LWRC surprised everyone at NRAAM this year by releasing a completely new platform, the SMG-45. It’s a .45 ACP subgun that takes HK UMP magazines. For the commercial market it will be available in both SBR and SB Tactical pistol-braced pistol forms.
A tubular folding stock graces the rear of the SBR version.
It features an adjustable length of pull and, based on the two screws seen in the top tube, possibly a facility for future cheek rests.
Over to the pistol and we see an SB Tactical pistol stabilizing brace.
The right side of the LWRC SMG-45 features a bolt release and bolt catch that mirrors the AR-style one on the left side. The safety lever is ambidextrous, too, as is the paddle-style magazine release under the rear of the magazine well.
A non-reciprocating forward charging handle can be swapped from the left to the right side depending on the user’s preference. Naturally, the muzzle is threaded.
Helping that threaded muzzle be more effective when suppressed and greatly cutting down on felt recoil as compared to a straight blowback system is a unique delayed blowback mechanism. The barrel and bolt travel rearwards together for a short distance before unlocking, which delays the opening of the action and allows the pressure to drop and more of the gas and pressure to exit the muzzle rather than the ejection port.
As you can see, the lower is marked “MULTI-CAL,” and LWRC says that conversions to at least 9×19 and possibly other calibers are on the way.
The new LWRCI SMG-45 is an extremely nice looking and feeling, high quality firearm. Fit, finish, and design are fantastic (though for the consumer market I could have gone for M-LOK slots rather than LWRC’s own attachment system). I’m extremely excited to hopefully put some rounds through one eventually.
But hoo-eee it ain’t cheap at an MSRP of $2,995.
