Gas piston AR15 question

[dj454]

I have read the reviews and the reasons given for the gas piston system on an AR but I want to know is it really necesary for the average shooter. Also I have heard the gas piston AR's are not as accurate. I think the gas piston makes perfect sense and is an old method that has worked for years on other rifles and I just wanted to see what you guys think of the gas piston AR's pros and cons and if anyone has tried one I would love to hear what you have to say about it.

[m25operator]

Short answer,, My AR'S work just fine, I have 6, The oldest from the 70's, The piston system I think is an improvement in a worst case scenario. Either system should not affect accuracy, if done well. But after thousands of rounds, I can't say the direct gas impingement system is bad, The piston system will make the bolt carrier and upper receiver cleaner.

[TAB]

I think gas piston uppers are like many other things...

some one devloped a product... then came up with the prob in order to sell it.

[USSA-1]

Here are some quick pros and cons for you.

Pro
1- They run cleaner
2- They are more reliable over the long run (over 500 rounds)...IF there is no opportunity to clean the rifle.
3- Better system if you choose to run a suppressor

Con
1- They can be a little heavier depending on the configuration
2- More expensive
3- Slight loss in accuracy (around .5 moa), all other factors being equal

The big question is, does the additional expense justifiy the additional reliability?  That depends on your needs.  For me personally, it does.  Being an instructor and having audiences from around the World, I can tell you that nothing will break the momentum of a block of instruction or live-fire demo's like a malfunctioning weapon.  It totally short circuits the teaching point you were trying to make.  Not to mention that it damages your credibility as an instructor.  People pay you money to train them.  How does it look, as the Professional if your own equipment selections don't work?  This doesn't mean that I only use piston guns, but it also means that my regular DI guns are thoroughly tested for reliability before they get a turn in the starting lineup.

For normal everyday use, with regular cleaning and maintenance, a DI rifle will serve you well.  If I were going overseas or was potentially in a situation where I might not be able to clean my rifle for several days, I would probably choose the piston rifle.

Just my take on it.

USSA-1

[Big Frank]

The only time I had a problem with one of my direct impingment AR-15s was when I oiled it too much and it got carbon fouled really bad. I was out in the woods without my gun cleaning kit, a no-no, but I had a can of starting fluid in my pile of junk Dodge van. I broke open the rifle with the help of a screwdriver, sprayed a bunch of starting fluid everywhere, and didn't oil it at all. My friend and I shot it and it worked fine. I was also a small arms repairman in the army and worked on and inspected thousands of M16-A1s. They didn't have any jamming problems like so many people say they do. Just keep it clean, put a drop of oil in all the right places and shoot all day.

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