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Piston AR-10 suggestions?

W

WolfmansBrother

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Minuteman
May 13, 2012
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0
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I am looking for an AR in .308 that is a piston gun with ~1.5 MOA accuracy and is relatively light. I would like to keep it sub $2000. I have not found many such rifles.

It seems DPMS, Armalite, and similar builds are all heavy DI guns.

The Sig 716 looks tempting but I haven't hear much about it.

I am nearly ready to believe it doesn't exist, and am considering dropping an extra $400 to get the POF P308. It would take me nearly as much to build what I want from a $1200 gun.

Any other suggestions?
 
Re: Piston AR-10 suggestions?

PWS makes a good piston rifle from what I've heard/read. If you don't mind waiting until you have the extra $400, you will be very happy with the POF P308.
 
Re: Piston AR-10 suggestions?

There are quite a few PWS rifles on gunbroker at this time. Not a bad rifle at a reasonable price. What about a SCAR 17? Don't own one...but may be an alternative. Welcome to the hide.
 
Re: Piston AR-10 suggestions?

If you're looking for a precision rifle with long barrel they'll all be on the heavy side. The POF P308 14.5" with Hunter/Sniper Rail is reasonably lightweight and handy for a <800yd battle rifle, and capable of 1 MOA or less...
 
Re: Piston AR-10 suggestions?

I just saw a post in this section yesterday a guy was saying how he really likes his Sig 716. He even posted some pics of some really nice groups.
 
Re: Piston AR-10 suggestions?

I bought a LWRCi REPR 16", I have yet to shoot it due to not having my 30mm Spuhr canti mount and SWFA not yet releasing their 1-6x. So I have yet to really comment on the LWRCi piston platform but a few people here on the hide sure are happy with their guns. Just something to think about, if I wasnt able to get the deal I did get on my LWRCi i would have went with a PWS rifle as they are top notch too.
 
Re: Piston AR-10 suggestions?

A SCAR 17 would be great. I can't really find those much below 2800, and I really want to move most of my systems to AR to have a uniform platform across calibers.

The LWRC is a bit out of my range for now, but man thats one sweet rifle.

I did look at the CMMG, but I am not convinced its anything more than a standard rifle outfitted with Magpul gear.

Thanks for the welcome to the forum.
 
Re: Piston AR-10 suggestions?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: WolfmansBrother</div><div class="ubbcode-body">

The LWRC is a bit out of my range for now, but man thats one sweet rifle.

</div></div>

Go on LWRC's forum, its through their web page. People are selling their guns for good deals, that is where I found mine, saved about $1000 overall.
 
Re: Piston AR-10 suggestions?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: trisurvivor</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Save your money and buy a POF.</div></div>
 
Re: Piston AR-10 suggestions?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: KillZone45</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: WolfmansBrother</div><div class="ubbcode-body">

The LWRC is a bit out of my range for now, but man thats one sweet rifle.

</div></div>

Go on LWRC's forum, its through their web page. People are selling their guns for good deals, that is where I found mine, saved about $1000 overall.</div></div>

What he said.
 
Re: Piston AR-10 suggestions?

Awesome. I will be keeping my eye on that site.

By the way, I have been shopping around online and suppliers are wiped out of these rifles from Armalite to Knights! I am going to try to make a move sooner than later.
 
Re: Piston AR-10 suggestions?

I am also in the market for an AR10 that has a piston and adjustable gas regulator like POF and LWRC. Currently, I have a Socom 16, but just sent off paperwork for a suppressor. I am aware of Smith Enterprise and everything that they offer, but just want to switch platforms since the M14 was never intended for suppressed use. Are there any other gun manufacturers that offer the adjustable gas system like POF and LWRC. I am currently looking at POF, but just want to make sure I don't miss anything. Thanks.
 
Re: Piston AR-10 suggestions?

Any particular reason you want the piston system over the DI? There are good piston platforms out there but what do you plan to use it for? A piston is going to add a bit more weight and some can argue reduce accuracy. So if you're looking for the most accurate, lightweight system, keep your options open. But if you want a piston system just to have it, POF is a good route. A POF 16" is roughly 8.5 lbs empty. LWRC are expensive but they pack a lot of goodies into their rifles. They're also about 9.5 pounds empty. POF is a little less painful on the wallet but still have good options. I don't have experience with either stock models but I have heard favorable accuracy reports on the POF over the LWRC.

Less than $2000 is unrealistic for a quality, accurate 308. That's just fact. Unless you scour the classifieds and find that one guy that's willing to part with his and take a huge loss, I would plan on spending more.
 
Re: Piston AR-10 suggestions?

I'd second the PWS. It's as tossable a an M4 and can shoot minute-of-man out to 800. From a weight/balance standpoint you'd never know it was a piston gun.
 
Re: Piston AR-10 suggestions?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: WolfmansBrother</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Awesome. I will be keeping my eye on that site.

By the way, I have been shopping around online and suppliers are wiped out of these rifles from Armalite to Knights! I am going to try to make a move sooner than later. </div></div>

I didnt plan on buying my REPR so soon either but after a few various factors I decided that when I found a good deal I would buy immediately. I am glad I struck while the iron was hot.
 
