Re: PWS MK114
Smoky43,
Let me dive into your questions point by point. Fist of all, I'm glad to hear that you chose the PWS rifle. I can tell you, I am a huge fan of their products... not because I get kickbacks from them, or they treat me well, they treat EVERYONE well. I just use their rifles hard, VERY hard, and they continue to perform for me. I am a full time Law Enforcement Trainer, and my main venue is SWAT. I have to guide / advise the Team Members in clear conscience, so that is the approach that I take when choosing gear. I started up a blog to cover some of the gear that I beat up, and will be covering more down the road.
Lowlight has been awesome, lettinig me write about the PWS stuff here on this site. I will forever be grateful to him for that.
Now, on to your questions:
The FSC5556 and the SM556 are essentially the same muzzle device. PWS spec'd the SM556 to work with a suppressor QD mount. The FSC556 has the same ports and flash hider properties, just does not have the same provisions for the locking ring of the suppressor. That is the only difference. These are a "Hybrid" style muzzle device. They work like a true brake, but also have flash hiding properties. Some states do not allow flash hiders, or "flash suppressors" on their rifles, for whatever reason. So, PWS designed this to be ATF compliant as a "Compensator" yet still tame the flash. They do produce side gas, and recoil compensation. The PWS MK1 Series rifles, with the SM556 or FSC556 along with the long stroke piston, is the flattest shooting rifle I have used. Very soft recoil. As far as I am concerned, the FSC556 is the best comp on the market, bar none.
2. However, since my training venue is SWAT, and I do most of my carbine work in close proximity to other shooters, I choose to spec my rifles with the TRIAD. Don't get me wrong... I love the FSC556, and on my "personal" rifle, there is one installed. My work rifles though, all are fitted with the TRIAD. This is a genious piece of kit. It is DEFINITELY a flash hider / flash suppressor... but the timing of the tines or "vanes" direct gas to the upward, to the 1 O'Clock position, which does help control muzzle climb in select fire mode. I have run the MK110 fully auto, and can control this rifle very well. The CQB device on the Diablo, is also a genious piece of kit. This directs all gas FORWARD, and does a GREAT job of reducing the flame thrower effect of an extreme SBR like the Diablo.
3. I am up to my eyeballs in 300 BLK load testing, barrel length testing, suppressor testing and such. I must say, I really like this round. However, it would NOT be my "only" rifle. The 5.56 has been around and proven itself effective in a variety of venues. Generally speaking, the drawbacks of the cartridge is the way the cartridge is loaded. I mean by this, the type of bullet used, velocity, and intended use. There are some amazing loads out there for this caliber, and I find that I can do just about anything I want to do with the 5.56 and the right ammo. I have used it in combat, and on the streets... I've also used it in the woods. Don't hesitate to choose the 5.56 cartridge as personal defence, or light hunting. The Black Hills 77 grain OTM flies so beautifully out of ALL of my PWS rifles... and has amazing live tissue effect. Let's just say, hogs fear it. So, MY advice, and take this with a grain of salt... go with the 5.56, and then later, buy a 300 BLK upper. By then, cartridge choices will be more plentiful, and the round will be established. I will be doing an extensive write up on my blog soon in regards to the 300 BLK and what we are doing with it.
4. There is entirely zero difference between the MK114 and the MK116 other than barrel length. Shooting the two, you will never be able to tell. The MK114 is a wee bit shorter overall, since it has a shorter barrel to start with. You have to understand, that the muzzle device is permanently attached (Pinned) as it leaves the factory, unless you do a NFA stamp for it. This keeps it out of SBR territory, and you don't need a stamp with the MK114 with the pinned muzzle device. The MK116 is a wee bit longer overall, but the muzzle device can be removed for a thread on suppressor if you wish. PWS now makes extended rails, so you can get more "real estate" on the MK114 / MK116 to move your back up sights out further (longer sight radius) and allow you to stretch out on the rifle more... (a la Magpul Dynamics grip). So, if you are not planning on removing the muzzle device, I would go for the MK114. It is my go to rifle. It's accurate out to 600 yards, its short enough to get in and out of tight spaces with, and still retain velocicity needed to get the job done. However, you will gain a wee bit more velocity with the MK116, and have the ability to use a thread on can down the road.
5. Suppressors... I covered the difference in the MK114 vs MK116 above... but let me say this. If you go with a MK116, do yourself a HUGE favor. Give Byron Peterson a call. He is the owner of Delta P Design... I have come to really love his suppressors. They are a little bit outside the norm, as in regards to the way they look, but they are amazing cans. Plus, just talking to him... he really gets it. I have learned SO much just from interracting with him, and I am much more educated on the subject now. I would LOVE a PWS MK116 with the Breves Compact 5.56 suppressor on it. This would be an amazing all around, do everything combination.
AS for working for PWS... I have a fond attachment to the company, no doubt. That is, in part... my relationship with Stacey Nagy and Todd Tuttle. To me, they ARE PWS.
Well, that... and the fact that they build friggn AWESOME rifles!!!!
Hope this helps you. Please feel free to look me up on Facebook.
https://www.facebook.com/RangerProof DMack out
