LMT Defense
LMT Defense is the trade name of Lewis Machine & Tool Company, an American maker founded in 1980 that builds rifles, parts, and, through LMT Advanced Technologies, ION suppressors. Impact Guns offers the ION 30, ION 30K, ION K, and ION LT suppressors, plus HUB mount adaptors and Regulator muzzle devices. This guide explains how the ION models differ, which threads fit, and what to check before you buy an LMT suppressor.
Read our full LMT Defense Buying Guide ↓
About LMT Defense and LMT Advanced Technologies
Lewis Machine & Tool Company, which does business as LMT Defense, says it was founded in 1980 and that its products are 100% USA made. It designs the Monolithic Rail Platform and builds complete weapon systems, grenade launchers, and parts for military, law enforcement, and commercial customers.
LMT Advanced Technologies is the company’s suppressor arm. Karl Lewis, president of LMT, started it in 2020, and it is located in Eldridge, Iowa. Its first product was the LINK30 belt-fed machine gun suppressor, and the ION series is built around that design.
ION Suppressor Models: ION 30, ION 30K, ION K, and ION LT
All four ION suppressors share a modular design with a removable base and cap, user-serviceable construction, and a flow-through design that LMT says reduces back pressure. LMT lists each as full-auto rated under a SOCOM stress-test protocol, with a service life of 30,000+ rounds. All four have a 1.74-inch diameter and a Cerakote Armorer Black finish.
The ION 30 is LMT’s balanced model for calibers from .17 through .300 Win Mag. LMT lists it at 19.3 ounces and 7.14 inches with the cap and base installed.
The ION 30K covers the same .17 through .300 Win Mag range in a shorter body. LMT calls it the shortest multi-caliber ION and lists 16 ounces and 5.75 inches with the cap and base.
The ION K is a dedicated 5.56 suppressor at 15.7 ounces and 5.76 inches with the cap and base. The ION LT is the longest and lightest of the group. It is built from Inconel, stainless steel, and titanium, and LMT lists 14.7 ounces and 8.14 inches with the cap and base. Read the LMT ION page to compare all four models by weight, length, and thread.
HUB Mounts and Thread Sizes Explained
Two thread sizes appear in the ION line, and they do different jobs. The HUB interface that joins the suppressor to its mount is a 1.375x24 thread. The muzzle thread that screws onto your barrel is 1/2x28 or 5/8x24, depending on the mount or muzzle device.
The ION 30, ION 30K, and ION LT include a 5/8x24 single port muzzle mount. The ION K includes a 1/2x28 mount. Each model arrives with a Regulator Mount Adaptor pre-installed and works with third-party HUB mounts.
LMT also makes HUB Regulator Mount Adaptors in stainless steel and titanium. Its Direct Thread HUB adaptors thread straight onto a 1/2x28 or 5/8x24 barrel. Browse these in Suppressor Parts and Muzzle Devices.
LMT Regulator Muzzle Devices and Caps
LMT Regulator muzzle devices thread onto the barrel with a 1/2x28 or 5/8x24 internal thread. They share one external thread, so the same device works with the HUB mount. LMT lists single port muzzle mounts, 4-port brakes, closed tine flash hiders, and 3-prong flash hiders.
Impact Guns offers the 4-port Regulator brake in 1/2x28 and 5/8x24, and the closed tine flash hider in 1/2x28 and 5/8x24. LMT also sells 3-prong flash hider caps and sound restrictor caps for the front of the ION.
How to Choose an LMT ION Suppressor
Start with caliber. Pick the ION K if you only shoot 5.56. Pick the ION 30, ION 30K, or ION LT if you want one suppressor for calibers from .17 through .300 Win Mag. That range includes 5.56, .308 Win, and .300 Win Mag.
Then weigh length against weight. The ION 30K and ION K add the least length. The ION LT is the lightest at 14.7 ounces but the longest. The ION 30 sits between them in length and is the heaviest. Finally, match the muzzle thread on your barrel to the mount. Compare these with other suppressors in the catalog.
Frequently Asked Questions: LMT Defense
What does LMT Defense stand for?
LMT stands for Lewis Machine & Tool Company. The company does business as LMT Defense and says it was founded in 1980.
Is LMT Defense a good brand?
LMT says it supplies the US military, law enforcement, and government agencies, and that its products are 100% USA made. Compare its models against your caliber, size, and weight needs.
Who makes LMT suppressors?
LMT Advanced Technologies makes them. Karl Lewis, president of LMT, started the company in 2020, and it is located in Eldridge, Iowa.
Which LMT ION suppressor should I choose?
Choose the ION K for 5.56 only and the ION 30K for the shortest multi-caliber option. Choose the ION 30 for balance or the ION LT for the lightest weight. See the LMT ION page for the full comparison.
What thread does an LMT suppressor use?
ION suppressors use the 1.375x24 HUB interface. Your barrel thread is 1/2x28 or 5/8x24, set by the muzzle mount you choose.
Are LMT ION suppressors full-auto rated?
Yes, according to LMT. It lists all four ION models as full-auto rated under a SOCOM stress-test protocol.