern optics and accessories. However, it is also available with a handguard option that supports Magpul M-Lok accessory mounts.

Editor’s Note

As I mentioned, I was able to shoot the Bandito during SHOT Show and even with its small size, it had very little recoil. It was a lot of fun to shoot and with its diminutive size would make a great truck gun. If you really want to get old school, FightLite also offers a scabbard that is designed specifically for it.

Availability

The FightLite SCR Bandito Pistol will be available within the next couple of months (no specific date yet) with MSRPs of $1,299.99. For more info, please visit FightLite.com.

FightLite SCR Bandito Pistol Specs

Caliber: 5.56x45mm NATO or .300 BLK
Weight: 4.5 pounds
Overall Length: 21.25 inches
Barrel Length: 7.25 inches
Height: 4.5 inches
Width: 2.25” (Widest Points)
Bolt: MIL-Spec, 8-Lug Rotating Bolt
Barrel Extension: MIL-Spec 8620
Barrel: 4150 Vanadium, Gas-Ferritic Nitrocarburized
5.56 NATO (1/7 RHT with ½-28 tpi Muzzle Threads)
Receivers: Multi-Caliber with Captive Push-pin Takedown Aerospace Grade 7075-T6 Forgings
Grip: Billet Aluminum or Polymer
Handguard: Aluminum alloy, Magpul M-Lok®
Aluminum Finish: MIL-A-8625F Black Hardcoat Anodize
Steel Finish: MIL-Spec Manganese Phosphate
Magazine: 10 rd. Detachable (Can accept any AR15/M16 Magazine)
Origin: 100% Made in the U.S.A.
MSRP: $1,299.99