Lewis Machine Tool LMT Defender 2000 16″ 5.56/.223 AR 15 Semi Auto Rifle
SOLD FOR: $1,186.00
LSB#: LSB251104JH006
Make: Lewis Machine Tool
Model: Defender 2000
Serial Number: LMT50917
Year of Manufacture: Modern
Caliber: Multi / 5.56 / .223
Action Type: Semi-Automatic Direct Impingement AR 15 rifle fed by detachable AR magazines.
Markings: The left side of the lower receiver is marked with “LMT Lewis Machine & Tool Co, Milan, IL, Cal 5.56mm, Defender 2000, Ser. LMT50917/ Fire-Safe”
Barrel Length: 16″ standard contour, 1/7 twist, mid-length gas, threaded, with A2 birdcage
Sights / Optics: The rifle is equipped with a monolithic upper that has a 14 1/2″ length of picatinny rail for mounting sights or optics. This rifle has none included.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock set on this rifle consists of a LMT adjustable buttstock. The grip is an Ergo rubber pistol grip. The handguard is built into the monolithic upper. Its a quad rail style equipped with picatinny rails and QD sling and accessory mounts. Overall the furniture set is in Very Good Plus condition.
Type of Finish: Matte Black
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no visible erosion in the bore. The feed ramps are smooth and shiny. The muzzle device shows some minor fouling from use. There is some stubborn fouling in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 95% of its metal finish. There are light brass marks on the deflector. There is minor handling wear. The screw heads are sharp and the pins are unmarred. The markings are clear. Overall this rifle is in about Very Good Plus condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Owners Manual
Our Assessment: This Lewis Machine Tool Defender 2000 represents a duty grade AR-15 built by a manufacturer long associated with military and law enforcement contracts, where durability and consistency are non-negotiable priorities. The Defender 2000 series reflects LMT’s emphasis on robust construction and engineering rigor, incorporating features intended for hard use rather than commercial flash. Produced in Milan, Illinois, this rifle embodies the company’s reputation for tight tolerances, proven designs, and components developed to meet demanding service standards set by Lewis Machine & Tool.
The 16 inch barrel is chambered for 5.56 NATO and .223 Remington, featuring a 1:7 twist and mid-length gas system that balances recoil impulse and reliability. The bore is bright with sharp rifling and no visible erosion, with some stubborn fouling present, resulting in a strong 9 out of 10 bore rating. Feed ramps are smooth and polished, and the muzzle device shows only minor fouling from use. Approximately 95 percent of the original matte black finish remains, with light brass marks visible on the deflector and minor handling wear overall. Markings are clear, screw heads are sharp, and pins are unmarred, supporting a Very Good Plus overall condition assessment.
A defining feature of this rifle is its LMT monolithic upper receiver, which integrates a quad-rail handguard into a single rigid structure with approximately 14 1/2 inches of uninterrupted Picatinny rail space. This design enhances rigidity and maintains zero for mounted accessories. The rifle is fitted with an LMT adjustable buttstock and an Ergo rubber pistol grip, both showing minimal handling wear and rating Very Good Plus overall. No sights or optics are included, allowing for user-specific configuration. Mechanically, the direct impingement action functions correctly, and the rifle presents as a clean, well-maintained example of LMT’s professional-grade AR-15 platform, accompanied by its original owner’s manual. Please see our photos and good luck on your bid! MF
