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Please help me spend my money...I'm down to two

C

clubmanager

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Full Member
Minuteman
Jul 12, 2017
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Northwest Arkansas
I've narrowed things down to either a SR25 or LMT MARS-H and fwiw, I shoot Lefty and want a full ambi platform. I've looked at lots of other weapons and while I'd ask you to feel free to chime in with other options, I'm pretty settled on these two. I've shot both of these before and like them both a lot with the SR25 getting a slight edge. The LMT felt like cheating at 350y, it was so easy. I've also owned a Tavor7 and Scar17 (multiple times) and never felt the 'love' for either to be honest. Time in the Army has made me an AR-guy I suppose.

Items to consider:
Will go with a 14.5" or 16" barrel using a DA FH so that I can run my Sandman S
Will use multiple optics depending on intended use that day, including thermal
I already have a SR25 lower inbound (can either use it or sell and make a bit of money towards the LMT
Because of multiple factors, this will be my 'go to' gun
I work a LOT of hours with a schedule that lacks any sort of structure coupled with limited number of local ranges so don't have the time to perpetually fiddle with things

Which route would you take? The SR25 checks all the boxes except for cost; the LMT has other Pros like barrel changing (that I'd maybe only use to get a 20" 308 barrel) with the only Cons I can think of being potentially being overgassed and then having to mess around with buffers, springs, ez tube, etc. and about half a pound heavier.

All feedback is appreciated and have a Happy Christmas everyone!
 
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You could go Proof Carbon on the LMT to make up for the weight difference. Adjustable gas block will solve the rest.
 
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mrtoyz said:
You could go Proof Carbon on the LMT to make up for the weight difference.
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Thanks. To be honest, I'm sort of leaning LMT and while the weight difference isn't a deal breaker (I'll just lift more in the gym!), the Proof Carbon barrel is a cool idea. Does it mate up like a LMT barrel where I can change it easily? I'll look into it. Thanks for the help.
 
clubmanager said:
Thanks. To be honest, I'm sort of leaning LMT and while the weight difference isn't a deal breaker (I'll just lift more in the gym!), the Proof Carbon barrel is a cool idea. Does it mate up like a LMT barrel where I can change it easily? I'll look into it. Thanks for the help.
Click to expand...
D Wilson manufacturing does an LMT barrel conversion
 
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LMT Mars-H and MWS and SR25 are cousins. With the exception of the contiguous upper on the LMT and the barrel swap ability with LMT, the lower, BCG and barrel bores are very similar.

We sell both, and they are both exceptional rifles. Both are hard to find in stock, but when you do, the LMT will come-in less expensive by maybe $1,000.00. One down-side to KAC is everything only fits KAC, with the exception that some LMT parts can be used. The same can be said for the LMT barrel, so either way, you are locking yourself into one brand or the other.

I think the MARS-H with MLOK rails is very hard to beat. Grab you can get it in .308 and 6.5, or get it both with an extra barrel. LMT is a good shop to work with. KAC has a certain attitude, like a Lamborghini, that goes with the gun and the manufacturer. LMT still thinks they are a hot rod company, and don't realize they are one of the better made rifles out there.

Most of the time, in 2022 (now), we only see the SR25 when in comes in context of building a clone rifle like the Mk11 or M110. We just got in some .308 and 6.5 MARS-H rifles that are not even listed, and we build the L129-A British sniper rifle with the LMT. We have a sort of stupid saying, as LMT is not the household name that KAC is: "There are two types of people: those who know LMT, and those who wish they knew LMT." I know, cheesy. Take off from My Big Fat Greek Wedding. ;)

Whatever you pick, you will be happy. If you need help fitting either with a suppressor or optic, let me know. I have some ideas.
 
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longshot2000 said:
LMT Mars-H and MWS and SR25 are cousins. With the exception of the contiguous upper on the LMT and the barrel swap ability with LMT, the lower, BCG and barrel bores are very similar.

We sell both, and they are both exceptional rifles. Both are hard to find in stock, but when you do, the LMT will come-in less expensive by maybe $1,000.00. One down-side to KAC is everything only fits KAC, with the exception that some LMT parts can be used. The same can be said for the LMT barrel, so either way, you are locking yourself into one brand or the other.

I think the MARS-H with MLOK rails is very hard to beat. Grab you can get it in .308 and 6.5, or get it both with an extra barrel. LMT is a good shop to work with. KAC has a certain attitude, like a Lamborghini, that goes with the gun and the manufacturer. LMT still thinks they are a hot rod company, and don't realize they are one of the better made rifles out there.

