LMT R20 RAHE Estonian Reference Rifle (Piston MARS-L)
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 21 ต.ค. 2024
- Review of the LMT R20 RAHE (Hail) Estonian service rifle. A great take on a piston driven AR built by the best in the business.
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Fun fact that most people don't know: There's a pin on the trigger guard that you can push with your cartridge tip and thanks to this you can move the trigger guard out of the way. Designed for extreme Estonian winters, so you could still fire your rifle, even if you have big gloves or mittens on. Weird that no reviewer on youtube has shown this, you could be the first one :)
Useful. I live in a desert with top notch offroading and tons of people around here stay for the vast expanse of sandy desert offroading ECT. So much so they literally legalized off-road vehicles for road use if you register them and get road insurance. During the winter the snow covers the ground and if you don't know the land like the back of your hand you'll easily have major problems. There is big ditches naturally formed where the rainwater carved away over the years. They fill up with snow and dissapear. So flat ground if you drive your 4 wheeler on it you'll totally sink all the way under. So you really have to know exactly where you're at in the winters. People wear these below -30 degree rated thermal suits because when its 25 degrees out and you're driving a 4wheeler through the wind it feels like 0. The gloves you wear keep your hands not warm at these temps, but not nessessarily cold. That being said, just to not be cold these gloves are like gauntlet gloves. They have big covers that tighten down around your arms to seal. They are multi layered gloves. It's like wearing 2-3 gloves at once. So the fingers of the gloves get big and thick to the point your hands are less flexible significantly. This keeps driving above the snow in the cold to be bearable, plus if you fall into a ditch and get stuck under the snow the suit will keep you warm while you're buried in snow. So these gloves are seriously thick esspecially because they have branch guards on the fingers and knuckles ECT. There's no way you're easily manipulating the trigger of a rifle without being able to get the trigger guard out of the way. Even then it'll be a tight fit because there is only so much room Infront of the trigger.
So if someone is on a mission somewhere on an off-road vehicle in the snow at winter time, that little trigger guard being able to move is a much bigger deal than you would think. Esspecially because out here there is packs of wolves that wander around at night time. So if youre 4wheelee breaks down way away from home and you're stuck out in the cold into the night, you're going to want big thick thermal suit in order to survive the night, and if you don't have a gun in the winter where the food for the wild animals is more sparse and the animals are more hungry and willing to pick fights they wouldn't have before, you're going to want a gun that works with your thermal suit and not agaisnt it. I went camping one time in the the summer and all I bought was a .38 revolver with 6 shots. In the middle of the night there was two seperate groups of wolves howling a ways out on either side of me and that's when I realized 6 shots wasn't going to be enough in a worse case scenario 😂 this rifle would be much more adequate for the situations you run into in my area.nie big capacity Incase a bunch of wolves try to eat you. Adaptations for thicker gloves built for lower temperature rated thermal gear. Monolithic upper receiver probably helps increase durability in the event you fly off the 4wheeler and the rifle gets banged, crushed, landing on rocks, ECT. It's just a pretty darn expensive rifle, but it's not like you don't get the advantages that come along with it also. I'll be saving up. Good looking rifle too. It's just man, 3500 before sales tax, and you want to get a nice scope of course, maybe a suppressor and a light. With the illegal tax stamps ECT, suddenly before you know it you're at 5k just in your rifle setup 😐😬 you sure get what you pay for but that's not cheap. My car is worth 5k 😂
It was not designed for Estonia. It was design an M16/M4 specific design for winter gloves. It does matter how much you modify the trigger guard with after market guards, in extremely cold temperature where thick winter gloves are necessary, it will always be better to open the trigger guard than to enlarge it.
A standard, mil-spec trigger guard swings out too. The enhancement that LMT has made is that the trigger guard is roomier even when closed.
It was a standard trigger guard with all M16A1's and most probably thought everyone was aware as it dates back to the 60's. Just saying.😂
Thank you for the good overview of this rifle. A few corrections/amendments:
The Estonia rifle ships with an H2 buffer, not an H, as do all LMT external piston-operated rifles. This is both to counter the carrier bounce, as you described, and to slow the increased carrier velocity of the piston action with added mass.
