After a long wait, our 18 inch REPR has finally arrived from LWRC-- complete with its custom Flat Dark Earth (FDE) Cerakote finish. The 18in REPR might be the best overall 7.62mm NATO autoloader on the market. It’s not too short and not too long. It’s just right, not unlike a bowl of porridge. The multiple gas settings on the REPR allow it to adapt to many situations: N = Normal. A = Adverse Conditions. S = Suppressed/Silenced. O = Off, which allows the operator to cycle the action manually-- for an incremental gain in accuracy and near bolt-like performance.
To take further advantage of the shortened 18in cold hammer-forged barrel, we opted for the Magpul UBR in lieu of the PRS Sniper butt stock that is standard equipment on the 18 and 20 inch REPRs (the VLTOR eMod is standard on the 16in carbine). The Magpul UBR is an excellent stock. It has quick detach points for your slings, storage for batteries, and allows you to keep a consistent cheek-weld regardless of how extended or collapsed the stock is. The adjustments are also very precise on the UBR, allowing shooters to achieve the perfect length of pull.
All 18 and 20 inch REPRs ship from LWRC with a superb Geissele trigger and flip up front and rear sights by Troy. What do you think?
*** Please don’t tear me apart for the Aimpoint CompML2. It was the only optic I had in stock that was Flat Dark Earth. Looks cool though, right?
Hope you enjoy the pics. Have a good one and God bless.
– Evan
I cancelled my order for the exact same rifle with Northwest Tactical last week, only for my GI Bill money (over $10k) to hit my account today…looks good.
The finish on the barrel is too glossy and looks like paint. I know it’s paint, but I’m Old School and grew up in a time when painted firearms were cheap. Real firearms have real finishes.
The charging handle is too large. Looks like it’ll catch on things and dig into my body parts. It also looks like an afterthought. Aesthetics, yes. But it makes one wonder what else was rushed.
I’m not sure I like this particular two tone theme. Strictly personal, strictly aesthetics. Has nothing to do with function. But I’d pick another scheme.
I like that it’s very clean and functional. Other than choosing different sights, wanting to fix the charging handle and possibly installing a BABC, I’d run it as is
It’s really not a glossy finish at all-- no more than the standard black/blued finish. It’s really just my amateur photography and poor lighting that’s to blame.
Actually its not, its their NiCor finish which is a metal treatment, not a spray and bake like the rest of the rifle. It reminds me of bluing, but doesnt rust.
Thats a really slick looking hadguard system they have on the REPR. I may have to pick up one of their uppers when they start putting that hadguard on their 5.56 & 6.8 uppers.
They are supposed to be making a version of the handguard for there 5.56-6.8 guns. Thats been my only problem with all my LWRCs. I wanted a longer handguard. I mean ONLY problem. Well over 10k through them.
It really is a good hand guard design-- nice and comfy. Comes with a set of three picatinny rail sections. That way, you can mount crap where you actually need it.
In my opinon the REPR is the best offering from LWRC, based on the unique features found on the rifle such as the ambi bolt catch and side charging handle.
I really like to see range reports to go along with pictures in firearms reviews.
Sorry, I didn’t have time to put rounds down range with this particular REPR, but I will tell you that my 20in REPR likes 168gr Hornady and Black Hills, but also shoots cheap 150gr Magtech like a champ. My 20in is one of the first REPRs off the production line, so it had trouble with the multiple gas settings knob getting boogered up with crud. It would get stuck in one position. My old REPR accepts the C-Products mags with a very snug fit, but the Magpuls are loosey goosey. The new 18in REPR accepts the Magpuls with a tight fit and encouraging fit.
