POF USA vs. Other Piston Driven AR's

I'm looking into getting a POF Piston driven AR-15... Has anyone actually used one? If so what did you think? And how do they compare to the HK...

Thanks!

The bigger and more relevant question is how do they compare to LWRC, LMT and PWS.

I suggest you go to all 4 web sites learn as much as possible converse here and elsewhere for a good while before you decide.

Do not have preconceived ideas. Let the features and feedback fall where it may

All 4 would be above the HK MR556 IMO but I stress, IMO (I generally have a high regard of HK but not the MR556, way over priced for less gun)

Wulfmann

I'm getting ready to use one this Saturday for the first time-just mounted up the scope. I will let you know how it runs after I put some rounds through it-











-MP

Also IMO, POF makes some of the nicest rifles out there *for a piston gun. All of the finishes are flawless and the guns run flawless, except for the older models from years ago. Only downfall is the size of the rail system. I guess hogan guns is coming out with a new rail system if you still want a POF like rifle. Hogan was(past) the manufacturer for POF.

Super accurate barrels, best piston system design (IMO less parts and simple design) 100% reliable, fit and finish is second to none, clean to shoot, and easy to clean whenever you need to do so. Loved mine, but went back to DI due to parts availability and department rules.

On the down side: larger than normal rails, parts are expensive to replace and only available from the manufacturer, but that applies to all piston guns.

You will not go wrong with LWRC, POF, Hogan guns, PWS, or even Adams Arms. They are all great guns with different budgets in mind.

Hope this helps at all.

Rumor i heard here in AZ is that POF was going away. Rumor so no validity. If it works its good. Anyways, checked the Sig?

You may also want to look at the Barrett REC7. Piston system has two parts and is accessible from the front of the gun and removable without tools or taking off the top rail. Bolt and bolt carrier are Barrett designs and the carrier is anti-tilt. Rails are from Daniel Defense so they are readily available. Comes with rail covers. Looked at POF, I like the Barrett piston system better as it is easier to access. You can order them from High Desert Tactical & Scott will ship to your FFL.

POF isn't going anywhere. I did due diligence before I bought and have a good source.

-MP

Sounds great, MPaul! Definitely let me know how it performed for you.

Thanks!

Thanks for all the input! I really do appreciate it. Has anyone tried the Barret REC7? Or know anyone who has... from the research I've been doing it sounds like the REC7 is a great gun.

When I headed out early this afternoon, I decided I would do a good shakedown with some pictures after finishing the day to show wear. First let me say that this particular weapon has surpassed anything I was expecting in any piston driven rifle as you will see below. I have had(have) many nice DI guns and I'ved always kept them clean and well maintained-I have had only 2-3 failures over the course of ten or more rifles but I have always used decent ammo and equipment too.
I set up a small table so I could get some good baseline info on the accuracy potential using a bipod and bags. I first sighted in the Mbus open sights and was surpised at how well I could shoot with these-I was printing a 2-3 inch circle at 30 yards firing at a fairly decnt rate-Gun did not move at all-nice!



I then mounted up a Vortex Viper PST 4X16 and fired a few shots at the same 30 yard target to adjust for longer range-(btw-this scope is totally awesome for it's price Verses NF) and laser ranged a small hill at about 98 yards that was fairly clear of weeds and stuff and set up some targets.



I shot 225 rounds of 3 different types of ammo-52 grain HP Ultramax, 60 or 62 Grain Bear and American Eagle 55 FMJ over the course of the afternoon. The Ultramax printed the best 5 shot group at just under an inch. The 62 grain Bear was a little lower and to the right with a 1.239 5 shot group. I then put up a 1.064 5 shot group with American Eagle. I put up an old benchrest target and shot 3-5 shot groups with the Ultramax. This ammo was da bomb! All three groups averaged around .5 which was probably the best groups I've ever shot with any AR I've put together. My setup was faily stable but this was no concrete bench either-prone with a bag or hand would give about the same results. I have a RR 2 stage Trigger in this platform-it is 2 ounces under 5lbs which is the heaviest trigger I have had with RR but it broke really nice. All I can say here is unbelievable accuracy-even from a table. The rifle ran flawless and has a much different feel in recoil as to say it has none and just sits there-doesn't move off target. BTW-this is no lightweight now-







