Most Relaible Style Of AR Operation?

I would do piston, but probably only a PWS or HK(I would love a 10.5" 416 upper). I've just had too many problems with every AR I've owned. They're just finicky. That said I still love em.
 
So clearly right now there is no obvious choice. IF there was it would be unanimous.

There would be one if you were on a different board. CGN isn't a good source for AR-15 information.

Not saying there aren't guys who know what they're talking about, it's just that there are too many of those who don't.
 
Anyone remember the dust testing that was undertaken by US Forces a few years back?
The DI M4 performed the worst, XM8 (HK G36) performed the best. Not sure what anyone really means by DI being the most reliable form of AR operation.

The qualifying aspect of this statement is of course a high quality piston gun like the HK 416, not a cheap jobber kit or a reto-fitted kit from company ABC that was done in a hurry and not tested to the same standards as the HK 416.

Pure reliability, in adverse conditions, not "keep it clean" "keep it lubed" bla..bla...bla...I'll take a HK 416.

And yes I was issued a Colt M4 a few years back. I kept it clean & lubed and over the course of a week shooing about 1500 rounds I didn't have one single malfunction or issue, but, I'd still take a HK 416.

Rich
 
Anyone remember the dust testing that was undertaken by US Forces a few years back?
The DI M4 performed the worst, XM8 (HK G36) performed the best. Not sure what anyone really means by DI being the most reliable form of AR operation.

The qualifying aspect of this statement is of course a high quality piston gun like the HK 416, not a cheap jobber kit or a reto-fitted kit from company ABC that was done in a hurry and not tested to the same standards as the HK 416.

Pure reliability, in adverse conditions, not "keep it clean" "keep it lubed" bla..bla...bla...I'll take a HK 416.

And yes I was issued a Colt M4 a few years back. I kept it clean & lubed and over the course of a week shooing about 1500 rounds I didn't have one single malfunction or issue, but, I'd still take a HK 416.

Rich

G36 was designed as a piston gun, works great
Tavor was designed as a piston gun, works great
AR-15 was designed as a DI gun, works great

See a pattern... the problem with the AR-15 is that the bolt carrier and receiver design is for DI systems, converting that to a piston "modified gun" is exactly that a modification and not fully compatible with the design.

As far as piston designs go (as a general rule) and IIRC the biggest advantage of the piston design is suppressor usage because of all the crap that gets blown back into the receiver.
 
I have a no problem with piston designs, Kalashnikov proved that. Always loved the Galil, but good luck ever owning one if you didn't get grandfathered in.
I just don't see anyone making a DI out of one yet?
 
I'm pretty sure I'm gonna get me a PWS MK1 series (wish they were upper/lower matched like the MK2 though), seems they've got the piston thing figured out with very little or no carrier tilt. If I have enough $$$, would love a SIG516 Patrol, too bad you can't get the US version here for much less than the German version. I'm all for the piston; runs cooler and I don't have to keep watching the bolt to make sure it's wet etc.

I'm just a civilian gun nut and my work doesn't required me to depend on a firearm for my safety. At the range, nobody is shooting back at me, or so I hope. Don't care if it's mil-spec or not as there are enough accessories for either in today's market. If a part breaks 2-5yrs from now, that's just part of life. Everything breaks at some point.

<putting on nomex suit :)>
 
WOW! How many rounds do you put through in a shoot that this becomes a problem?

Never. lol

Meant it sorta in jest/tongue in cheek to the DI folks who knock piston rigs ie. how many rounds does one put through a reputable piston gun to notice the wear etc. I think it's a moot point for the average civilian range shooter.
 
OK, but I never had to think about whether I'd have Piston or DI for an AR15. They are arguably the most accurate semi auto in original form and I would only go for the piston if that made them even more accurate.
My criteria is just range shooter too.
 
I have only owned DI guns so I can only comment on those. I own both DD and LMT carbines and the only treatment they get is a healthy dose of CLP every 500 rounds or so. Neither has been cleaned in several thousand rounds and both run flawlessly.
 
I would do piston, but probably only a PWS or HK(I would love a 10.5" 416 upper). I've just had too many problems with every AR I've owned. They're just finicky. That said I still love em.

I have never had any problems with any DI AR that was not a clear and a easy fix with parts. Most problems with the AR series rifle or any line of rifles is the fact they are not kept up with QC from the manufacturer or the rifles maintenance program is not been meet maintained by the armorer.

The other issue in my opinion has always been the magazine they are issued with is less forgiving and finicky. Pmags and other high reliability magazines have fixed this problem in its entirety.

That being said the HK line offers a product that forced many if not the whole industry to seriously step up it's game.
 
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