Re: Piston AR-10 suggestions?

It's not that I have anything against the DI platform, just wanted something with ultimate reliability and the ability to adjust gas flow for when I am shooting suppressed. I had seen a video on youtube where some guys were shooting subsonic 308 and getting it to cycle on a POF. If you know of any other weapon system that is capable of this, please let me know before I make a purchase.
 
Re: Piston AR-10 suggestions?

LWRC REPR, for adjustable gas and side-charger. Works GREAT with a can on it - no gas face!

Real close to 1/2 moa with mine using 168 FGMM.

Short of that, I'd get a POF or PWS or go DI with the Larue PredatOBR.

DSC00969.jpg


DSC00965.jpg
 
Re: Piston AR-10 suggestions?

chainring - who makes that cheek pad on your gun and where did you get it?
 
Re: Piston AR-10 suggestions?

As far as DI guns that have adjustable gas systems, Noveske and Armalite SASS have adjustable gas systems. Larue and GAP make good custom systems that are excellent but are DI. Larue only has a Suppressed and Non-suppressed selection. GAP puts the Noveske switchblock on theirs that have suppressed, un-suppressed and off. Downside of the Larue, GAP and Noveske is the price. Armalite might be closer to your price range but it's heavy. A third option could be to build one and a PRI adjustable gas system put on it.
 
Re: Piston AR-10 suggestions?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: captnmo</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> A POF 16" is roughly 8.5 lbs empty. LWRC are expensive but they pack a lot of goodies into their rifles. They're also about 9.5 pounds empty.
</div></div>

My LWRC spiraled barrel 16" with an ACS is 8.5 or slightly under w/out optics. It kept flickering back and forth between 8 - 8.5 on my bathroom scale. Not scientific, but probably pretty close. FYI
 
Re: Piston AR-10 suggestions?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Fongman</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: captnmo</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> A POF 16" is roughly 8.5 lbs empty. LWRC are expensive but they pack a lot of goodies into their rifles. They're also about 9.5 pounds empty.
</div></div>

My LWRC spiraled barrel 16" with an ACS is 8.5 or slightly under w/out optics. It kept flickering back and forth between 8 - 8.5 on my bathroom scale. Not scientific, but probably pretty close. FYI </div></div>

I think I was thinking the 20". Forgot about the shorter barrels.
 
Re: Piston AR-10 suggestions?

I would bypass the piston and get a DI type. Reason for this is the availability of barrels. The best barrels are White Oak, Noveske, and Rainier(Shilen) and all these are pretty much drop in for a Armatlite AR10 or DPMS type action.

I had sticker shock when I first saw the prices of these newer AR10 types. AR10's were once $900 (DPMS) and $1200 guns (Armalite). Yeah they were basic, but add nice Magpul furniture, a nice Giselle trigger, and FF rail, and you are still $1800. Shoot out the barrel, and new match barrel will only be about $500 (with tools to install it). However, I guess those days are long gone and the $4000 AR is here.
 
Re: Piston AR-10 suggestions?

Chainring, I have the same trigger (Enhanced version)on my LWRC M6A3. Have been thinking about the REPR, but they are expensive compared to POF. As long as it shoots less than 1 MOA, I am fine with that. Good looking rifle. Do you really enjoy the side charging handle compared to the standard AR?
 
Re: Piston AR-10 suggestions?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: chainring</div><div class="ubbcode-body">LWRC REPR </div></div>
DSC00965.jpg


Chain, I really like your REPR. Quality stuff there. I'm jealous of the side charge myself, don't have to worry about cheek rest clearance.

A fine looking rig from top to bottom. I'd be proud to have it even though I really like my POF
 
Re: Piston AR-10 suggestions?

redirt, I am currently leaning towards the POF. Anything you could tell me about your rifle to send me over the edge?
 
Re: Piston AR-10 suggestions?

Colt makes one now too, worth a look. It actually looks pretty nice. SP901. Also uses regular AR uppers I think. Pretty slick looking.

Personally I like the SCAR17 for a piston driven AR derivative. Or I'd like one anyway. I'll probably stick with DI and a good free floated barrel though in something I make myself.

But what I really want is .338LM version!
 
Re: Piston AR-10 suggestions?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jsnspck</div><div class="ubbcode-body">redirt, I am currently leaning towards the POF. Anything you could tell me about your rifle to send me over the edge? </div></div> So far I really like it but I haven't spent enough time shooting mine. I haven't even shot it enough to get used to precision shooting with an AR platform yet but my SW ammo order just came in and I'll be working more on that that soon. I have only shot FGMM 168's and USAammo 175's through it but it functions flawlessly and the accuracy has been good. All of the fundamentals of shooting are more critical with a semi auto and I can tell that when I shoot it next to my bolt guns. I will have a good 3/4" five shot group going and get lazy or sloppy and open it up to an inch and a half (or worse) 10 shot group. Classic case of "the gun shoots better than I do". I have no doubts that it is capable of 1/2 to 3/4" ten shot groups, I just need to learn to run it right. Mine has the NP3 finish on it which so far I really like. I haven't added any kind of lube and the action is still very slick. The bolt carrier and bolt are really easy to clean up and don't get near as dirty as my DI AR15. A lot of guys on here have had theirs a lot longer and put way more time in behind them than I have but I hope to get it back out to the range this weekend and I can let you know more.

