LMT Defense (Lewis Machine & Tool Company) attended SHOT Show’s “Industry Day at the Range” and brought with them some very cool firearms like many companies in attendance. All of our left-handed shooters in the audience will be glad to hear that for 2019 LMT Defense is producing completely ambidextrous versions of their MARS (Modular Ambidextrous Rifle System) firearms.

The two rifles they had on hand at the Long-Range bay of the Industry Day at the Range were a MARS-L (MARS rifle “Light”) and a MARS-H (MARS rifle “Heavy”). The MARS-L was chambered in 5.56 NATO and was impressively accurate out to 300 – 400 yards. For those of you in the peanut gallery thinking that’s not very far I would agree with you, but bear in mind I am not a “long range” guy. I rarely shoot over 100 yards so the accuracy was absolutely impressive!

This rifle had a 2-stage trigger and one of LMT Defense’s iconic monolithic upper assemblies. It also boasted a QD (quick detach) endplate and all ambidextrous controls. The MARS-H that was brought out to the range was chambered in the tremendously popular 6.5 Creedmoor and that was equally accurate. The MARS-H 6.5 Creedmoor got pushed out to 800 yards roughly and performed great as well. Like its little brother the MARS-L, the MARS-H has 100% ambidextrous controls, a monolithic upper assembly, and a 2-stage trigger.

Although LMT Defense was able to bring these rifles out to SHOT Show to show all of us, they are not on their website yet and they have not pinned down a definitive pricepoint. It should be along similar lines as their other rifles, but we do not have a hard number yet.

So the MARS-L and MARS-H going fully ambidextrous should excite a lot of left-handed shooters, but what do all the right-handed folks think? Is this something you would spring some money for and add to your arsenal? Let us know what you think in the Comments below! We always appreciate your feedback.