I have been on record as disliking short barreled rifles ( SBR’s), not because I think you shouldn’t be allowed to own one, but because they are ineffective. The velocity loss from chopping a barrel below 16 inches in 5.56 caliber is catastrophic in terms of combat effectiveness, with shorter being exponentially worse. I felt the same way when I was in the Army, and I was totally against 10.5 barrels for Close Quarter Battle, which I taught. However, this week I got my hands on a combination that has made me rethink the value of an SBR.

Combine an SBR with Hornady’s new 75 grain INTERLOCK ammo, and you have a lethal combination. The ammunition is designed specifically to meet the FBI requirements for their short barreled 10.5″-11.5″ 5.56 rifles.


The LWRC PDW with the stock closed. The Hornady 75 grain Interlock ammunition tested in the video is specifically designed for better performance in short barrel rifles.

The first piece in this equation is the gun, the LWRC PDW. The PDW or Personal Defensive Weapon was built from the ground up as the most compact package available. Thanks to its collapsing stock, shortened buffer system, and 8.5 inch barrel, it delivers. The buffer and spring are attached to the shortened bolt, a stroke of engineering genius. The PDW is so small, I can fit it inside my jacket with very little printing. It is almost as small as an MP-5K and is much easier to use.

 

 

The simple two position stock snaps open with a light pull, providing rifle like recoil management, in submachine gun size. I wanted to hate this gun, but I can’t. It’s just so darn cute, and it handles like an Italian sports car. Recoil is surprisingly light for a very short system. LWRC obviously tuned the short stroke piston to bleed off the excess gasses, and the result is fantastic. The Enhanced Fire Control Group is far better than mil-spec on the trigger, a nice but often overlooked feature on a gun like this.

Stock fully extended

I don’t fall in love with guns often, but this is one of the coolest platforms I have picked up in recent memory. If you have ever even considered an SBR, this is the weapon of choice. For a briefcase or under the seat of your truck, you are going to love it.

Left side controls.

Right side controls

 

SPECS:

  • CALIBER:  5.56 NATO
  • BARREL:   8.5” 26.6cm
  • WEIGHT:   5.9 lbs
  • LENGTH:   20.5” – 25.5”
  • MUZZLE THREADS:  1/2×28 TPI
  • RIFLING:  1:7” RH
  • MSPR: $2400

Close up of the LWRC PDW shortened bolt and buffer.

The LWRC PDW breaks down easily for cleaning and maintenance.

 

 

 

Source: CLay Martin