POF-USA vs. other AR platforms.

[Machspass]

I have been gathering info about AR's as to make the best purchase. I was advised that POF-USA was one of the better made AR's out there. The POF has a piston as opposed to gas which improves reliability over the long term. Thoughts? Comments?

 

[jimmy-buffett]

I was looking at this too, based on the election results yesterday it's probably just a matter of time before they re-enact the ban and then that's it.

POF is the one I heard of too when it came to "piston rifles", but I'm not sure who else makes them that are available to civilians (I'd rather not pay the price for a H&K 416 upper).

 

[Machspass]

My understanding is POF is the only manufacturer with the piston design. I think it is their exclusive design. I agree it is just a matter of time. I have been educating myself as quickly and thoroughly as possible so I can make a decision. I was looking at a Colt yesterday it ran 1600. The POF is about 2000. The M&P was about 1000. Is it worth the extra jack? I don't know.

 

[AviatorDave]

LWRC makes piston uppers, Addax Tactical does as well.

I just bought my first AR bare lower, and will probably be getting an LWRC upper for it.

 

[Kbear]

Bushmaster also makes em, check their site.

 

[Lumberjack98]

Sig also makes a piston AR.

 

[Machspass]

So if the piston AR is more reliable why isn't it in greater demand?

Can you buy an HK416 upper? I know you can't buy the entire gun.
What would be a comparable lower to pair it with?

Thanks for the replies.

 

[gladi8r]

If you dont want to spend a million dollars and want a good reliable top of the line ar get a lmt they run about 1100 dollars out the door. You wont be dissapointed and you will have one of best ars made.

 

[Texas1911]

So if the piston AR is more reliable why isn't it in greater demand?

The gas piston is more reliable, and keeps the chamber temps down. It also removes the baked-on carbon deposits you always get in the AR with the direct impingement system. By removing that junk from the moving parts you will cut down on degradation and wear.

The only reason why a million people don't have them is because of the cost. You have to ask yourself if the cost is prohibitive for you.

Can you buy an HK416 upper? I know you can't buy the entire gun.
What would be a comparable lower to pair it with?

Finding an HK416 upper is damn near impossible at times. They also are no better than the other gas piston ARs that are put out by various companies.

For the lower, just get a CMMG stripped lower and build your own setup. I wanted a match trigger in mine, so that's the route I am going.

If you have any trouble, I can always help you since I live in South Austin.

 

[Kbear]

So if the piston AR is more reliable why isn't it in greater demand?

Thanks for the replies.

There are some opinions that this is a solution looking for a problem. Some report the piston upper being more reliable for sustained auto fire and the adjustable gas system to be an advantage when swithcing rounds.

I'm not a big fan of retro-fitted systems. If I went with a piston platform, I would look at one that was built from the ground up to be one, XCR, FN, Sig.