Zarvan
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Estonian soldier firing an LMT from prone during a demo (Siim Lõvi / ERR)
Back in April, we reported that the Estonian Defence Forces had narrowed their choice of new service rifles down to three from Heckler & Koch, SIG Sauer, and Lewis Machine & Tool. Estonian Public Broadcaster Eesti Rahvusringhääling (ERR) now report that the trials have ended and a winner has been chosen. Lewis Machine & Tool’s entries have beaten out rival bids from SIG and HK.
The trials began December 2017 with 14 submissions from manufacturers all over the world. These were downselected to four and then three rifles and put through extensive testing. Lewis Machine & Tool are believed to have submitted their piston driven rifles such as the CQBPS similar to the MARS-L rifleadopted by New Zealand (in 5.56x45mm) and the CQBMWS (in 7.62x51mm).
rifles first. The contract establishes a framework for additional purchases up to 2026. One source suggests that the procurement will be split between an initial order of 11,000 rifles with an option of up to 18,000. TFB has reached out to Lewis Machine & Tool for comment on the award, but have not heard back by the time of publication. The companies rifles have previously been adopted by the New Zealand Army the British Army and numerous special forces.
Source
https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2018/12/05/estonia-adopts-lmt-rifle/