Anyone else tired of the AR Piston Craze?

From what I understand, the only "modification" they went with was an adjustable gas block - which was one source of the problems. Another issue was the top-heaviness, and the lack of ability to accept AR mags - there was an incident recently where the Norwegian QRF needed the ability to use AR mags, couldn't, so most of them dropped the 416 for Aks and C8s.

There are more issues that have been popping up, but these seem to be the most prevalent.

Also, the changes made before ordering weren't to save money - they had bad info.
 
Hk416 can use M16 mags -- just not Magpul PMags or other mags with a raised lip as Hk kept the bizzarre SA80A2 magwell desing with the 416 lower.
 
nemesys said:
From what I understand, the only "modification" they went with was an adjustable gas block - which was one source of the problems. Another issue was the top-heaviness, and the lack of ability to accept AR mags - there was an incident recently where the Norwegian QRF needed the ability to use AR mags, couldn't, so most of them dropped the 416 for Aks and C8s.

There are more issues that have been popping up, but these seem to be the most prevalent.

Also, the changes made before ordering weren't to save money - they had bad info.
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Yeah that part I agree with you on most definitely about the magazine issue but I herd the Tavor has the same problem, and there is another rifle that has the same problem as well ( Can't remember the other make though).

I believe the reason that was explained to me was that the variations of magazines that are not being accepted are because they work against reliability of the basic function of the 416. Something about a more precise fit in the mag housing which reduces stoppages.

Really I forget!
Perhaps someone knows on the board can better answer that question.
 
KevinB said:
Hk416 can use M16 mags -- just not Magpul PMags or other mags with a raised lip as Hk kept the bizzarre SA80A2 magwell desing with the 416 lower.
Click to expand...

Is there a 416 version/gen that doesn't accept AR mags then? Because the rifle I was playing with on Saturday (friend just got issued his 3 weeks ago) wouldn't accept PMAGS, Colt mags, or a worn out OK mag.
 
FYI the early Hk416's while heavy ran and ran very well.

The Norwegians, well the whole idea of the piston was to reduce the need for a gas regulator...
The Hk Mag is a little longer in the feedway - but I've shot Hk416's with USGI mags. The whole Norwegian Hk416 episode leaves me shaking my head.

I quickly swiped an image of one to show the different lower receiver magwell
hk416post_560x373_1.jpg


FYI Norwegian and some other Euro Hk416's don't use Milspec buffer tubes - they use the commercial sized ones.

and the Hk417 has its own odball dimension so they did not need to step the carrier down as much as the SR-25
 
KevinB said:
FYI the early Hk416's while heavy ran and ran very well.

The Norwegians, well the whole idea of the piston was to reduce the need for a gas regulator...
The Hk Mag is a little longer in the feedway - but I've shot Hk416's with USGI mags. The whole Norwegian Hk416 episode leaves me shaking my head.

I quickly swiped an image of one to show the different lower receiver magwell
hk416post_560x373_1.jpg


FYI Norwegian and some other Euro Hk416's don't use Milspec buffer tubes - they use the commercial sized ones.

and the Hk417 has its own odball dimension so they did not need to step the carrier down as much as the SR-25
Click to expand...

Whats your thoughts on the MR223 civi version here in Canada?
 
KevinB said:
Aluminum is soft - even when the exterior is HCA, the underlying material is soft. Since pistons do not give strait line recoil like the DI system, the carrier is forced to tilt. Even with Anti-tilt pads on the bolt their is force transfered non laterally to the aluminum.
What happens is aluminum dents and tolerances get worse, and its downhill from there.
Click to expand...

FWIW a lot of modern rifles use aluminum bolt carrier rails. The Tavor and Qbz 95/Type 97 come to mind. Granted they use a much different bolt design than the AR, but it would seem that some modern military's are confident that aluminum rails are sufficient for the service life of their rifles. That being said, I don't understand why they just don't use steel rail inserts where needed. As long as the steel rail inserts are attached properly to the aluminum upper this should provide a much longer service life.
 
I see the problem with piston ARs, but why are people going on a rant about flash lights?!?!?

Some people want to see what they are shooting at if a home invasion is in progress.

I think spending a few hundred on a flash light is a good price for the comfort of knowing you won't accidentally shoot your cat, or something worse, under pressure.
 
I don't know...

I sort of have a hankering for a Knights SR-15 IWS as of late. I'm sure that a large part of it is just the 'not everyone has one' thing, but still...

Can't really say I'm sad to see more product options.
 
sprint said:
I don't know...

I sort of have a hankering for a Knights SR-15 IWS as of late. I'm sure that a large part of it is just the 'not everyone has one' thing, but still...

Can't really say I'm sad to see more product options.
Click to expand...


It's a great gun. Shoots really nice. :D
And yeah, I think part of the appeal is that you won't see them at every range. :p


I also enjoy the options. I'm also going to be trying out a PWS piston kit soon.

Gotta love options!!!!!!!
 
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