The bolt carrier has a nickle-based finish, not chrome. There are also several enhancements beyond the relieved rails, but that's a longer discussion for another time. The bolt is slightly enhanced over a mil-spec, with one feature carried over from the more expensive, full-on LMT enhanced bolt: there is a stress relief radius cut behind the locking lugs. This is to increase the lifespan of the lugs, which with high round counts are prone to shear-off due to concentrated stress where on a mil-spec bolt they meet at a right angle.
The piston plug that comes on the Estonia reference rifle is, as you described, one-position, because that's what Estonia asked for. However, it is worth noting that the gas block is fully compatible with the newest generation of LMT two-position piston plugs (suppressed and unsupressed settings), so you can swap that out if you really want to (albeit after buying another $50 part).
Dude you deserve to be up there with all the big gun youtubers, excellent videos.
Thank you!!
Thanks this is the most in depth clear review of this....I think these would have been a better pick for the US military over the 416....
True that, this is a far superior weapon system in my opinion. Similar in theory and operation but far superior.
@@draggboy yep. And made in the US...I might be crazy but all the shit going on what if some old east German sentiments take over and they want to deal with the Ruskies where do we source our rifles? Why not keep at least our rifles and tanks made at home.
I wouldn’t say it’s FAR superior. I mean, come on guys, the HK 416 is a phenomenal platform/system. That said, the LMT is superior overall. It offers the same reliability, function, quality, and more modularity.
@@alexferrara9287HK416 has a great barrel but in all other ways eg. Weight, Controls, Rail system it is an inferior weapon.
Earned my like at the "sometimes maybe good" cut-away! Well done video. Keep it up!
Thanks for the review and including some actual information that many people might not have know. The details in these piston and non-piston LMT rifles are what set them apart from probably any other similar fighting rifle out there, and why I think they're honestly a pinch above even KAC. I wasn't aware the RAHE didn't have a suppressed setting. I have a new piston LMT that has basically all of the same things in common with the RAHE including the new trigger, but the fact it has a suppressed setting on the gas block is highly key so now I'm glad I actually got the standard model. Yes, mine didn't come with the iron sights stock but it does come with the more desirable LMT stock. Good job. And yeah... a forged monolithic upper vs a standard milled 6061 two piece upper... plus quick barrel swaps AND operating system swaps... who could you possibly say makes a better upper than that.
Crazy LMT MRP has been out for almost 20 years and now they are finally getting the credit they deserve . I bought my first MRP 10 years ago .
IMO LMT MRP is by far the best system for any civilian or warfighter
Now if only they had barrels in stock often their monolithic system would be far more useful. I love my 11.5 LMT but def dont get a lot of use out of the quick change barrel system
@@totenfurwotan4478 LMT used to be one of the best kept secrets. LMT parts were always in STOCK until 5 years ago or so ..
The MRP system makes sense if you are using multiple diffrent cartridges / barrels . Where it makes the most sense is for Mil or SWAT operators who have multiple roles on their team . The configs are endless from 556 , 300B or 6ARC . Obviously they can change gas systems and barrel lengths .
My time in Estonian defence force was before Rahe and am shure this platform is really good!
Interesting note. The irons on mine came dead on at 100 yards. Couldn’t believe it. I was able to zero my RD by matching the irons. I don’t know if lmt zeros them at the factory or if the machining tolerances are just that exact. Either way I was impressed to say the least.
I got mine last month and really enjoy it thus far. It's quite expensive though but I think it will retain its value, even years from now.
Yeah it is. I went to see if I could buy a complete upper but saw the price tag to this one. I’ll just stick with my ar-15s. Nice job though
Great overview video! I hope you do one on other piston driven systems, I have my eye on the LWRC A5
Thank you!
Excellent channel dude. The LMT hype is real.
Good review. You definitely know your stuff.
That thing is soooooo nice. Nice price tag as well .
Thanks for the review. Succinct, crisp and well done. FWIW, and you may know, you can *purchase* LMT's 2 position piston plug to allow for a lower gassed suppressor setting. I emphasize *purchase* as when I called LMT and inquired about their offering a selectable gas block with a setting of "one", they indicated the commercial version is modeled after the standard Estonian issue rifle and that only very select Estonian units evidently get the 2 position piston plug. Still, seems to me, for the cost of this thing, the 2 position plug would be included. C'mon LMT. Either way, I'm an LMT fan so I scored one (despite my above compliant) and should have it by the weekend. Glad to hear the recoil is reasonable and the weight (an initial concern) isn't excessive. I'm curious, given your last few comments, do you plan on installing the enhanced bolt?
