AR Sponsor
Posted: 6/4/2026 11:13:49 PM EDT
[Last Edit: Tug153][Edited]
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I am trying to build a DMR-ish .308 with a 16 inch barrel. The rifle will be suppressed with my Dead Air Nomad. I have been thinking of building a LMT MWS rifle as funds allow. My plan would be a 15.3 upper with 16 inch barrel. I would have a barrel converted as I would want to use an adjustable gas block. Or Do I try out the IWI Zion 25? I have heard their 5.56 DMR gun is a real shooter. The Zion 25 already comes with an adjustable gas block. I also qualify for their Mil/Le discount so the rifle would be around $1600. They are also running a promo that you get a free suppressor if you buy their rifle. Do I build a fancy LMT or do I shop for the practical deal and try out a IWI Zion 25? |
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After owning over a dozen large frame AR’s over the years, I would absolutely recommend the LMT. Very versatile in various roles from a basic battle rifle to a legitimate 3/4 MOA precision rifle. I highly doubt the IWI is that capable. Nice part about the LMT is barrel swaps are quick and easy as well as having outstanding factory barrel options or being able to convert almost any barrel to suit your desired application. I currently own 2 LMT’s (Denfender-H and MARS-H). One has a factory 20” stainless 6.5CM barrel while the other is a 14.5” D.Wilson converted Krieger in 6.5CM. Both are crazy accurate and I’d only sell the 20” if I can find a deal on the Geissele MRGG. |
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Any issues with the LMT 16 inch lightweight chrome lined barrel? This rifle seems tempting. Rifle with 15.3 upper and 16 inch barrel |
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LMT all the way. Various flavors of the LMT have served / are serving / will serve in various armed forces in combat operations worldwide. Feedback has been universally positive. Hell of a rifle. I'm biased, LMT MRP, LMT MARS-L, LMT MARS-H. All have been superb performers. |
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I have a Zion 25 DMR coming in a few days. I can give my initial thoughts behind it when it comes in, but I wont be able to shoot it for a bit. I got it for around $1200, so it was a screaming deal. I have never bought a factory built AR. So this is new. The closest is my PSA 10.5 upper that I bought almost 10 years ago. Everything else has been built. I wanted one of the PSA Super SASS, but they went out of stock while i was buying it. The Zion 25 has a lot of little features that seems to add up, like an adjustable gas block from the factory, Timney trigger, Cross machine tool UHPR 17.0 ARCA-HP handguard that is custom made for them. Note, the regualer 16 inch barrel version has the version of the handguard with only one section of ARCA rail at the back of the handguard while the DMR models have a full length ARCA rail on the bottom. Time will tell how i like that. I am not the biggest fan of built in ARCA. Don't know who makes the barrel, but I hope it is as good as the ones on the Zion 15 SPR as those seemed amazing from everything online. Thanks for the heads up on the suppressor rebate. I didn't know about that initially. No one has tested the IWS7(the supprressor they would most likely give you) on the internet, so no idea how it is. So don't factor that into the decision just yet. I personally would build a MWS in a heartbeat if given the choice between the two! But I didn't have that kind of money or time before the AWB in Virginia takes affect. You aren't in my situation so you can afford to wait. But I can always get an upper! I say build out the MWS as you have the funds. The barrel removal feature is so nice! Get the upper you want and build it. Just don't use strictly all LMT parts. It seems their QC nowadays is a bit.....subpar, and the LMT fanbois will kill you if you say anything about it. Send your barrel of choice to D.Willson to have him convert it over and you will be very happy. Really want to try a KAK downward vent K spec AR10 BCG they have coming out in a build. The Zion 25 is SR25 spec, so hopefully it will work in it. But the regular KAK BCG is a favorite of mine and i would recommend it in a build. But the world is yours when it comes to the build. Make it whatever you want. Also just saw your reddit thread before this. I was trying to info on the buffer used in the Zion 25. So that is funny. |
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