And you really don't have to clean a DI AR to a white glove standard.
Ok, I would like a simple answer, if possible.
I understand the gas operation of an AR, but just how does the piston type work?
What are the advantages, if any, for the piston type?
Probably just a dumb question, everybody but me knows the answer.
Brad
At best, it helps with minimizing blow back from suppressed fire.
Otherwise, any top tier manufacturers' AR will be just as reliable with weight savings to boot. And you really don't have to clean a DI AR to a white glove standard.
The key is learning how to lube an AR properly, and no the military does not do it properly. Here's the right way. A friend of mine started doing this before I even got my first AR, and several other people I know are doing it, all with excellent results. It's actually fixed some rifles that were unreliable problem guns.
It does help to reduce cycle speed with a suppressor, and reduce gas port erosion. But yeah, it's not terribly useful. It's also got a negative effect on accuracy and makes maintenance harder.
I would add a piston system is going to be heaver, more complicated, and typically less accurate