--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I have been reading about the LWRC Reaper, and it sound like a really good firearm. Does anybody know anything about this gun?
I have a Sig 556 with the same short stoke system and it works flawlessly. I think this could be the answer to the AR-10. If this firearm is all it's cracked up to be, it could be the cats meow.
This is just my opinion, but I think it has solved the problems of the AR-10, and it updated the M-1a with a more ergonomic and reliable weapon.
I do not own one YET, I am just going off of what I have read, but it sounds like it's an excellent firearm.
The price starts around $3200.00 depending on on the platform (16 inch to 22 inch models) you choose, but a good M1-a will easily cost that much.
If anybody has any info. on this gun, please reply.
B-LINE
I guess they call it a REPR for "rapid engagement precision rifle." It doesn't look too bad... sounds kind of heavy though, and expensive. Their website puts the 20" model, the only one I'd be interested in, at 11.25 lbs. unloaded (compared to the 9.3 lbs. of an M1A). Even the 16" carbine with a medium/light barrel weighs 9.5 lbs. I guess the 20" is supposed to be more of a precision/sniper rifle than a battle rifle, with its heavy profile barrel. I had a DPMS LR-308C that weighed about the same as one of those (it also had a 20" heavy barrel), and by the time I had optics on it, it was a lot heavier than I like for something to take into the field.
WOW, apparently they make a 12" barreled version too! Talk about a flamethrower!
If I wanted a pistol-grip rifle with a reliable gas piston sytem, I'd just buy a good FAL. You can get them for about a third of what one of these would cost, and put the rest into ammo. I don't see how this is any kind of a significant improvement over something like a FAL, which is a tried and true design with lots of spare parts available, and is lighter to boot.
As I care more for a plain old rifle grip, I'll just stick with my M1A!
If you are looking for a good gas piston 5.56 rifle, then Sig and Ruger are 2 pretty good places to look. Ruger has a model that I'm actually planning on buying, which you can find new for about $1,500. It comes with Troy Inc. flip-up battle sights and 3 mags. The Sig doesn't come with any sights, and it only comes with 1 mag. However, the MSRP is $1,300. I've read several reviews on this rifle, and they all say this is a mid to high end rifle for a great price.
---GoldFishGunr
I looked at them because I really like the nonreciprocating side-charger feature. Besides the cost the most common complaint was, has anyone actually seen one. Seems they are hard to get your hands on.
I like the idea of a piston upper for running a suppressor. The DI rifles get filthy in short order running a can.
A comment on the SIG 556. At an AS this past weekend I noticed spent brass (every casing I picked up) from this rifle had a sizable dent (same location on every casing) on the side of the casing and the rim had a u shaped indention in it. I do not think reloading would be an option for spent casings from this rifle if you are a reloader. I do not know if alls SIG 556s do this. B-Line may know more about this as an owner.
B-Line,
I have the 16 inch model and like it a lot. It is very easy to use with the left side charging handle and right side bolt release and mag release. I have an AR-10 which I bought about 1994 and I like it but I think the LWRC is more accurate and has less recoil. It seems smaller and is easy to manipulate. I like the rail setup on the front handguard. It is more comfortable than most modern rifles as you can add or remove the rails as necessary. The back up sights work well and were zeroed when I got the rifle. I like the adjustable butt stock as it allows me to set the length I want, not be forced to adjust to the rifle.
I think the price will come down when the first rush to buy is over. I think they will be below three.
VAshooter
I apologize B-Line for my earlier comment. It had nothing to do with what you were looking for.
I have been away for a couple days, and haven't had a chance to check my posts. I appreciate all the replys.
tnewty, I haven't really paid attention to the brass, (but I will check the next time I have it out) so I can't comment on any marks on the cases. I will say I really like the Sig. It's a great handling rifle, and it does not get dirty like an AR. I have not had a single malfunction with the rifle, or any other problem. One thing I wish was designed differently is the charging handle. They should have placed it on the left side, or made it ambidextrous for both rightys and leftys. And yes, the back-up irons are pretty worthless. If you get a chance to shoot one, try it. I guarantee you will like it, but it's not an M1A for sure, just a good 5.56.
B-LINE
VAshooter, thanks for the info.
I am wondering about the accuracy, and if you have had any malfunctions or problems with it.
Thanks,
B-LINE
here's a link to the forum that manufactures the repr :
http://forum.lwrci.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=4
Supposedly, it'll do sub-moa.
I hope it's reliability will shine. It's too early to tell IMHO.
Time will tell.
Hope this helps.
Brett out.
The LWRC Reaper seems to be sensitive to the amount of lubrication on the bolt. They warn you about too much lub on the bolt but I still put too much on when I cleaned the rifle before shooting it. That caused jams the first time I shot it (a cold day). I took it home and cleaned all the lub out and silicone dri lubricant similar to a release agent and it worked fine.
Clean your chamber well and the bolt locking lugs as well. They have very close tolerances. It may look like an AR bolt but it doesn't take to lubrication like an AR does.
I still only have a few rounds through it, maybe 20 or so and it needs more breaking in. I am very pleased with it. So pleased that I have sprung for a new NightForce NXS 2-10X24 compact scope for it. It will make a great package as soon as the high NF Unimount come in. Excuse me, I need to get back to work to pay for all this expensive stuff.
VAshooter