[SHOT 2022] LMT MARS-L9 Pistol Caliber Carbine (GLOCK Mags)
by
Austin R
Published: January 18th, 2022
[SHOT 2022] LMT MARS-L9
LMT unveiled the newest addition to its lineup with the MARS-L9. The L9 incorporates features from the legendary MARS family of rifles and looks to make a big splash in the PCC market. I had the chance to shoot the MARS-L9 and talk with LMT about it during Shot Show’s Industry Day at the Range.
[SHOT 2022] LMT MARS-L9
[SHOT 2022] LMT MARS-L9
From the factory, the MARS-L9 is fully ambidextrous and truly carries all your controls over to the right-hand side of the gun for left-handed shooters.
[SHOT 2022] LMT MARS-L9
This first generation of the MARS-9L features a flared magazine well that accepts 15, 17, 21, or 32 round factory Glock magazines. Of course, aftermarket Glock magazines will work as well. LMT indicated there would be a 2nd gen in the future that would accept other industry-standard magazines.
[SHOT 2022] LMT MARS-L9
The MARS-L9 uses a short-stroke gas piston for operation and features a very robust double ejector bolt (similar to their 308 rifles) for added reliability.
[SHOT 2022] LMT MARS-L9
Overall the LMT MARS-L9 is a very welcome addition to the PCC market. The monolithic upper paired their MRP system means barrels can be removed/swapped quickly. They indicated they’re already considering caliber conversions for future versions. The gun on display (and in use) here at shot features an 8in barrel and stock, so it will be sold as an SBR. However, their catalog indicates they’ll be selling a non-NFA pistol variant as well.
The MARS-L9 is slated to be released in Q3 of this year with an MSRP of roughly $2,800. A special thank you to the LMT staff here at SHOT for walking me through this newest addition to the LMT lineup.
Product Specifications
- Model: MARS-L9
- Caliber: 9mm
- Operation: Short Stroke Piston
- Handguard: MLOK
- Finish: Mil-Spec Anodized Aluminum, Mil-Spec Phosphated Steel
- Stock: LMT PDW or 6 Position SOPMOD
- Muzzle Device: A2 Birdcage 1/2 x 28 thread
- Magazine: Glock
- Barrel Length: 8″
- Barrel Material/Twist: Chrome Moly / 1:10″
- Rifle Length Collapsed: 22.33″ (562mm)
- Rifle Length Extended: 25.6″ (650mm)
- Weight: 5.5lbs
- MSRP: ~$2,800
- Release Date: Q3 2022
The author is a military contractor who enjoys conducting independent firearms research and reloading. Article inquiries and suggestions are welcome at austinjrex at gmail.com
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The price includes the tax stamp, right?
Knowing this isn't DBB is excellent, but I'm still more interested in their double-stack lower that will take either MP5, Scorpion, or MPX mags by the sounds of it. Oh god... I hope it doesn't take Colt mags.