I was originally going to buy a FN SCAR as the next addition to my collection, however after handling one at a local shop I have changed my mind. I would really rather have a premium AR than the cheap feeling SCAR.
I have tentatively narrowed my choices down to the Knights Armament SR-15 and the LMT 16” CQB MRP.
The SR15 is a mid length rifle & as a lefty, I like the ambi controls on the SR15 (the BUIS and folding front sight are also really cool). There seems to be very little written about it on our forum and it is not listed on the comparison chart.
The LMT MRP has the monolithic rail platform upper receiver and the removable barrel system. The LMT seems like a more versatile rifle; it would be pretty cool to have an extra 6.8 barrel for the rifle.
I know both are premium rifles that sell for a premium prices, although the LMT is quite a bit cheaper, but they both seem like a pretty cool rifles.
If money was no object, I’m not sure why you would choose the LMT over the KAC.
The URX II, flip up sights, KAC length gas system, E3 system and cold hammer forged barrel are all things that I would rather have. The 2 stage trigger is a nice to have as well.
Iceberg, IMHO, both rifles are top tier quality and both have unique features of their own. Both have mid length gas systems. As far as lefty controls, KAC has LMT beat, even though LMT lists their Defender lower with optional ambi safety controls… Maybe it could be retrofit at a later date? You have to ask yourself: are the KAC features worth spending an additional $500+ over the LMT? Only you can answer that. Policeguns.com(Clyde Armory) has the LMT MRP CQB at $1495.
The LMT offers barrel/caliber and piston interchangeabilities the KAC does not. Just my .02 cents since I was in your position not long ago before deciding on the MRP.
I’ve gotta say that if I were in your position, I would go with the KAC. I have been lusting after one of those since I saw one at the last Tulsa gun show.
I currently own both weapons in question with multiple applications of the MRP system; I am also a left-handed shooter. To me the ambi controls on the KAC are nice however I have spent so much time shooting with standard AR lowers that I cannot re-train myself on the ambi unit. That being said the KAC has some outstanding features such as the E3 bolt, 2 stage trigger, lightweight URX rail and CHF barrel that alone are worth the price of admission. I have had some minor issues with my front sight however KAC was very diligent, once I made contact, at rectifying the issue. It is obvious after handling and shooting the SR-15 that KAC set out to develop the ideal out-of-the-box and mass-produced midlength 16" DI AR-style weapon.
As far as the MRP goes; I feel it was a design that was ahead of it’s time and still very relevant. Since I have owned mine I have converted both my QCBs to SBR lengths to include a 12.5" 6.8spc DI and a 12" 5.56 piston. This was all done in less than 10 minutes in my garage and could easily be done at the range or in the field. My last MRP I bought from G&R for about the same price you can buy a Colt 6920 and a quality manufactured free-float rail which is an absolute steal when you consider the additional components that accompany the LMT such as SOPMOD stock and robust and functional BUIS’. Similar to the KAC; all you need is to add the optics and light of your choice and your GTG.
I am not a professional, just an enthusiast, so my observations are from range shooting and ownership rather than real world experience. Both weapons have proprietary parts and in my opinion the MRP gets the edge based on the lower cost and interchangeability of calibers and barrel lengths. If I could only have one it would ideally be a riflelength MRP with 16" 5.56 middy barrel however that will cost a couple of hundred more than the CQB variant. Both weapons are a fine edition to any collection/arsenal. Hope this helps.
