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Parts for Gas Piston AR15, Which is best/accuracy?

dirtyharry331
Hello Ladies & Gentlemen,
I am questioning whether to put an aftermarket gas piston system in my RRA Heavy Barrel 16" or run with the original setup. I need info on which is the best gas piston system like Bushmaster, Adams, ? Long or short stroke? Can I free float the barrel (prefered) and which handguard to use (maker) or how much do you have to modify a standard one? Affects on accuracy (important)? How hard to do yourself? Any other information on what to do and pitfalls to watch for? I need some good honest info and this might have to go to another topic if there is alot to be said. Help me with the choices I need to make, Stick with a standard impingent system or go for the gas piston conversion? Thanks you all for your responses.
GOD BLESS OUR TROOPS! GOD BLESS AMERICA! AMEN
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Comments

6 comments

Date Votes
  • dfletcher
    A friend of mine just bought a gas piston conversion kit from an outfit called TNW Firearms for $250.00. Terrible directions, if I hadn't read them it would have taken 10 minutes to put the thing together I think.

    The kit came with a set of handguards that accomodate the main housing, regular or M4 forends don't have enough inside room. I suppose the most time consuming part was fitting the push rod, ensuring it was snug against the key while still allowing the bolt to close properly. Close fit ensures the rod doesn't getting a running start slamming into the key and that all the pushrod's movement translates into moving the BCG.

    I would say the TNW has a very short stroke, seems to work well and be well made.

    I have 4 or 5 ARs, also have the FN 49 & FAL which of course uses a similar system. I really don't like cleaning any semi auto (as opposed to bolt or single shot, lever rifles) but the AR does seem alot dirtier using their regular system as opposed to the piston.

    I can only comment on the TNW kit, it doesn't include a BCG just the key to switch out. Given the components, I think the kit's a bit overpriced, but it does work. I'll probably give it a try on one of mine.
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  • Wehrmacht_45
    Just know that any piston conversion might cause bolt carrier tilt, which means your hardened steel bolt carrier might chew on the aluminum upper reciever.

    If you clean the standard AR direct gas system regularly, it will be fine.
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  • quickmajik
    The weak spot of most piston systems that I've heard about is the replacement gas key. If the piston isnt strikeing where its supposed to it will break after awhile.

    It'll cost you some cash but I'd recomend a Adams Arms one piece bolt carrier To insure the reliability of your rifle long term.

    It is machined from one peice of steel, you just add your bolt group. Adams Arms also makes complete piston kits, But they are pricey. I'm pretty sure The Adams 1 piece bolt carrier works with most piston systems. I'd base my choice on one that would.

    As for the best Gas piston kit I have no Idea, i havent used most of them. But I think you could trust the one made by CMMG. It is also a Low profile, but I think it comes with a low profile gas block also, If thats the case I'd recomend that while you have the barrel removed just go ahead and install a free floating railed handguard like the 10" MRF-X from Troy.

    You can get the hand guards from CMMG also. One stop shop.
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  • Mossbergboogie
    you could just sell your upper and buy a POF or LMNT upper. Might save you the headache but cost your wallet a lot.
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  • dirtyharry331
    Gentlemen, Thanks for responding.
    Is the gas ring the only maitenance? How many rounds till replcement? How about accuracy? Does it get a bigger pattern? What about the Bushmaster's version? Any good? Please, anyone else to share the experience? Again, I Thank You.
    GOD BLESS OUR TROOPS! GOD BLESS AMERICA! AMEN
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  • v35
    The gas ring will no longer have any function and can be removed.
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