Lewis Machine & Tool (LMT), a US-based manufacturer that supplies weaponry to, among other customers, the Estonian armed forces, will present the MARS L-9 pistol caliber carbine at this year’s SHOT Show. Chambered for 9mm x 19 Parabellum cartridges, it employs an operating principle rarely seen in such designs – a short-stroke gas piston system.
Visually, the L-9 distinguishes itself from other members of the MARS lineup with an integrated flared magazine well adapted for Glock magazines. A second-generation version utilizing different magazines is expected to be released in the future.
The carbine stands out with key features of the MARS lineup, including:
- Double ejector bolt,
- Monolithic upper MRP (monolithic rail platform) – upper receiver and handguard form a single part,
- Quick barrel change system,
- full ambidextrous controls.
Photos: Mex Armory
The L-9 was first introduced to the public at the 2022 SHOT Show. The presented version featured an 8-inch (203mm) barrel and an M-LOK system on the handguard. Its weight was 2475 grams. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price at that time was approximately $2800, which was close to the price of other rifles in the same lineup chambered in 5.56mm x 45 NATO (MARS-L MRP – $2749).
Advertising cooperation: LMT products are available at Mex Armory.
