# LMT Defense MARS-LS MLC 5.56mm 16in

**Brand:** LMT Defense
**Category:** AR Style Rifles
**Caliber:** 5.56 NATO

## Specifications

- **Caliber:** 5.56 NATO
- **Barrel Length:** 16"
- **UPC:** 815415016962
- **SKU:** UCEM3qJMI

## Description

The LMT Defense MLC is a piston-driven 5.56mm rifle built on LMT's MARS (Monolithic Advanced Rifle System) platform with a 16 inch barrel. The monolithic upper ties the barrel nut, gas block, and rail into a single unit for a rigid front end. It uses 7075-T6 aluminum receiver components with a steel barrel, and the piston operation is built to keep the action running under a wide range of conditions.

### Key Specifications
- **Brand:** LMT Defense
- **Model:** MARS-LS MLC
- **Caliber:** 5.56mm
- **Operation:** Piston-driven
- **Barrel Length:** 16 in
- **Receiver Material:** 7075-T6 aluminum
- **Barrel Material:** Steel

### Detailed Features
- 16 inch barrel balances velocity and handling for a piston-driven AR-pattern rifle
- Piston operation keeps combustion gas out of the receiver for cleaner cycling
- MARS monolithic upper joins the gas block and rail into one rigid unit
- 7075-T6 aluminum receiver construction paired with a steel barrel
- High strength receiver components pair with a steel barrel for a durable overall build

## What Customers Say

*AI-generated insights from customer reviews*

LMT has a strong reputation in the AR-pattern space for tight tolerances and monolithic upper receivers, and owners of the piston-driven MARS platform describe the action as staying cleaner over a long shooting session than a comparable direct impingement gun. A few note that piston rifles carry more weight up front and benefit from a proper break-in of the op-rod.

A 16 inch barrel on a piston gun runs a bit more muzzle heavy than the same length in direct impingement, but the monolithic MARS rail keeps the front end rigid enough that optics tend to hold zero well under recoil. Shooters who value that rigidity for mounting accessories rate the MLC highly for it.

LMT parts and complete rifles carry a higher price than mainstream direct impingement AR-pattern offerings, and piston conversion parts and armorer knowledge are more specialized than for those guns. Owners who have shot the MLC generally feel the fit, finish, and receiver quality justify the added cost.

## Pricing

**2 offers available**

| Vendor | Price |
|--------|-------|
| Buds Gun Shop | $2777.99 |
| Guns Com | $2978.99 |

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*Data from [GunsNation](https://gunsnation.com)*