LWRC is best known for their short-stroke piston rifles, but the IC DI is their direct impingement model, built to the same manufacturing tolerances as the piston guns at a lower weight penalty. The 16.1-inch cold hammer forged barrel gets a nickel boron treatment inside and out, which is unusual for this tier. Most competitors chrome-line the bore and phosphate the exterior. LWRC's approach gives both the barrel and bolt carrier group a slick, low-friction surface that reduces the need for heavy lubrication. The bolt itself is nickel boron coated steel, and the 7075-T6 aluminum receivers use a hard coat anodized finish.

At 105.6 oz (6.6 lbs), the IC DI is tied with the FN 15 Guardian as the heaviest rifle in this premium tier. That weight comes partly from the cold hammer forged barrel profile and partly from LWRC's proprietary enhanced fire control group, which pulls at a measured 6 lbs. The fully ambidextrous lower includes a Radian Talon-style safety selector, ambidextrous bolt catch and release, and ambidextrous magazine release. Every major control works from either side without reaching over the receiver.

The surprising strength of the IC DI is its nickel boron bolt carrier group. Owners who run suppressors or shoot in dusty conditions report noticeably easier cleaning compared to standard phosphate BCGs. Carbon wipes off the NiB surface with a rag, where phosphate-coated carriers need solvent and scrubbing. For shooters who clean their rifles regularly and dislike the process, this is a real quality-of-life difference that adds up over thousands of rounds.