I don't think you can fairly call something a "weak link" when used so far outside of its intended operating envelope.
It's hard to say what, if anything might fail on a piston operated weapon torture tested the same way. The simple fact is *something* will eventually fail, regardless of what it is, whether that makes it a "weak link" is a different matter entirely.
"Weak links" in my mind are things that make a weapon fail under normal use or break first under normal use. In which case I would say with a DGI platform, it's typically the bolt lugs, while usually in piston systems - from all manufactures, when something breaks, it's usually something associated with the piston.
Quoted:
well that's interesting, now is the open bolt a better idea? that seems like its a more useful design change
and yes when i said hours i did mean the 80% pointless cleaning methods that the military teaches. see guys all the time with the finish "cleaned" right of the rifle in parts
There's a good bit of debate as to what the M27 "should have been" if anything other than the HK IAR submission.
Open bolt designs exist and were submitted, but neither the HK nor Colt variants were open bolt designs.
The open bolt typically is less accurate, but it keeps the weapon cooler for longer, allowing you to have a lighter barrel and and less chances of a cook off in the chamber.
~Augee