Hot from the state of California (Morgan Hill, actually) is Franklin Armory’s Lightweight (LTW) carbine. Built with everything you need and nothing you don’t, the LTW is an excellent example of a fighting carbine.

The LTW was designed to live up to its name. Everything that can be lightened has been, and the rifle uses the lightest-possible standard rifle parts (i.e., the handguard and butt stock), eschewing weighty full-railed handguards and such. The rifle’s mil-spec parts wear either a Type-III black hardcoat anodizing or a black salt bath nitride finish.

Franklin Armory’s Specialized Tension Screw, which keeps the upper and lower rock solid, combines with their Factory Custom Tuned Trigger and 1-in-9-inch twist barrel to put 55-grain 5.56mm ammunition down range accurately. Up close and personal, the LTW’s weight and balance made it a quick performer.

Accurate, easy handling, and light enough for tireless all-day carrying, this California emigrant should be welcome anywhere!