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Posted: 5/26/2011 11:52:38 PM EDT
| I have a couple DI AR's and I'm looking to get a couple more and I'm wondering if the piston guns are worth a look. What do you guys prefer and feel is more reliable and why? Thanks! |
| If you already own a couple of DIs why not try out a piston system? I own a DI that is set up with an EOTech XPS2-0 for a personal defense rifle and a piston AR that I have scoped and use on coyotes. While both rifles are accurate the piston rifle is easier to keep clean. Both are well made, reliable and fun to shoot. They are both more than capable platforms for defensive use. I have yet to have a malfunction with either whether I'm shooting surplus, or commercial ammo. Both are 1 in 9 twist barrels. My 3rd .223 is a bolt action CZ527 that is scoped for hunting p-dogs, or other furry critters that tend to be small and skittish. It has a 1 in 12 inch twist and I use it for shots out to 300 yards, or greater on a calm day. The only other AR platform I intend to purchase will be the HK MR762 when it's released later this year. While I own 3 7.62/.308 rifles I don't have an AR in 7.62 yet. I've been holding out for the HK. That will be my last AR purchase with the exception of a 6.8 SPC upper for my DI. It will be set up for hunting rather than self defense. Try a piston rifle. I think you'd like it. |
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I have some ARs that are DI, some that are piston. Every time I clean them after a day of shooting, I'm tempted to convert them all to piston.
That being said, there are pros and cons for each as others have said. Have at least one of each and decide for yourself. |
Some people will tell you that if it isn't built as a piston system from the start it isn't reliable but I think that is BS. My Adams Arms conversion has worked with no problems from the first round. Both systems (DI & piston) have advantages and I own both. I suggest you do the same. 
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DI for a SPR AR15. More accurate
I would go as far as to say DI is better for the AR in every way other than cleaning (retro fit piston AR's) If you are talking about a HK416 or other rifle that was built with a taller upper and the piston is actually military grade and reliable for the long term then I would choose the piston gun ,but then it is not a true AR either. I guess I am not a fan of putting a piston on an AR because the piston is just never going to be strong enough with only a tiny amount of space to fit it. A tiny 1/8'' or smaller piston is just not worthy of me suggesting. If you want a piston gun then get a Fal ,SIG,AK, (HK416) etc. that was designed with a thick reliable piston. |
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Quoted: How did I know that was coming ? DI for a SPR AR15. More accurate I would go as far as to say DI is better for the AR in every way other than cleaning (retro fit piston AR's) If you are talking about a HK416 or other rifle that was built with a taller upper and the piston is actually military grade and reliable for the long term then I would choose the piston gun ,but then it is not a true AR either. I guess I am not a fan of putting a piston on an AR because the piston is just never going to be strong enough with only a tiny amount of space to fit it. A tiny 1/8'' or smaller piston is just not worthy of me suggesting. If you want a piston gun then get a Fal ,SIG,AK, (HK416) etc. that was designed with a thick reliable piston.  |
| I vote DI I really don't see any benefits to a proprietary system and ease of cleaning isn't really an issue. I like the concept of pistons and even was thinking of getting one but having 30 plus years of parts available for the di its a no brainer,and I really can't find enough reasons or pluses for the piston or find enough negatives about the di system that has had decades to work out all the bugs with quality parts I can not see any reliability difference. The piston on an ar just isn't needed on any legal length rifle.. and it actually has more down sides than di. They have their place only on short sbrs, there is no other reason to go with one for all practical reasons. |
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Quoted:..The piston on an ar just isn't needed on any legal length rifle.. and it actually has more down sides than di. They have their place only on short sbrs, there is no other reason to go with one for all practical reasons. None of which you have shared with us. |
| I say piston, only because u have DI guns so why not mix it up. If i was choosing a EOTWAWKI gun it would be DI. the reason for that is because parts are easier to find so if something broke i could go raid a military warehouse and have all the spare parts i need |
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Quoted:
If you already own a couple of DIs why not try out a piston system? I own a DI that is set up with an EOTech XPS2-0 for a personal defense rifle and a piston AR that I have scoped and use on coyotes. While both rifles are accurate the piston rifle is easier to keep clean. Both are well made, reliable and fun to shoot. They are both more than capable platforms for defensive use. I have yet to have a malfunction with either whether I'm shooting surplus, or commercial ammo. Both are 1 in 9 twist barrels. My 3rd .223 is a bolt action CZ527 that is scoped for hunting p-dogs, or other furry critters that tend to be small and skittish. It has a 1 in 12 inch twist and I use it for shots out to 300 yards, or greater on a calm day. The only other AR platform I intend to purchase will be the HK MR762 when it's released later this year. While I own 3 7.62/.308 rifles I don't have an AR in 7.62 yet. I've been holding out for the HK. That will be my last AR purchase with the exception of a 6.8 SPC upper for my DI. It will be set up for hunting rather than self defense. Try a piston rifle. I think you'd like it. Right.....if you own di's...try a piston |
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Quoted:
Have you spent any time reading the posts in the Piston forum here or on the Internet? There is no shortage of information on both platform and in turn no shortage of opinions. Unless you can state your opinions on the two and why you have said opinions, this thread is not likely to end well. Eventually someone will post "PISTONS ARE BEST! DI SUCKS" or vice versa. Both camps have their ardent supporters and detract. Ultimately this is a decision you will have to make one your own.
I have a couple DI AR's and I'm looking to get a couple more and I'm wondering if the piston guns are worth a look. What do you guys prefer and feel is more reliable and why? Thanks! Both systems have pros and cons. If you're considering a piston AR then you need to make a list of said pros and cons and weigh each one based upon your own opinions. ETA: Your poll is also inadequate because it does not include an option for "neither is better - they're just different". |
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