If you’re a hunter who’s been eyeing a modern sporting rifle that’s legal in straight-wall-only states and packs enough punch for whitetail, you’re going to want to take a hard look at the LWRCI IC DI chambered in .350 Legend. Built by one of the top names in premium ARs, this rifle blends tactical quality with deer-season practicality.
Last fall I joined a cadre of hunting writers for a couple days’ hunt in the Low Country of South Carolina to put the then-new LWRCI rifle through its paces. The good folks at South Carolina Waterfowl Association hosted our deer hunt on their nearly 1,400-acre Wildlife Education Center.
Tom Rickwalder, LWRCI’s director of marketing and communications, told the group that the rifles we were fielding marked the launch of a partnership with True Timber, hence their versatile Prairie camouflage bedazzlement.
We took it to the range and into the woods decked out with fine Leupold glass, and here’s how it held up.
First Impressions: Built Like a Tank
LWRCI doesn’t mess around when it comes to quality, and the IC DI is no exception. Straight out of the box, it feels solid, refined, and purpose-built. The monoforged 7075-T6 upper and lower fit together with zero slop, and the NiCorr-treated, cold hammer-forged 16.1-inch barrel screams longevity.
Everything about this rifle says “premium,” from the ambidextrous controls to the Magpul MOE SL stock and MOE+ grip. Whether you’re in gloves or bare-handed, it’s comfortable and easy to handle. Punching the rear pin, I took a look at the trigger internal workings and noticed something special.
It has a rubber wedge under the rear take-down pin, which helps keep the upper and lower receiver super tight when assembled. The first thing I do to my own AR-platform rifles is add the same aftermarket part to help improve lockup and accuracy.
LWRCI IC DI Rifle Key Specs:
Caliber: .350 Legend
Barrel: 16.1″, cold hammer-forged, 1:16″ twist
Operating System: Direct Impingement
Weight: Approx. 7.3 lbs
Trigger: LWRCI Enhanced Fire Control Group
Handguard: Free-float M-LOK
Stock: Magpul MOE SL
Finish: Hardcoat anodized or optional Cerakote on other versions
350 Legend on the Range: Soft Recoil, Workhorse Accuracy
The .350 Legend cartridge is known for its mild recoil and solid performance out to about 200 yards, and the IC DI makes the most of it. Paired with a 150-grain loads, this rifle zeroed fast and held 2 MOA groups for five shots at 100 yards.
Recoil? It’s barely there. This makes it an ideal choice for younger or recoil-sensitive shooters. Add a good optic, and you’ve got a deer-slaying machine that doesn’t punish your shoulder after a few rounds.
The enhanced trigger was a pleasant surprise — clean break, just the right amount of take-up, and no gritty feel. For a factory AR trigger, it’s excellent.
In the Field: Hunting-Ready Features
Legal in Straight-Wall States
One of the biggest wins here is that the .350 Legend cartridge is legal in straight-wall-only states like Ohio, Iowa, Indiana, and Michigan. If you’re a midwestern hunter, this rifle checks a big box.
Compact and Maneuverable
With a 16.1-inch barrel and carbine-length gas system, the IC DI is perfect for tree stands, ground blinds, and tight timber. It’s quick to shoulder and easy to carry, even on long treks.
Fast Follow-Up Shots
This is where the AR-15 platform shines. If your first shot doesn’t drop the deer, the semi-auto action lets you get back on target fast without throwing off your rhythm.
Customizable
With its M-LOK rail and standard AR-15 compatibility, you can deck this rifle out with whatever optics, slings, bipods, or accessories suit your style.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent build quality from a trusted brand
- Soft-shooting and accurate with .350 Legend
- Fully ambidextrous controls
- Legal in straight-wall-only hunting states
- Great out-of-the-box ergonomics and trigger
Cons:
- Price point may be high for some ($1,800+ MSRP)
- Slightly heavier than some budget ARs (~7.3 lbs)
LWRCI in 350 Legend: Final Verdict
Since I had a personal self-limitation against shooting button bucks or fawns on the outing, I didn’t get a chance to down a whitetail with the LWRCI carbine. But others in our group managed to bag a couple nice whitetails.
I was fortunate to get the rifle shipped home where I depleted my supply of .350 Legend ammo on my home range. To add another twist, I attached a Silencer Central Banish 46 and fired a few groups with Winchester Deer Season XP 150-grain loads. It kept five shots just under 2 MOA. When I switched to Winchester’s 145-grain FMJ, groups opened up slightly to just over 2 MOA, which is fine for this rifle-and-cartridge combo with range fodder.
If you’re looking for a top-tier AR that delivers legal compliance, hunting performance, and tactical-grade quality, the LWRCI IC DI in .350 Legend should absolutely be on your shortlist. It’s not the cheapest option out there, but it’s one of the most reliable, accurate, and well-built.
For serious hunters who want a modern rifle that performs just as well in the field as it does on the range, this is one to invest in.
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