Thanks for that info! I'm glad to know they're compatible 😎 My barrel is currently being chopped to 12", but if it's still gassy with a can on it, I'll invest in the 2 position. As for the e-bolt, I have one in an MLC, but I don't really feel the need to add one to my R20. I feel like it's only necessary if you're feeding a steady diet of M855A1.
Thanks for the kind words and feedback!
did you run it with the 2 position yet??
The sand cuts happen to cause premature wear on the inside of the upper. i bought one months ago and have roughly 5000 rounds through it and can tell there is wear
Excellent concise review, thanks!
🙏
My man with the freshest shirts in the biz.
you can buy the piston plug for the reference rifle for suppressor use. part number is R-L7S1B6CF
Well done
Thank you Chris! Means a lot that you approve. Hey I'll be reaching out through Patreon later next month. Got some fun projects I'd love to send your way. -Ahmad
I disagree about the grip, I think it's great! I like contoured grips, and this is simply a better ergo grip with a more secure storage compartment. It looks cool, too.
This is a fantastic video
Great review.
If I swap out the muzzle device with a pin and welded surefire closed tine (non warcomp or ported), would it still meet 16 inches? Thanks!
I think the closed tine would be cutting it close. Def check with Dave Wilson. They usually do ported warcomps because they work fine down to 13.9.
Why don't the lower have a 3 position on the selector, what about dropping in a binary
Are you sure that’s a Gemtech flash hider? Looks more like a GSL.
With the Estonian Reference rifle semi-auto, is it possible to modify the piston plug so you can run suppressed?
Yes,with my knowledge,the reference rifle can do everything besides full alto that the r20 can do
This or the radian model 1?
This.
Good content
Is the bolt carrier full auto cut, or semiauto?
It does matter, binary triggers exist
Full auto
@@derrickrr5516 thank you, perfect
It says it’s “suppressor ready” so what can(s) fit on it? I suspect since it’s pinned and welded there’s only a select few.
Gemtech and GSL suppressors Bi-Lock suppressors and suppressor mounts.
MSRP is 3500 but you can get them for 2999
Stop letting your wife dressing you! 😂😂
The Estonians went balls to the wall in terms of part selection with the whole rifle but cheaped out on the stock? Bizzare. Should have just went w the standard CTR or mil spec m4 stock if that was the case.
F-16s are AF and not Navy,but I got your point. 😀
REPUBLICA ARGENTINA!!!
Also the Brit’s have LMT
Gotta test an MWS, best rifle I own.
I have a canteen green MWS, and a MARS-H. The MWS is my favorite rifle thus far. Very lucky to have it.
@@LeadSteel can’t beat that!
I'm sure it's awesome. LMT is an extremely good manufacture with brilliant engineers and armorers. It's also limited in production and nearly $4k. No thanks. Having a reliable, sub-moa Ar15 is about as difficult as keeping it maintained properly and choosing the correct ammunition for your barrel length and twist rate. The collectors can have as much fun as they want buying this thing and putting it into their safe. I'd rather put the money into more ammunition.
translation = I am too poor to afford top tier LMT and muh psa arro bcm dd is just as good
but I still am watching a LMT video and commenting..
zzzzzz
@@brighthought11 Translation: "I'm a barely functioning child". There, I think that's sufficient to explain your inept little rant. If you have the money to spend on this go ahead, I'm sure your parents won't mind you borrowing their credit card again.
@ Cmoth040
cope and seethe!!! cope and seethe!! keyboard warrior!
@@brighthought11 he may not be able to afford it but not many average Americans can spend 4K on a rifle.
You just don’t have to be a douche about it. I bet hand to hand I would unleash on you but it doesn’t mean I have to put you down because of it.
Geissele MK4 made from "7000 Series" aluminum..
How can you attach a suppressor?
Has a built in QD muzzle device for Gemtech and GSL suppressors.
@@tfkhc37 yes my local dealer explained to me , what you think about this $4600 gun and silencer with tax included and also all paper work. I’m really debating if to get it or wait instead for a KAC
@@elolam9514 I picked up my Estonia reference rifle a few hours ago and the lower had two deep nicks and the barrel has a shit ton of scratches. Honestly looks like whoever handled the rifle during the production process didn’t give a flying fuck about it. As you can see I’m pissed off but I’m keeping it anyway. This is the kinda shit I’ve grown to expect out of companies touted as “THE BEST.” It’s gonna be a well used rifle so I’m sure it’ll eventually get some dings and scratches but they need to come from me, not the factory! Maybe it’ll wind up being a sub moa gun and I’ll forget all about the nicks and scratches.
