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Accuracy Problems With LMT MWS

samnev

First Sargeant
Full Member
Minuteman
  • Mar 16, 2010
    4,079
    231
    Surprise, AZ
    Bought the rifle New 4/4/12. First shot it with open sight groups ran 4"-5" at 100yards. Change the stock to a PRS since I didn't like the Sopmod and put a NF NXS 3-15X50 scope on it. With either my hand loads of 168 gr SMK's that shoot well under 1" groups in my TRG 22 or my DPMS SASS or Federal 168 gr GMM's groups still running 2-3". Called LMT the tech said "someone had taken the barrel out". I told him I was there when the shop took the rifle out of the shipping container and no way could anyone have messed with it. He then said to take out the barrel and re-torque it. Did what he requested and will go to the range today. Will also change scopes to see if that's the problem although it's hard for me to believe my NF is bad. Is anyone else having and accuracy problems with the LMT MWS?
     
    Re: Accuracy Problems With LMT MWS

    I can tell you if the barrel isn't torqued right it will shoot crazy big groups like your gun is. My T wrench was broken and the barrel didn't torque correctly one time. The next trip to the range I was shooting 4 inch groups.

    I would also clean the hole and barrel end really well and then re-oil the barrel end BEFORE replacing it. Maybe a piece of gunk got down in the hole.
     
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    Re: Accuracy Problems With LMT MWS

    <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: problemchild</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I can tell you if the barrel isn't torqued right it will shoot crazy big groups like your gun is. My T wrench was broken and the barrel didn't torque correctly one time. The next trip to the range I was shooting 4 inch groups.

    I would also clean the hole and barrel end really well and then re-oil the barrel end BEFORE replacing it. Maybe a piece of gunk got down in the hole.</div></div>

    Thanks for the reply. Did what you suggested and re-torqued the barrel. Took it to the range, problem cured. I don't understand how it left LMT like that. Is LMT's QC going the way of SIG ARMS?
     
    Re: Accuracy Problems With LMT MWS

    I doubt their QC is going to the crapper.

    Sometimes things just happen. It was an easy fix, so I wouldn't worry. My MWS is scary accurate for what it is...
     
    Re: Accuracy Problems With LMT MWS

    Great news, take the gift and move on. If it were not the problem just think how you would feel sending it in for repair.

    <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Santo</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: problemchild</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I can tell you if the barrel isn't torqued right it will shoot crazy big groups like your gun is. My T wrench was broken and the barrel didn't torque correctly one time. The next trip to the range I was shooting 4 inch groups.

    I would also clean the hole and barrel end really well and then re-oil the barrel end BEFORE replacing it. Maybe a piece of gunk got down in the hole.</div></div>

    Thanks for the reply. Did what you suggested and re-torqued the barrel. Took it to the range, problem cured. I don't understand how it left LMT like that. Is LMT's QC going the way of SIG ARMS? </div></div>
     
    Re: Accuracy Problems With LMT MWS

    <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: problemchild</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I can tell you if the barrel isn't torqued right it will shoot crazy big groups like your gun is. My T wrench was broken and the barrel didn't torque correctly one time. The next trip to the range I was shooting 4 inch groups.

    I would also clean the hole and barrel end really well and then re-oil the barrel end BEFORE replacing it. Maybe a piece of gunk got down in the hole. </div></div>

    I agree completely. I even purchased a second barrel only to find out the barrel just had not been torqued correctly. Took the barrel off, and replaced the same one.. Groups shrunk right up for me as well.
     
    Re: Accuracy Problems With LMT MWS

    problemchild,
    You are spot on. I was dreading the thought of sending it back. The thing the get me on their QC, the rep told me they fire 100 rounds to test it for accuracy before it goes out. How could they have missed the way this one was shooting? Since beenjammin also had the same problem. I also talked to Jay @ Sport Optics and he said he had heard of the same problem. I stand by what I said their QC needs an upgrade even if it's a small upgrade. There is no reason an MWS should get out of the factory like that especially for the price they charge. Rant over and out.
     
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    Re: Accuracy Problems With LMT MWS

    My MRP was the same way, I had problems hitting paper at 100 yards with a 4x acog. I was pretty disappointed in the purchase and put it in the safe for months until I bought a 10.5" barrel. Put that sucker in and shot much better. Finally put the 16" barrel back in to do some side by side testing against a new piston MRP and the accuracy was very good.

    Any piece of equipment should be thoroughly PMCS'd before use, especially a barrel designed to be quickly removed.
     
    Re: Accuracy Problems With LMT MWS

    <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Santo</div><div class="ubbcode-body">problemchild,
    the rep told me they fire 100 rounds to test it for accuracy before it ships out.
    </div></div>

    100 rounds!! That kind of messes up my anal way I would have broke in my barrel. But I broke in my LR-308 with TUBBS Final Finish boolits recently, anyway, and it seems to be silly accurate, can't know if the TUBBS had anything to do with it though. Are these barrels the chrome lined ones or the upgraded ones they offer? Well under 1" is pretty darn good though I surely would not complain about that once you got it there.
     
