The Six8-UCIW assault rifle was developed by American small arms manufacturer LWRC International. Based on their own M6 family of rifles, which in turn are an evolutionary versions of the ubiquitous AR-15 platform, LWRC Six8 series of rifles is unusual in that it is specifically adapted for slightly larger and more powerful (than 5.56mm/.223) 6.8x43mm SPC ammunition. Originally developed for US Special Forces, the 6.8mm SPC cartridge found relatively little acceptance in USA. However, Saudi Arabia and Jordan adopted 6.8mm ammunition for their respective Royal Guard units, and purchased significant numbers of select-fire LWRC Six8-UCIW (Ultra-Compact Individual Weapon) rifles starting in 2012. Semi-automatic versions of these rifles are available for law enforcement and civilian sales in USA, with variety of barrel lengths.
In service Six8-UCIW rifles are used with 6.8mm ammunition loaded with 90 grain (5.8 gram) bullets, with muzzle velocities from 8.5” barrel being around 2450 fps (750 m/s).
LWRC Six8-UCIW rifle is gas operated, using proprietary short stroke piston system. Bolt group, upper and lower receivers are specifically redesigned for 6.8mm ammunition. All firing controls are fully ambidextrous. Sighting equipment is installed using integrated Picatinny rails on the upper receiver and aluminum alloy forend. Rifle is equipped with shortened buffer / stock tube and M4-style telescoped stock. Ammunition is fed from 30-round plastic magazines, developed by Magpul specifically for 6.8x43mm cartridges.
Specification | Value |
---|---|
Full text name | LWRC Six8-UCIW assault rifle (USA) |
Caliber cartridge | 6.8 Remington SPC (6.8x43) |
Action type | select-fire |
Trigger type | sa |
Overall length, mm | 692 |
Length, folded, mm | 610 |
Barrel length, mm | 216 |
Weight empty, kg | 2.83 |
Magazine capacity, rounds | 30 |
Cyclic rate of fire, rounds/min | 700 - 900 |