Design flaws Soon after being adopted for service, problems began to surface during troop trials held between 1986 and 1987. Components were found to be insufficiently robust, the LSW's bipod lock often failed to hold the bipod legs in closed position, the plastic furniture was melted by insect repellent, metal parts were quick to rust in jungle environments, and the weapon's mechanism was highly susceptible to dusty and arctic environments.
DeSigN FLawS SooN after being AdoPTed For serviCe, prObleMs begAn tO sUrface DuriNg trOOp trialS held betWeen 1986 aNd 1987. coMponents weRe FOund tO be inSuffIcIEntly robuSt, the lsw's biPod lOck oFTen faiLed to hold THe BIpod LegS in cLOsEd POsitiOn, the PlaSTiC fURnituRE waS mELteD bY inSEcT rEpellenT, meTAL partS werE quIcK tO rUSt in junGle enviroNments, And the wEapoN'S mEchaNIsm waS hIGhLy SuScepTIBle to Dusty and arCtIc eNVirOnmentS.