@@derrickrr5516 sheesh… yeah I would feel the same way! You’re paying for something new, and for sure paying a good penny.. how much did you pay for yours if you don’t mind me asking?
@@elolam9514 I found my friend a killer deal about two weeks ago, an estonia and GSL suppressor combo for $2999 plus tax and tax stamp. Came out to $3446 total for everything. Trying not to regret letting him grab it.
If you're not using your weapon to pry open doors, or use it as a truck tire jack, 6061 has better thermal conductivity. ie: absorbs heat and cools faster, and can withstand higher temperatures. 6061 is weldable, 7075 is not. 6061 is slightly lighter weight, cheaper, and easier to machine. Tensile strength of 7075 is not quite twice that of 6061, but has to be heat treated to get there. 6061 tensile strength is slightly less than carbon steel. So, IMO, 7075 is overpriced marketing hype in this aplication, and is inferior to 6061 where heat matters in a full auto rifle. Just saying, I wouldn't pay 30% to 50% more to have 7075
That's a fair assessment. Thanks for the input! Certainly depends on use case. I don't do enough shooting to justify higher thermal conductivity, but I certainly am a klutz! Maybe the monobloc unit is a better fit for me 😂
ok
This isn't marketing hype if you ask me. LMT doesn't even bother marketing the forged 7075 really all that much... their guns sell themselves so they don't market much in general. If they made the monolithic upper out of 6061 billet, they could sell them at the same price. You're paying that price to get a rifle like a KAC or LMT no matter what. Is there a reason they would choose forged 7075 over 6061 billet? Maybe the fact that it's monolithic, needs to be able to be really rigid for the barrel swapability? I don't know, I didn't test it during TandE but my guess is they went that route because it's the absolute most indestructible AR upper probably ever.
@@draggboy they'd lose a lot of customers if they went the el cheapo route. That's part of the whole selling point that you're buying the best. Plus LMT is one of few companies out there that sort of care about their commercial customers enough to have limited runs of their clone rifles.
its almost mind blowing how many people come onto LMT videos and make comments like 2-4k for a basic ar.. do some research before sounding stupid af, LMT is top tier for many reasons
•True Monolithic 1 piece upper receivers - stronger / superior to everything else on the market by a long shot, especially in terms of optics and laser zeroing, this is entirely undebatable.
•Quick change barrel systems = 2 torx nut's with exceptional return to zero capability - offering calibers from 9mm-556-300blk-308-270-338 etc
•gas blocks are pressed on to provide a tight gas seal and secured with a pressed cross pin / angled gas port to greatly reduce corrosion
•True fully ambidextrous lower receivers (DD are bringing these out this year, their design is not as good as LMT or ADM)
•enhanced bolt carrier and bolt - split gas port , cam path that delays unlocking, lengthened bolt support which centers the carrier with the barrel and reduces stress on the cam pin, debris cuts on the rails, lugs with larger radius cuts to prevent cracking, relief cuts to prevent breakage, lobster tail extractor, fully supported bolt face, removed lug to prevent breakage next to the extractor chrome coated and the bolt is made out of a superior material undisclosed , they and KAC have never had 1 break outside of the factory (Airmet)
•thicker profile cryogenically treated barrels that are heavier but heat up slower, great accuracy
Excellent rifle for sure, but I could probably do the same thing with BCM or SOLGW for half the cost, have more money leftover for ammo and training, and be more effective in a real world situation than the guy who thinks he has an advantage simply because he has the “better gun.” Again not to detract from the rifle but realistically what most people need most is training.
I love everything about this rifle, but it's absolutely fucking absurd that they stopped putting SOPMOD stocks on their $3000-$3500 guns, and they give you the bottom of the barrel, shittiest magpul stock that's made. Now I have to pay $200 more if I want an actual Sopmod stock. Almost enough to make me not buy the rifle on principle.
b5 sopmod for $80 shhhh
@@brighthought11 Putting a B5 SOPMOD stock on a LMT is sacrilege.
I agree. KAC does the same now. I though LMT was the OEM for those stocks but maybe i was wrong
@@totenfurwotan4478 NSWC/Crane designed the first SOPMOD stock, and made them in house. But LMT was the first company to get a contract making them widely.