Most of the time, in 2022 (now), we only see the SR25 when in comes in context of building a clone rifle like the Mk11 or M110. We just got in some .308 and 6.5 MARS-H rifles that are not even listed, and we build the L129-A British sniper rifle with the LMT. We have a sort of stupid saying, as LMT is not the household name that KAC is: "There are two types of people: those who know LMT, and those who wish they knew LMT." I know, cheesy. Take off from My Big Fat Greek Wedding. ;)
Thanks much. I'll make the call in the next day or two; awaiting the SR25 lower and want that part of the puzzle to fall into place first. More than likely, I'll sell it and get a MARS; too much upside including price and I ain't rich! I appreciate the offer of help and will certainly reach out. One question, is the L129 full ambi? Also, what's different about it from a MARS-H other than the tan bits?
Click to expand...
 
longshot2000 said:
LMT Mars-H and MWS and SR25 are cousins. With the exception of the contiguous upper on the LMT and the barrel swap ability with LMT, the lower, BCG and barrel bores are very similar.

We sell both, and they are both exceptional rifles. Both are hard to find in stock, but when you do, the LMT will come-in less expensive by maybe $1,000.00. One down-side to KAC is everything only fits KAC, with the exception that some LMT parts can be used. The same can be said for the LMT barrel, so either way, you are locking yourself into one brand or the other.

I think the MARS-H with MLOK rails is very hard to beat. Grab you can get it in .308 and 6.5, or get it both with an extra barrel. LMT is a good shop to work with. KAC has a certain attitude, like a Lamborghini, that goes with the gun and the manufacturer. LMT still thinks they are a hot rod company, and don't realize they are one of the better made rifles out there.

Most of the time, in 2022 (now), we only see the SR25 when in comes in context of building a clone rifle like the Mk11 or M110. We just got in some .308 and 6.5 MARS-H rifles that are not even listed, and we build the L129-A British sniper rifle with the LMT. We have a sort of stupid saying, as LMT is not the household name that KAC is: "There are two types of people: those who know LMT, and those who wish they knew LMT." I know, cheesy. Take off from My Big Fat Greek Wedding. ;)

Whatever you pick, you will be happy. If you need help fitting either with a suppressor or optic, let me know. I have some ideas.
Click to expand...
hard to argue with this

I'd go LMT here having sold my sr25 as the LMT offered more and was more accurate in my experience
 
LMT if long term, end user maintainability is a concern for you. Being able to stockpile spare parts and repair the rifle yourself was the deciding factor for me.

While I think LMT and KAC are at the top of the heap, there are other solid factory options out there.
 
I don't have either but the fact that you can change calibers on the LMT is big for me. Even if it weighs a lot I think that alone makes it a winner.
 
The LMT is what I'd do, IF.... I was going to settle for full ambi and not an actual lefty. I don't like shooting anything that isn't a lefty now that I have a bunch of actual lefty rifles. I know that limits things greatly when talking about. .308 (I assume .308 is what you are after here since you said SR25, but correct me if I'm wrong on that). That's why I sold my .308 that I built, even though it was super nice and ran great. I'd rather get a true lefty from Compass Lake in 6.8 or .224 than a Right hand ejected .308 but that may just be my thing and it may not bother you as much. Just thought I'd put that out there for your consideration
 
LilGucci said:
I don't have either but the fact that you can change calibers on the LMT is big for me. Even if it weighs a lot I think that alone makes it a winner.
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it doesn't way a lot, no more or less than most large frame ARs. The weight view is internet nonsense. less than a lb separates it from kac an other large frames. My aero home brew is heavier than all my LMTs, previous KAC.

quick change barrel is awesome. you can go from precision to standard set up quickly plus you can change calibers
 
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LMT all day in my opinion for what you're looking to do with it. You can likely sell your KAC lower for the price of a complete MARS-H LMT MWS. With current KAC SR25 mlok rifles going 5500+ (on the off chance you find one) you can find new LMT MWS MARS-H complete rifles for 3k ish. I'd pick one up with a few barrels for your intended use and roll with it. The KAC rifles have a great feel of balance out of the box but LMT offers much more adaptability for roughly half the cost.
 
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scar 20s. it is different enough from the scar-h that you might want to shoot it before deciding.
of course your other choices are excellent, but not quite as accurate or clean running as the scar 20s. 🤭
 
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I have owned multiples of both as well as others like the Scar 17 and POF416 in the past. I am a confessed KAC Fanboi, there's no denying that, but if balance and the cool factor of knowing you own the SR-25 aren't of the most importance to you then I'd likely lean towards the LMT MWS. Yes, the LMT is heavier, but like others have said, go aftermarket with barrels and you can shed some of that weight. They are over gassed but that can be rectified to some degree as well and can also be seen as a benefit in some instances too. What the LMT has that the KAC doesn't, is the flexibility to change calibers and barrel lengths and it's $1K+ cheaper. My only cause for concern is LMT's recent lack of QC and associated issues with some of their lowers. While I had my issues handled it was only after a knock-down, drag out fight with their CS department that I got it handled.
 
If you want a 25 I have a feeling you are right on the cusp of them turning out the next batch (especially if you just picked up a lower and just need an upper). If you have the jing, it is an amazing rifle. My personal feeling is if you are going to use it in the field the 25 is the way to go. If you are going to be using it at the range and just be shooting from a bench or prone the LMT will fulfill what you want from it.

