After reading a lot about LMT MWSE, I decided that I wanted one myself. Initially I wanted to use it as a semi automatic precision rifle, however, after buying and shooting it, I think I will use it more as a “Heavy” Carbine with a precision capability.
After purchasing the rifle, I disassembled, lubricated it. I also removed the barrel and reinstalled it using the supplied torque wrench at 140”/lb.
Since the rifle came in an AWB compliant version, the SOPMOD is screwed to the RE fairly far back, making the rifle feel “longer”.
I was also disappointed in that the rifle came with an ASC magazine, despite the fact that KAC makes 10 round magazines as well.
Initial range session:
I decided to test the accuracy. I went to the 100 yard range, and used Leupold MK 4 6.5-20, M5, TMR.
At first I tried PPU 168 gr match. I must have gotten a bad batch, since this ammo DOES NOT work in 3 separate rifle: Rem 700, AI AE with Krieger barrel, and now MWSE. However, it’s good enough to get on paper.
After that I fired a 10 shot group wtih Fed 7.62, 175gr. I got about 1.1 MOA which I was happy with.
Upgrades:
Since I didn’t find the pinned stock comfortable, I decided to replace it with Magpul’s FCS. I also ordered heavy buffers’ .308 buffer and spring in order to be able to use standard carbine RE.
I decided to replace the Ergo pistol grip wtih MOE+.
The stock is nice, although a little short compared to what I am used to. I added the PRS extended pad to see if it feels better. I may consider trying the Magpul’s fixed rifle stock next.
I also ordered four, ten round DPMS magazines. Despite their follower looking flimsier than ASC’s, they functioned and fed fine in my rifle. For now, they will my go to magazines, until I can find Magpul’s mythical LR 10.
I also changed the Leupold for an Aimpoint. I plan on putting a 1 - n scope on this rifle on a permanent basis. Just haven’t decided which one.
Questions:
I am also planning on buying another 16” CL barrel and having it reprofiled to the thinnest profile recommended. However, I have two options when it comes to muzzle devices:
Cut the threads off and recrown or
Permanetly attach a muzzle brake. I have MB 762 that I am thinking of using for this.
I am also toying with the idea of cutting the bbl to 14.5” since the brake is permanently attached. Which one of the above options makes most sense, since this bbl’s purpose is to make the rifle as light and “handy” as possible.
I just purchased the same rifle. I have yet to shoot it, so I’m glad this popped up.
These are interesting results so far. I plan on using mine for pretty much the same things (heavy carbine and light precision), so I’d like to contribute my experiences here as well (in order to not clog up the forum)… This is, of course, only with the permission of the OP and mods.
Why did you remove and re-torque the barrel first?
I read somewhere that people were getting inconsistent accuracy and wanted to be sure that the barrel was properly torque. Plus, I also wanted to get familiar with this feature.
How do you like the FCS stock? I am finding that my MWS is going to remain a light precision/DMR configuration and therefore an adjustable stock is not really necessary. I only move my ACS one or two settings back anyway. Thanks.
The FCS is nice, but just a hair shorter than what I normally use. For reference, after taking the Streetfighter class, I started to use EMOD 1 click in from fully extended. When I shoulder the MWS, I end up nose to charging handle. Having added the PRS pad, it’s a little better. I also have not shot the rifle with a scope since putting the FCS on it. The only reason I have FCS is because of local AWB. I would rather have a collapsible stock. Even if you never move it, the option is still there.
Quite true, well, I haven’t changed it yet. Maybe leave well enough alone for now. I think it might be better to start reloading .308, shoot the rifle more and see if I really need to switch it out. Time will tell. Thanks.
So, the first thing I noticed today at the range was that the rifle is pretty heavy, compared to both my DDM4V1 (obviously) and my PredatAR 7.62. This becomes important later.
I shot about 50 rds today. 10x FGMM 168, 30x BH Match 175, and 10x M118LR. The FGMM was left over from a rifle test I did a couple years ago or so and I just wanted to get a feel for how it shoots, recoils, and to get it on paper.