Mine is a 20" and right now I have a huge 6-24 Burris XTR scope on it and it's pretty heavy but I'm not worried about it. It's for tree stand and powerline hunting and shooting steel. I wont ever be hiking for miles with this one so I don't mind the weight. I will be switching to a Bushnell HDMR soon but it's heavy too. If you are worried about weight then going with a 16" or a 14" with fixed muzzle brake and a smaller scope would help and it would still be a great long range gun.
 
Re: Piston AR-10 suggestions?

Redirt, Thanks for the reply. I am not worried about weight, I have a Loaded 22" M14. I plan on getting a 16" POF since I already have the M14 that can handle the long range stuff. Good report on the accuracy of the rifle also. I am guessing that you haven't shot subsonic ammo through it since you have the 20" barrel. My plan is to get rid of a Socom 16 and replace it with the POF 308 16". After reading your report, and the hundreds of other good reviews on the POF, I think it is time to make a switch.
 
Re: Piston AR-10 suggestions?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jsnspck</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Redirt, Thanks for the reply. I am not worried about weight, I have a Loaded 22" M14. I plan on getting a 16" POF since I already have the M14 that can handle the long range stuff. Good report on the accuracy of the rifle also. I am guessing that you haven't shot subsonic ammo through it since you have the 20" barrel. My plan is to get rid of a Socom 16 and replace it with the POF 308 16". After reading your report, and the hundreds of other good reviews on the POF, I think it is time to make a switch. </div></div>

You'll be happier than a pig in shit with your POF. It's an awesome piece of hardware.
 
Re: Piston AR-10 suggestions?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jsnspck</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Redirt, Thanks for the reply. I am not worried about weight, I have a Loaded 22" M14. I plan on getting a 16" POF since I already have the M14 that can handle the long range stuff. </div></div>No problem. I think you will be happy with it. I suggest going through Hide member Frankie Ice for your gun, I did . He is great to work with. I will pm you with some extra contact info
 
Re: Piston AR-10 suggestions?

Lwrc REPR series rifles or POF. Pick a manufacturer that is known for putting together high quality piston gear.....
 
Re: Piston AR-10 suggestions?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: EricCartmann</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I would bypass the piston and get a DI type. Reason for this is the availability of barrels. The best barrels are White Oak, Noveske, and Rainier(Shilen) and all these are pretty much drop in for a Armatlite AR10 or DPMS type action.

</div></div>

I don't see that Noveske makes 7.62 rifles on their website, only the barrels. However that is good advice.
 
Re: Piston AR-10 suggestions?

My POF groups better that my buddies reaper. Then again he has shakey hands to begin with lol.
 
Re: Piston AR-10 suggestions?

Seems to me that a piston AR is not as accurate as a similary priced DI AR. What so great about a piston AR anyway? Little less time cleaning? I enjoy cleaning my weapons.
 
Re: Piston AR-10 suggestions?

Without going off on a tangent, people that like pistons will note that the system keeps dirty gas out of your chamber as well as the dirty gas that is shot back in the receiver to cycle the bolt. In adverse conditions, theoretically the piston should perform better also. The piston crowd is willing to sacrifice the 1/4 MOA difference in accuracy (if that is true), for a cleaner, more reliable rifle. There is also the history of battle rifles with pistons (Garand, M14, FAL, HK93, AK-47, etc).
 
Re: Piston AR-10 suggestions?

My Armalite AR10 and after 40 rounds shooting suppressed, starts to get so gummed up that it gets less reliable. My Piston Sig 716 after 100 rounds supressed is cleaner than the AR10 after 40 rounds. I am not a piston Kool Aid drinker, and I have only had the Sig for a week or so, but this piston setup is pretty freaking sweet!
 
Re: Piston AR-10 suggestions?

LWRC makes some of the best. It ain't cheap but you get what you pay for.

I shoot both DI and piston. Most of my DI guns are armalite in 308 and they do get dirty......stick a can on one and you will most definately get it dirty fast. Just lube the crap out of it and you should be ok.

Cleaning differential between a suppressed piston 308 and DI 308 suppressed is not comparable. Your looking at a massive difference in time and effort. I won't touch the sacrifice in accuracy stately because I feel it's got more to do with the shooter than the weapon when comparing the two systems. Inform me, it has to go bang every time and provide better than average combat accuracy. Anyone can shoot paper for groups.....I want it to shoot well when the weapon is wet, dirty, and in a dynamic environment where it's not on a bench rest.
 
Re: Piston AR-10 suggestions?

My POF 308 with the 14.5" barrel will hang with any gas guns with any barrel length out to 400 yards...
 
Re: Piston AR-10 suggestions?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jsnspck</div><div class="ubbcode-body">There is also the history of battle rifles with pistons (Garand, M14, FAL, HK93, AK-47, etc). </div></div>

I thought the HK-93 is blowback.
 
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