    Re: Accuracy Problems With LMT MWS

    <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: NoFail</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Santo</div><div class="ubbcode-body">problemchild,
    the rep told me they fire 100 rounds to test it for accuracy before it ships out.
    </div></div>

    100 rounds!! That kind of messes up my anal way I would have broke in my barrel. But I broke in my LR-308 with TUBBS Final Finish boolits recently, anyway, and it seems to be silly accurate, can't know if the TUBBS had anything to do with it though. Are these barrels the chrome lined ones or the upgraded ones they offer? Well under 1" is pretty darn good though I surely would not complain about that once you got it there. </div></div>

    Not complaining about it once I re-torqued it, just the fact that more than a few are leaving the factory and are not torqued properly. Just in this thread there are 3-4 with the problem. Can you imagine how many there are we don't here about!!!
    frown.gif
     
    Re: Accuracy Problems With LMT MWS

    <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Santo</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: NoFail</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Santo</div><div class="ubbcode-body">problemchild,
    the rep told me they fire 100 rounds to test it for accuracy before it ships out.
    </div></div>

    100 rounds!! That kind of messes up my anal way I would have broke in my barrel. But I broke in my LR-308 with TUBBS Final Finish boolits recently, anyway, and it seems to be silly accurate, can't know if the TUBBS had anything to do with it though. Are these barrels the chrome lined ones or the upgraded ones they offer? Well under 1" is pretty darn good though I surely would not complain about that once you got it there. </div></div>

    Not complaining about it once I re-torqued it, just the fact that more than a few are leaving the factory and are not torqued properly. Just in this thread there are 3-4 with the problem. Can you imagine how many there are we don't here about!!!
    frown.gif
    </div></div>

    Santo,

    Before I shot my MWS I removed the barrel, cleaned very well and torqued to 140 in-lbs with my Seekonk wrench...

    My MWS shoots outstanding groups of 9/16" with 175 gr FGMM 7.62. If you do not own a Seekonk, my advise is to get one, they are $155, but damn well worth it, especially if you have multiple LMT rifles with removable barrels...

    Glad to see that you got the issue behind you, the MWS is a great rifle and one that I really enjoy shooting...

    77
     
    Re: Accuracy Problems With LMT MWS

    I just shipped my complete upper back for the second time in 3 months. I have the 18" 5r SS barrel and it shoots 3-4 " groups. It's the most inaccurate shooting rigle I own and I'm pissed. The 16" CL barrel shot 1MOA with Radway and German DAG 150 Grain. I sure hope LMT fixes whatever is F'd up.
     
    Re: Accuracy Problems With LMT MWS


    I had the same accuracy type problem. I bought my LMT MWS with the 16" Chrome Lined barrel earlier this spring. I travel frequently across the country and world and just got home in August to shoot it.

    Before taking the rifle out, I completely stripped it and cleaned it torqueing everything back to spec.

    Accuracy from 5 different match ammmo types shot from 1.5" to 4" at 100yds. This was confirmed from a friend I work with who also shot it, who is a former Marine Corp Sniper Instructor.

    I called LMT and stated the problem, they told me something is obviously wrong and to mail it back. They were more than friendly over the phone and did a very fast turn around time. Turns out the barrel was out of spec so they replaced it and shipped it back to me in a week. They accuracy tested it at the factory and said it shoots good now. But, I'm away working so have yet to go test it for myself yet.

    Sometimes the things just don't work out, a few lemons get in there. LMT is still making great weapons and taking care of the few that slip through the cracks. Best of luck to you.
     
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    Re: Accuracy Problems With LMT MWS

    Nice to see a story with a happy ending. I met those guys at the SHOT show in 2009 and they were as cool and down to Earth as could be-can't say the same for alot of other manufacturers. Glad to see their Customer Service is up there as well.
     
    Re: Accuracy Problems With LMT MWS

    I will keep my thoughts as positive as possible until LMT addresses the problem. I will say that Gene has been fantastic with communication and I'm sure he will do the right thing but at this point anything less than replacing the barrel or complete upper is not acceptable.
     
    Does anybody have the Lewis LMT MWS with a factory can? How does that shoot and balance? Does taking the can off effect accuracy in any meaningful way? Do you need to adjust the rifle gas system if you take the can off?
     
    Re: Accuracy Problems With LMT MWS

    I just shipped my complete upper back for the second time in 3 months. I have the 18" 5r SS barrel and it shoots 3-4 " groups. It's the most inaccurate shooting rigle I own and I'm pissed. The 16" CL barrel shot 1MOA with Radway and German DAG 150 Grain. I sure hope LMT fixes whatever is F'd up.

    It sucks that you got a bad barrel. The 18” ss barrel I have is a hammer. I hope they get you squared away ASAP.