How to tell thé difference

Djb1

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How to tell thé difference

How can I tell at a glance whether it's a piston or di AR?
I'm looking to get my first but being a lefty I'm highly favoring the piston versions.
Thanks for the info in advance.
 
The gas tube will be a larger diameter for a piston model. DI versions have one that's only a few mm in diameter. Searching the model name will also reveal the details.

Why would piston models be better for a left handed shooter?
 
1274.jpg


Top is piston... bottom is DI

Piston is more parts, more complicated, and cleaner.
 
"Why would piston models be better for a left handed shooter? "
I would also like to know what difference gas or DI has on a left hand shooter. If you are close enough to the ejection port to notice the gas you would be picking brass out of your teeth!!
 
You'll also have 2 or 3 exhaust holes on the bolt side which is apparent thru the round ejection window... mind you, you could use a DI BCG in a piston, but not a piston 'optimized' BCG in a DI. (Like top picture with 2 uppers)

Here's my RRA Pistol 5.56 AR: (It's piston).

My finger is where the cocking 'handle' is, and there is a similar one on the other side. Also, a fairly easy way to tell, is that there is no stock/buffer required on the firearm.

Bo7IWch.jpg


MWqXqRd.jpg


Charging motion:


Now, where the fun starts, the RRA lower is a normal AR15 lower, and I can remove their "stock rail adapter" an put a normal buffer tube/stock, or a folding stock! :)

m0SPPHJ.jpg
 
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Check the bolt carrier . No vent holes on piston. And usually bigger gas block for piston as well. Even if the hand guard covers the gas tube
 
Okay awesome guys thanks!
Also... obviously the advantage of a piston gun is a cleaner bcg but does a di gun hinder a left handed shooter at all?
 
less interested in dedicated left handers as I've shot righties always but just concerned about eating the bcg gas every shot. the brass is inconsequential.
 
less interested in dedicated left handers as I've shot righties always but just concerned about eating the bcg gas every shot. the brass is inconsequential.

Well as a rightey I would go piston if I could... it is cleaner.

But that said I have no issues with DI
 
A friend who shoots left handed has been very successful in service rifle competition shooting a right handed AR. The only consequence of his shooting a RH rifle is when he shoots sitting using the cradle position. He gets smudges on his shirt. The gas release from the BCG is a non-issue.
 
As a lefty I have no issues with my Norinco CQA. My Tavor is very different - I had to shoot it right-handed until I got a LH bolt.
 
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