NRA Gun of the Week: LWRCI SMG 45 Pistol

by
posted on May 15, 2020

It was at the 2019 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits that LWRCI, manufacturer of high-performance rifle systems, unveiled its very own semi-automatic pistol. After years in the making and a soft launch of its select-fire cousin at SHOT Show 2015, the SMG 45 came to the commercial market as a hybrid design, blending attributes of the AR-15 with LWRCI’s own engineering principles.

Right-side view of LWRCI SMG 45 pistol on white background with text callout for make and model


Built on a hard-coat anodized lower receiver, LWRCI’s SMG 45 provides its Monoforged, detachable upper receiver with an action type operating within via a form of delayed-blowback that utilizes the bolt’s short-recoil delay system that adjusts the timing of the bolt’s reciprocation.

As such, folks wishing to suppress the 26”-long pistol will require a booster/Neilson device attached to the 8.5” cold-hammer-forged chrome-moly steel barrel. The unit does come threaded .578"x28 TPI.

Right-side view of LWRCI SMG 45 on white background showing the gun's folding brace.


An SB Tactical skeletonized brace is included and attached to an LWRCI adapter that allows the unit to fold and provides for a compact overall length of only 15.3”. With the brace in its ready position, the total length comes to 26” and the pistol tips the scales at just under 6 lbs.

Front and rear Magpul MBUS Pro fli-up sights on white background


LWRCI includes its user-configurable rail system that extends the full length of the pistol’s upper receiver providing the end user with options to accessorize, whether Picatinny rail, sling adapters, polymer rail covers, or additional sights are needed.

Black pistol in hands of shooter removing the magazine.


A non-reciprocating charging handle is included with the SMG 45 that also folds tight to the gun and is reversible for left- or right-hand operation. The gun’s safety, bolt release and magazine release actuators are provided in a bilateral configuration and the former two are carried over from the companies M6 AR-15-style rifles.

LWRCI SMG 45 polymer magazine on white background.


Feeding the pistol is completed via polymer UMP-style magazines designed by Heckler & Koch and made in the U.S. Capacity is for 25 rounds and LWRCI ships two its with SMG 45. Magpul MBUS Pro adjustable flip-up style sights come standard, as well LWRCI furnishes its Ultra Combat Grip.

Man with protective shooting gear on a range facing the camera with a LWRCI SMG 45.

To learn more about the LWRCI SMG 45 pistol, watch our NRA Gun of the Week video above.

LWRCI SMG 45 Specifications
Make: LWRC International
Model: SMG 45
Action Type: short-recoil-delayed, blowback-operated, semi-automatic, center-fire pistol
Chambering: .45 ACP    
Receivers: aluminum
Barrel: 8.5” cold-hammer-forged, chrome-moly steel
Magazine: 25-round polymer
Sights: Magpul MBUS Pro adjustable
Brace: SB Tactical, folding
MSRP: $2,995
www.lwrci.com

Further Reading:
SHOT Show 2020: LWRCI SMG 45
LWRCI: Building a Better Carbine
Building an Exotic Compact 9 mm AR-15 Pistol
LWRCI R.E.P.R. MKII Rifle Review

Extras:
ARTV: LWRCI IC-Di Review


LWRCI IC-PDW


NRA Gun of the Week: LWRCI SIX8 Razorback Rifle


150 Years of Winchester, Part 1


NRA Gun of the Week: U.S. Springfield Armory M1 Garand Rifle

Latest

British Pattern 1801 Sea Service Pistol held in hand outdoors shooting firing blackpowder muzzleloading
British Pattern 1801 Sea Service Pistol held in hand outdoors shooting firing blackpowder muzzleloading

I Have This Old Gun: British Pattern 1801 Sea Service Pistol

One of the mainstays in the British Royal Naval arsenal of small arms was the Pattern 1801 Sea Service Pistol, a design that equipped sailors for ship-to-ship fighting.

New For 2025: Hi-Point Large Format Pistols

Hi-Point Firearms expanded its handgun lineup with large-format pistol variants of its popular pistol-caliber carbines.

SAAMI Conference Reflects Growing Industry Dedication To Innovation

“This year’s record attendance is a clear indication of the importance of this event to the ammunition and firearm development and testing community, as well as government and law enforcement test labs and procurement activities,” said Joe Bartozzi, SAAMI president and CEO.

Favorite Firearms: Outstanding Customer Service!

I purchased my first pistol, a .32-cal. Walther PPK in 1969. Why choose a .32 ACP and not a more powerful .380 ACP? Because .32 was the chambering that Ian Fleming’s fictional character James Bond switched to when Q forced him to give up his beloved .25-cal. Beretta.

 

Preview: N8 Tactical Mini Xecutive

The Mini Xecutive from N8 Tactical is an inside-the-waistband holster intended to be carried in the appendix position.

A Pair Of Fiesty Felines: The 80X Cheetah And 30X Tomcat Get Home Bag

Few manufacturers have embraced the mouse-gun concept as thoroughly as Beretta—and proof is in the updates to its two smallest pistol lines.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.