While the 6.8 SPC offers more power, many agencies and shooters still use the 5.56mm NATO. If you want a truly short-barreled rifle in this cham-bering, a gas piston system makes sense for enhanced reliability, especially if the barrel is shorter than 10 inches. Luckily, LWRC has you covered here, too, with its IC-PSD.

• RELATED VIDEO: LWRC’s Ultra-Compact IC-PDW in 5.56mm NATO

The IC-PSD uses LWRC’s UCIW stock kit, which I find a bit more comfortable for patrol work. The UCIW stock also fits me better when I’m in full kit.

The IC-PSD comes with an 8.5-inch, 1-in-7-inch-twist barrel and a 5.56mm NATO chamber. The Picatinny top rail is equipped with LWRC’s Skirmish flip-up sights, and shooters can customize the handguard by adding side and bottom rails as needed. The lower receiver features completely ambidextrous controls, including the safety, bolt release and magazine release. Weighing in at only 5.9 pounds, the IC-PDW is one of the lightest ARs out there, even with its gas piston operating system.

Range Time

On the range, the IC-PDW was impressive during controlled and rapid fire while stationary or on the move. I used ammo ranging from 55-grain FMJs to 77-grain OTMs, and all of it worked. Barnes’ 70-grain TSX proved incredibly accurate while achieving a 2,400-fps velocity. The recoil was soft, although the muzzle blast was substantial. Adding a Troy Claymore muzzle brake helped quiet a bit in this regard.

• RELATED VIDEO: LWRC’s Ultra-Compact Six8 UCIW

If your agency is in the market for a proven rifle with a very short overall length, make sure you check out the LWRCI IC-PDW. It may be small, but it’s very capable.

For more information on the IC-PSD, visit lwrci.com or call 410-901-1348.