Watched a video showing the Adcor BEAR, looks pretty sweet but the only thing I like better than the PWS is the forward charging handle.
I should take some pics of the PWS BCG and piston setup. It's simpler and works the same way to eliminate carrier tilt.
Like I said earlier, mine has close to 4000 rounds and has virtually no visible wear.
Who sells Adcor in Canada? I'd like to look into them further.
PWS makes some nice stuff. I have their enhanced buffer tubes on my ambi lowers for my ADCOR uppers. Excellent tube!! I've only heard good things about them and have no doubt they are high quality.
The advantage of the ADCOR includes the stuff BenL listed. The easiest to overlook is what BenL mentioned regarding the piston in the handguard. You get DI tube off the barrel to the piston which is connected to the free float handguard. Also a long stroke piston setup. But this negates the usual barrel harmonics as thecpiston isn't connected to the barrel. DI accuracy in a piston without having to resort to a SS barrel. The barrel for the Elite model is the FN 249 barrel.
The free float handguard is locked in giving it monolithic properties without being a full monolithic upper. The lower part slides off by pushing a button. Tool less take down. The rail slots are angled so they aren't as sharp.
I have the 16" version. One thing you have to test out is how well it balances. It feels more like a DI rifle than a piston gun. It balances very well. It's hard to explain until you check one out.
Secondary dust guard also acts as a scraper if crud does get in. Plus it adds one more defense against crud when in use.
The BCG is chromed and HPI tested etc. The gas system is adjustable.
Zero carrier tilt. Plus I really like the forward charging handle. You can lock the bolt open weak side hand only. In prone especially if larger optics are mounted it works great. Plus you still have the regular charging handle. I can confirm that the Rapter ambi handle works with this upper.
The negatives are cost, not well known, you lose a side rail with the forward charging handle, and only one QR point on the handguard (6 o'clock at the very front). Also if you pull back on the side charger leaving it back then hit the bolt release you will mark up the rail where the latch rests (See extremely prevalent M4 carbine site review with damage). Don't do that. Also some cheap spray on rubber coating from can tire on that area will likely make this even less of an issue. Oh and the regular dust cover isn't as cool looking as the stock AR covers.
ADCOR used to make a significant number of uppers for colt. They got into firearms by producing the colt uppers. The irony is many of those who would overlook this rifle may very well have ADCOR made uppers in their prized colt rifles. They designed this upper as an improved design using the Colt uppers they made as a baseline.
The ingenuity really impressed me. It's a very clever and well thought out upper. Frankly I thought the AR was nearing it's end. The ADCOR simply and elegantly adds the extra benefits while retaining the old strengths as well. Frankly it's such a simple and elegant solution that when coupled with a high end ambi lower really shines. They solved the DI vs piston debate. No more compromises and went even further including making the ergos even better.
If you already have a high end AR or a few of them you're going to be happy as the high end stuff is very good. But if looking at a new high end AR or for something a bit different then it's worth a serious look.