Moving on to the zero target, I started shooting the BH Match for groups. It didn’t take long to get a Group that I was happy with. It was just under 1 MOA, so i was happy enough with that. I honestly don’t know what to expect out of a 16" CL barrel. I didn’t push it to get the smallest groups possible.
Next, I took all the weather, gun, and ammo data and the confused gave me a solution for 750yards. The range I went to today has steel out to 1k, so I was taking advantage. Truing the curve wasn’t difficult. The BH ammo was still giving me about 2550 fps. I attribute this to the shortER barrel.
After that was done, the sweet sweet sound of steel get hitting by rifle ammo was heard! Incredibly accurate.
Regarding the weight issue: the M118LR ammo was noticeably hotter than the BH ammo. The drop at 750 went from 6.8 to 6.2. That puts the MV at over 2625 fps for a 16" barrel. The weight of the gun REaLLY helped to soak up some of the recoil. I didn’t notice how much until I went back to the PredatAR and then got knocked around a little more forcefully by the M118LR. The difference that those 2 measly pounds makes is pretty dramatic!
My MWSE configuration in “heavy carbine” role is now complete with
MK 6 1-6 CMR-W 7.62 reticle. I spent some time on the range, first getting it zeroed, than shooting steel at 200 and 300 yards.
I didn’t try shooting groups but I noticed that FGMM 175 and AE 168 M1A ammo shot to the same POI at 100 yards, and grouped at/sub MOA.
I ran some cheap PPU 155 grain ammo for shooting steel, and as expected, it worked without an issue.
Received my modified barrel from ADCO. It was OEM 16" CL. ADCO did the following:
Cut to 14.5", perm attach MB762 and reprofile to 0.7000 in front and behind the gas block.
The modified barrel weighs 2.976 lb and feels subjectively lighter than the factory bbl. I am planning on shooting it this weekend.
What a little world beating configuration a shorty MWS setup makes w/ adequate powered/variable glass.
Awesome job Andy, now send me that barrel so that I can do a quick, but extensive accuracy/velocity evaluation on it …I’ll settle for just seeing you do it though
I handled one of these rifles recently in a local store and I really liked it. I’m looking at getting a modern 7.62 carbine and this is the top of the list currently.
Trident,
I too am curious about the accuracy. Before I sent it out, I was able to get about 1.2 MOA group at 100 yards with FGMM 175gr with using the rifle as configured on 6X.
I shot about 80 rounds through the rifle - more of a function check. They were a combination of Wolf and Herters 150gr steel case. No malfunction were observed.
I am running heavy buffers CAR 10 buffer / spring combination.
The Surefire MB certainly adds concussion and blast. This is my first MB, and shooting at a range with ports was quite an experience.
A quick note about the scope:
I zeroed it for my “good” ammo - usually 168 or 175gr Federal/etc…However, I plan to shoot cheap 145-155gr most of the time, since it’s plenty accurate for steel. Since the lighter ammo has less drop, and due to zero stop on the Mark 6, I can’t dial down. However, if I zero POA/POI the center dot at 100 yards, the top of the horse shoe corresponds to POI at 50 - 100 yards. And since I’m not going for “precision” with cheap ammo, it’s good enough for me.
Took the rifle out to 100 yards. I “warmed” the barrel up by firing 20 rounds of steel case. After loading 7 rounds of 168 FGMM in a magazine, I fired a group of about 1.2 MOA.
This is my first muzzle brake equipped rifle, and I’m impressed. At 7 yards, practicing hammers, the rounds were practically stacking one on top of the other. However, with my .223 AR equipped with standard A2 flash hider, there was a lot of up and right movement of the muzzle.
The groups were fired prone off a Harris bipod with a Mark 6 1-6 set to 6X.
20 round group of Herters steel case 150 grain:
7 round group of FGMM 168 gr out of a warm/hot barrel:
