LMT Modular Ambidextrous Rifle System

Lore & Background

In May 2014, the New Zealand Ministry of Defence issued a tender for a new rifle. Trials were conducted from March 2 to June 1, 2015, and LMT was selected as the winner, replacing the Steyr AUG. The MARS rifles feature lower receivers with fully ambidextrous mirrored controls and can be set up to use gas-operated rotating bolt (internal piston) or short-stroke piston operating systems with basic tools. The receiver can host and switch between barrels of varying length, diameter, material, and caliber; two locking bolts accessible from the right side with a basic tool lock a barrel extension and make the barrel unit user removable with return to zero of the same barrel.

In September 2018, it was reported that some New Zealand Defence Force rifles had experienced breakages, including 130 with cracks around the bolt, and that all 9,040 rifles had had their firing pins replaced under warranty. LMT later claimed the number of worn or broken firing pins was much smaller at 'less than one-tenth of one percent'. The issue reportedly stemmed from improper tempering. While replacing the firing pins, a similar quantity of selector switches and bolt carriers had also been found to display premature wear and were replaced.

Military variants include the L129A2, a MARS-H based designated marksman variant chambered in 6.5mm Creedmoor adopted in 2023; the Estonian R20 Rahe; the Swiss 7.62mm Zf Stgw 20 and Stgw 25/Stgw 25K; and the USSOCOM MRGG-A. Civilian semi-automatic variants are offered based on the New Zealand Reference Rifle, Estonia R20 RAHE, UK L129A2, and USSOCOM MRGG-A.

Reader's Guide

The LMT MARS system represents a significant step in modular rifle design, allowing users to reconfigure the weapon between different operating systems and calibers with basic tools. Its adoption by multiple nations—Estonia, New Zealand, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and USSOCOM—demonstrates its versatility and appeal to military forces seeking a single platform that can serve as an assault rifle, designated marksman rifle, or battle rifle. The MARS-L and MARS-H families cover both intermediate and full-power cartridges, including the 6.5mm Creedmoor, which was chosen for the L129A2 due to its better ability to engage targets at distances around and over 800 m, despite introducing a new chambering in the logistics chain and shortened barrel life due to a higher Oratio. The system's ambidextrous controls and interchangeable barrels make it suitable for a wide range of roles, from close-quarters to long-range precision. The reported breakages in New Zealand service, including cracked bolts and premature wear on firing pins, selector switches, and bolt carriers, were attributed to improper tempering and addressed under warranty, though LMT disputed the scale of the issue. Overall, the MARS has established itself as a modern, adaptable platform used by several armed forces.

Did You Know?

• The MARS can switch between gas-operated rotating bolt (internal piston) and short-stroke piston operating systems with basic tools.
• The L129A2 variant uses 6.5mm Creedmoor ammunition for better performance at distances around and over 800 m.
• In September 2018, it was reported that 130 New Zealand Defence Force rifles had cracks around the bolt, and all 9,040 rifles had firing pins replaced under warranty.
• The Swiss Armed Forces use both the Stgw 25 (5.56mm) and the 7.62mm Zf Stgw 20 designated marksman rifle.