LR-300
Summary
| Country | 🇺🇸 United States |
| Category | Assault rifle |
| Manufacturer | Z-M Weapons |
Technical specifications
| LR-300 | |
|---|---|
| Fire Rate | 950 rounds/min. |
| Caliber | 5.56 x 45 mm OTAN |
| Magazine | 30 rounds |
| Length | 914 mm (36.0 in) |
| Weight | 3.26 kg (7.2 lb) |
| Range | 300 m (984 ft) |
Description
The Z-M LR-300 is an American select-fire assault rifle designed by gunsmith Allan Zitta and manufactured by Z-M Weapons. The design originated as a stockless short-barreled pistol version of an AR-15 receiver used by Allan Zitta in target shooting competitions. This later entered commercial production as the Master Blaster in 1996. Zitta subsequently developed the design into a full rifle configuration featuring a folding stock. Conversion kits based on the design have also been offered for AR-15 rifles. In 2008, the LR-300 was offered under the name Para Tactical Target Rifle (TTR) as a result of a joint collaboration between Para USA and ZM Weapons.
The design is based on AR-15, M16, and C7 rifles but incorporates a unique semi-direct gas impingement system intended to address fouling issues associated with the traditional AR-15 system. This system is described as a modified direct impingement system or delayed impingement gas system. A forward-mounted return spring replaces the traditional AR-15 receiver extension (buffer tube), allowing for the use of a folding stock, typically folding to the left side; fixed stock options are also available. The exterior design has undergone revisions since its introduction. The proprietary upper receiver is taller and thicker than a standard AR upper to accommodate the forward buffer and gas system. The handguard has a removable top cover for accessing the recoil spring system during disassembly, and the charging handle is proprietary. LR-300ML models feature flat-top receivers with Picatinny rails for various sighting systems. Common controls like the trigger, forward assist, magazine release, and bolt hold release are identical to the AR-15. The barrel has a 1:9 inch (230 mm) twist ratio, is chrome lined, and fitted with a Phantom flash suppressor. When fired, the LR-300 is stated to have a built-in counter-recoil mechanism designed to offset muzzle rise, reducing recoil compared to the M16.
The LR-300 has been produced in several configurations. Military/law enforcement models include:
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LR-300 ML-A with an 11.53 in (293 mm) barrel, aluminum forend, and select-fire (semi-auto, burst)
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LR-300 ML-N with an 11.53 in (293 mm) barrel, Nylatron forend with attachable Picatinny rails, and select-fire
Sport rifle models for semi-auto fire include:
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LR-300 SR-A with a 16.49 in (419 mm) barrel and aluminum forend
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LR-300 SR-N with a 16.49 in (419 mm) barrel and Nylatron forend with attachable Picatinny rails
Handguard variants listed are LR-300 AXL (aluminium quad), LR-300 AXLT (aluminium partial), and LR-300 NXL (Nylatron).
Variants under the Para Tactical Target Rifle name include the TTR-XA (full length aluminum quad rail handguard), TTR-XAS (aluminum handguard with partial bottom/side rails), TTR-XASF (aluminum handguard with partial bottom/side rails, fixed stock), and TTR-XN (Nylatron handguard).