The 25 is going to be better gassed, lighter, and a full-length rail for thermals and NV. Also, the longer rail is nice for getting your bipod way out in front. The LMTs I have had access to have been over gassed but there have been users on here who say their guns are perfectly gassed. It may be a hit or miss issue.

If you have SR money you may also want to look at the JP if you are looking for laser accuracy.
 
Beautiful gun. I love how you have covered the shell deflector so you don't scratch your paint.
 
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1911hombre said:
No scar is in a league with the two being discussed. Period. Sorry.
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fair enough.

www.snipershide.com

KAC SR25 ECR/M110 or FNH Scar 20s?

Alright guys, Interesting topic (i think). For DMR work (7.62 inside 850M), which of the two is the best? I am considering purchasing one of the two platforms, however am not tied to either brand. The KAC would be around $6000 all kitted out to resemble an M110 while the Scar 20s would be...
www.snipershide.com www.snipershide.com
 
the monk said:
Beautiful gun. I love how you have covered the shell deflector so you don't scratch your paint.
Click to expand...
You caught that :ROFLMAO: It is a really pathetic job with an extra piece of Hoptic's saddle blanket that I hacked away with a razor. It's more to try to help with keeping dings out of the brass for reloading...
 
Glassaholic said:
View attachment 8026757

LMT MWS MARS-H with 14" SS 7.62 barrel cut down with pinned TBAC SR brake (barrel was 16" but cut down and re-threaded by D. Wilson) - I went this route because I didn't want to have to SBR the rifle and deal with traveling over state lines, etc.
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Did you have to do anything else when cutting the barrel? Any gas adjustments as an example? Seems I can only find a new rifle in 16” at the moment but want the shorter barrel. I know I can buy one but a 14” and 16” doesn’t make a lot of sense to me. I want to go 14” and 20” with both standard and PRS stocks….and two optics of course.
 
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clubmanager said:
Did you have to do anything else when cutting the barrel? Any gas adjustments as an example? Seems I can only find a new rifle in 16” at the moment but want the shorter barrel. I know I can buy one but a 14” and 16” doesn’t make a lot of sense to me. I want to go 14” and 20” with both standard and PRS stocks….and two optics of course.
Click to expand...
I bought the rifle a couple months ago and it came with a 20" barrel because that is literally the only one I could find in the world for sale at the time that wasn't overpriced o_O, I put an ad in the classifieds for a trade between the 20" barrel and a 16" barrel and found a great guy on the Hide who traded me for his 16" with factory gas tube and Black River EZTUNE 50:50 gas tube (https://blackrivertactical.com/WP/BRT-EZTUNE-Gas-Tube-Configurable-Midlength-p103167236). I just got the barrel back a couple weeks ago from D. Wilson and work has been busy so haven't had time for the range yet, but hope to go next week and will let you know how it goes...
 
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Glassaholic said:
View attachment 8026757

LMT MWS MARS-H with 14" SS 7.62 barrel cut down with pinned TBAC SR brake (barrel was 16" but cut down and re-threaded by D. Wilson) - I went this route because I didn't want to have to SBR the rifle and deal with traveling over state lines, etc.
Click to expand...
Beautifully done piece. Great scope / mount setup.

MM
 
Glassaholic said:
You caught that :ROFLMAO: It is a really pathetic job with an extra piece of Hoptic's saddle blanket that I hacked away with a razor. It's more to try to help with keeping dings out of the brass for reloading...
Click to expand...

I bought these things that are made for that for mine.... I'm sort of ashamed about it.... but it does work
 
TheHorta said:
Dear lawd! You must be vaxxed AND triple-boosted! Take your face diaper off and get some oxygen into those lungs, man!
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If someone asks for information because they do have have it, mocking them for not having it contributes nothing to the conversation.

Since you seem to be in the know, please share and answer the question.
 
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pineoak said:
If someone asks for information because they do have have it, mocking them for not having it contributes nothing to the conversation.

Since you seem to be in the know, please share and answer the question.
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You clearly have not participated in Horta's posts in a while. Don't get me wrong, he has contributed great information especially when it comes to thermal and such, but he does like to post things just to stir the pot and that's what this one is it would appear. Outside of loving butts and Knights, and quite possibly knights butts, I'm not sure you'll get a whole lot of contribution :LOL:
 
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pineoak said:
Please help us noobs understand what the SR-25 has over the LMT, JP, GAP... thank you!
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it doesnt' but this cat also suggested windham to a guy looking at kac and lmt. He's on my 'dude to ignore list lest I lose braincells)
 
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Glassaholic said:
You clearly have not participated in Horta's posts in a while. Don't get me wrong, he has contributed great information especially when it comes to thermal and such, but he does like to post things just to stir the pot and that's what this one is it would appear. Outside of loving butts and Knights, and quite possibly knights butts, I'm not sure you'll get a whole lot of contribution :LOL:
Click to expand...
that's fine for the pit but not in normal technical oriented threads imho. I mean I get it when people need attention, it's sad but I get why they do it.
 
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