LMT MLC Pistol: A 5.56 Home Defense Heavy Hitter

The evolution of the Armalite Rifle (AR), into the Modern Sporting Rifle (MSR) and now, into quick change barrels, and all sorts of neat stuff. Isn’t advancing technology cool? Most have heard of LMT (Lewis Machine & Tool Company), as they’ve been around since 1980. LMT originally provided military and law enforcement with top quality, precision weaponry that they could depend on. Now LMT supplies militaries all over the free world, including the UK Ministry of Defense and New Zealand Defense Forces. Thankfully, LMT also has a civilian sales side too. Back in 2008, I was able to briefly play with their Gas Piston AR-15 that was supplied to a large Suburban-Detroit Police Agency. I was impressed then, and even more impressed recently.

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LMT MLC Pistol

Back in October, I attended the 3^rd annual Athlon Outdoors Rendezvous, in Driggs, Idaho. LMT brought out some amazing toys to show off. One I wish I could discuss, but the rep showing it to me looked like a serious dude. The type that may know the truth about who really killed Jeffery Epstein, so I’ll err on the side of caution and wait for them to unveil it. I was, however, told that I could safely mention that LMT is planning on releasing an MLC .300 Blackout version with a 10.5-inch barrel at SHOT 2020. I’m looking forward to shooting that little demon.

Quicker Change Barrels?

While out in rural Idaho, LMT brought out a newer product of theirs called the MLC AR Pistol. MLC stands for MLOK Carbine, for those who may be wondering. This pistol is extremely impressive, and for several reasons, which I’ll touch on. The biggest plus is the ability for a quick barrel change, which would be very mission adaptable. Say you want more power out of an entry weapon, spend one minute and swap in another caliber. Yes, it’s literally that easy, and is done with a T-30 Torx Wrench. The LMT rep did it in about 60 second, give or take a few seconds. It took me just a hair longer, as I didn’t want to trash their finish … line up the gas tube, push together, screw in the two torx screws, and you’re back in the fight. It’s that simple.

The MLC Pistol 556 comes standard with an 11.5-inch chrome lined, chromoly barrel with a 1:7 barrel twist. It’s a monolithic, one piece upper that facilitates a quick barrel change feature. All of LMT’s barrels are button cut and cryogenically treated for stress relieving. The BCG (bolt carrier group) is an AR15 cut “mil-spec” carrier group. Another great feature about this barrel is the straight gas tube married up to LMT’s low-pro gas block that is pressed and pinned onto the barrel. “Inside our MRP barrels, we boast a 45-degree gas port,” LMT says. “This gas port reduces the erosion effect at the gas port and maintains an even, measured cyclic rate for the life of the barrel where others will speed up over time.”

Pistol Packed Lower

LMT put a lot of thought into the MLC AR Pistol. LMT mated the 11.5-inch MLC upper to the MARS-L (Modular Ambidextrous Rifle System) lower receiver. The controls are completely ambi, including the safety, bolt catch and bolt release. It also included an enhanced trigger guard, QD end plate, flared mag well, and rubberized Ergo pistol grip. Nothing was spared when the MLC AR Pistol was designed.

The trigger is LMT’s “two-stage tactical trigger” and has a very crisp 4.5-pound break. I was more impressed with every pull of the trigger. The MARS-L lower receiver was finished off with LMT’s own dry film lubed 7075 T6 Aluminum “mil-spec” tube, which is sporting the industry standard SB Tactical SBA3 Adjustable Brace. The tube also houses a carbine length spring and a 3-ounce buffer.

Range Time and Bottom Line

Shooting the LMT MLC AR Pistol was a hoot! Recoil was minimal, even for a “poodle shooter” version of a pistol. This is a short, compact pistol that should be seriously considered if you have the budget to spare. Especially with the quick-change barrel for a separate caliber, just imagine the possibilities. The trigger really was really nice, and broke very crisp, with minimal overtravel and hardly any creep from what I remember.

The MLC Pistol tracked great, and had me shooting out well past the 100-yard mark. Granted, I wasn’t out there playing “distinguished marksman” with it, but I was slamming steel with it and making the hostage flapper dance back and forth. If you are able to give the LMT MLC AR Pistol a test drive, I highly recommend it. With some practice, you too could be swapping barrels, and potentially calibers, in around 60 seconds or less. I was seriously impressed with the MLC AR Pistol, and I’m sure that you will be too if you get a chance to play with one. Give the LMT MLC AR Pistol a chance, it’s a helluva weapon, and it’s sure to put a smile on your face.

For more information, visit lmtdefense.com.