The LC-3AR is a refreshed version of what was LCT’s big hit back in 2017. The launch of the LC-3 A3 sparked a lot of passion among players, so the Taiwanese brand didn’t stop there and has continued producing different variants of the model to satisfy the varied tastes of its fans. 

Among the different models announced so far, one of the ones that has caught our attention the most is the LC-3AR, a modernized version featuring a RIS handguard and an LTS stock as its main characteristics. A series of touches that give this replica, with so much history behind it, a more tactical and up-to-date feel. 

EXTERNALS 

RIS 
The handguard, with RIS on the lower part and on both sides, allows us to complete the model by attaching a bipod or grips (due to the weight of the model, vertical grips worked better for us than angled ones), although we can also opt for flashlights or AN/PEQs. A handguard may arrive in the near future that will still allow customization but with a KeyMod or M-Lok system, as this would help reduce weight somewhat.

STOCK 
The LCT LTS stock weighs only 243 g because it is made of nylon; however, it offers great storage capacity. In addition to the space inside the buffer tube, there is an additional compartment parallel to the butt pad (easily accessed by pressing a button on the top), plus two more side compartments in Crane Stock style. This makes it easy to fit almost any battery you may have at home.

100% STEEL 
This model is 100% steel, except for the pistol grip, the stock, and a few other parts made of high-strength polymer. For this reason, LCT claims it as the first replica of this model in the world to be made entirely of steel. And this is something you notice as soon as you pick it up: its 4.65 kg (the same as its real counterpart) do not go unnoticed. 
  
FIRE SELECTOR 

The fire selector has three positions: 

• “E” (“Einzelfeuer”) – semi-automatic mode 
• “F” (“Feuerstoß”) – automatic mode 
• S” (“Sicher”) – safe mode 

It is not ambidextrous, but on the right side there is a notch indicating its position. As a curiosity, note that the markings on this side are rotated 90° so the operator can see them more easily. 

REAL ACCESSORIES 
The similarity to the real model allows you to mount real bipods or sights such as the Hensoldt with STANAG claw mount, or alternatively a low-profile mount to use it with any other optic. And although it has little practical use in airsoft, it is also prepared to mount a bayonet using the LC-3 Bayonet Adapter, which will be sold separately and will be appreciated by many reenactors. 

INTERNALS
If the externals of the model have been updated, the same has been done with the internals, offering a version 2 gearbox with excellent performance.

Spring 
The spring may vary depending on the country to comply with local power regulations. In this case, and perhaps because it is a prototype, it comes with an M120 spring that gave us 400 FPS. It also includes a metal spring guide with bearings that improve spring torsion.

Pneumatic assembly 
The components are of high quality: a piston with fully metal teeth fitted with a metal piston head with bearings, as well as a steel cylinder that is airtight to make full use of the air volume.

Motor and gears 
This model is equipped with a Hi-Torque motor that drives metal gears running on 9 mm bearings (to reduce power loss due to friction), improving the overall performance of the replica. What does this mean? That we can fire an average of 625 BBs per minute using a 7.4 V battery.

Bolt catch 
The functional bolt catch design allows access to the proprietary hop-up through the ejection port. The chamber allows adjustment via a transverse wheel (G36 style and increasingly common on M4s). The 515 mm barrel has an internal diameter of 6.05 mm and delivers excellent performance in game—something that will make many shooters happy. 
  
CONCLUSION: 
After covering the most classic models, LCT has launched this version that brings together features few players will be able to resist. Perhaps the weight, exceeding four and a half kilos, may be a barrier for some—but come on, it’s a 100% pure steel replica, just like the real one! If realism is your thing, this is definitely an option you shouldn’t miss.