Back to the Battle Rifle... New Zealand Army adopts LMT MWS.

Following the lead of the Brits, the New Zealand Army has adopted the LMT MWS in 7.62NATO as their new Designated Marksman Rifle. It looks like a 20" barrel, Dueck Defense offset BUIS, Leupold MK4 4.5-14x50mm.

Click here for the YouTube video from NZ Defense Force: New NZ Army Marksman Rifle

With US SOCOM, the Aussies, the Brits, and now the Kiwis all adopting a modern 7.62NATO battle rifle in the last couple of years it appears that some consider the Battle Rifle essential in modern day combat.

After sorting out my AR15 collection I have been jonesing for a new Battle Rifle for a time (I currently own 3 surplus NZDF Lithgow L1A1s in New Zealand and a DSA FAL/SA58 here in the US) and the LMT MWS has been on the short list with the LaRue OBR. This just may push me over the edge to get an LMT MWS with Leupold MK4 and an offset BUIS or AimPoint. It looks like the NZ Army went with a 20" barrel rather than the 16" the Brits chose.

Cameron

Larue OBR for the win [M2]

I want one pretty bad and think they would have been a better choice.

Cameron, are you a Kiwi?

I have a few friends over there. How difficult is it to obtain the permits for centerfire rifles? I know the prices are pretty high and they require thumbholes, however there doesn't appear to be any laws about supressors and the seem common.

H.

Yes, I'm a Kiwi, but my primary residence in now here in Colorado I married one of you Yanks and now I'm making Yankiwis!!

A standard rifle/shotgun permit is easy to get, and you can certainly own military spec rifles without thumbhole stocks but you would need an E-Category license for military pattern semi-autos

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Types of firearms licences
If you are 16 years or over and have or use a firearm (except under immediate supervision of a licence holder) you need a firearms licence.

A standard firearms licence allows you to have and use sporting type shotguns and rifles. You also need this licence if you are aged 16 and 17 years and wish to buy or use an airgun. Standard licences are valid for 10 years. A licence holder will require an endorsement to:

Own pistols (B endorsement)
Collect firearms, or stage theatrical performances involving firearms (C endorsement)
Own or possess military style semi-automatic rifles or shot guns (E endorsement)

A visitor's licence is for a person visiting New Zealand and is valid for 12 months, or when the person leaves (which ever is shorter). Applicants must show they are a bona fide shooter in their own country. People intending to stay in New Zealand for more than 12 months must apply for a standard licence.

A dealer's Licence is for arms dealers who buy, sell or make firearms by way of business. This licence is valid for one year. People who hire out firearms also require a licence.

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You can actually own fully functioning full auto machine guns in New Zealand with a Collectors License (you just can't shoot them).

My sister used to be a firearms officer with the New Zealand police.

Cameron

Why are these rifles so damn expensive!?! I am switching to a .308 platform myself and these prices make an M1A look down right cheap!

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Originally Posted by Cameron

Following the lead of the Brits, the New Zealand Army has adopted the LMT MWS in 7.62NATO as their new Designated Marksman Rifle. It looks like a 20" barrel, Dueck Defense offset BUIS, Leupold MK4 4.5-14x50mm.

Click here for the YouTube video from NZ Defense Force: New NZ Army Marksman Rifle

With US SOCOM, the Aussies, the Brits, and now the Kiwis all adopting a modern 7.62NATO battle rifle in the last couple of years it appears that some consider the Battle Rifle essential in modern day combat.

After sorting out my AR15 collection I have been jonesing for a new Battle Rifle for a time (I currently own 3 surplus NZDF Lithgow L1A1s in New Zealand and a DSA FAL/SA58 here in the US) and the LMT MWS has been on the short list with the LaRue OBR. This just may push me over the edge to get an LMT MWS with Leupold MK4 and an offset BUIS or AimPoint. It looks like the NZ Army went with a 20" barrel rather than the 16" the Brits chose.

Cameron

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Need to get that Fal's older brother (SAR48). Always loved that rifle.

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Originally Posted by Ready Room

Why are these rifles so damn expensive!?!

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Because they're based on the AR platform!

Get yourself a PTR-91 with an 18" barrel and don't look back!

::hides::

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Originally Posted by DD977GM2

Larue OBR for the win [M2]

I want one pretty bad and think they would have been a better choice.

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How so?

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Originally Posted by Graves

How so?

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I have no real facts to base it on. I just like Larue much better but I do really like the LMT products. [Coffee]

Can't argue with that. [Beer]