I then put 3 -30 round mags of each and shot them as fast as I could pull the trigger aiming at various objects. All mags and ammo worked flawlessly and very smooth.
Another post coming showing wear from this first outing-

MP

Now I'm going to show some pictures regarding wear and fouling. If I would have seen this before today, I would have owned a piston driven gun a long long time ago!
These pictures are after 225 rounds-



The Bolt-


Lower-


H2 Buffer-


Upper-

Piston system-


I took maybe 20 seconds to wipe off piston parts and bolt in some areas-


After taking a few seconds to wipe down the reciever-


If you are looking at a piston driven system, you are seeing the best of what it has to offer wether it be POF or any other high quality piston system weapon platform. The thing I really love about this particluar weapon system is it's simplicity to clean the piston and the bolt fully machined in where the gas tube would enter into the carrier key-(a different part hopefully staked well). POF has a extention tube that has a extruded bottom lip that would prevent wear from carrier tilt on a 6 position tube but as you can see, it is working well so far with the UBR Mil-spec tube. I can't wait to get out again to shoot it. I have some buddies that are really taking a hard look at the piston rifles. They shoot this and i may never get it out of their hands again before I run dry.

MP

Awesome and great test. I was try to decide between a POF , LWRC, and JP but if yours shoots this well I'll be going with the POF I think. I had their P 308 in my hands at Cabelas and thought it was a very well put together weapon and your half inch groups prove that. I'll be picking up the .223 18" barrel

Thanks-sorry I just realized how many pictures I have in this thread-did I ever tell anyone how much I really liked this weapon???

pof, lwrci, and pws will all post .5moa with good ammo

This is a rumor that was started by that other company to steal sales from pof.

Pof isn't going anywhere.

I have been a pof owner and fan for years. The rifles are reliable and accurate. The gas system is simple, robust and reliable.

I love my mid-length P415 that I picked up a few weeks ago. Damn thing is insanely accurate. My rifle was built in 2009,best I can tell. Really like the new handguards that were introduced this year. As soon as they become available from POF,I'm probably going to purchase them for my AR.
Nice rifle you have there,MP.

Love the feedback MP! Sounds like I'll be going with a POF!

Thanks

thanks-yeah, the rail was a very important component for me personally-(game changer ). The original style rail is so strong and stout that you could probably drive a truck over it without crushing it, but it makes the weapon a bit heavier. the HS rail is perfect for my needs-has just enough room for a bipod, flashlight, laser or any component for this particular platform-(intermediate SPR). I have decided to go another route on rhe trigger though. the RR 2 stage isn't quite what i hoped it would be on this project. I'm going to go with something a little lighter in a single stage trigger.



Champchase-you will love it!

MP

I've was very interested in POFs when they first came out, as being a piston system AR, which I felt was a great improvement over the DI system. I've picked up a few over the years, Sig 516, 556, Ruger SSR556, LWRC M6, and if you could consider the ACR an Ar type system it as well, I've eventually gone with the LMT CQB as my favorite piston system due to ease of cleaning and they put into it. Accuracy is good and I love a piston system that you don't have to screw around with so much to take apart and put back together,
I recently found a POF 415 Recon with the 14.5 " barrel with flash/brake pinned and with the NP3 style coating. only 60 rounds put through it and I got it for $1,600, which after looking at the prices was a decent deal. I'm curious what's up with handguards, will they not accept normal rail accessories? Anyways, should be here by this weekend and can't wait to put some rounds down range, especially after reading the above reports..
Thanks for the intel.. we'll see if it is better than my LMT

They give the option now of the Hunter Sniper rail. The accessories will fit just fine, the rail just don't run the full length any more with the HS rail. There are a lot of rifles out there doing te same thing. I think the Scar 16 I was testing out is very similar for rail real estate but it runs the full length top and bottom if I remember correctly

Here's my new baby, its got the 14.5" barrel, P12 SX rail system, oversized grip, which feels great, but ambi mag release and ambi bolt release is too nice. SUPER TRIGGER! better than my bushmaster match trigger IMO. But what is really nice is pretty much an FN FAL gas system, which one can take apart in less than 15 second without removing rails or anything.. This is going to be some serious competition for my LMT CQB.. can't wait to put some rounds down range, "put on my M68 aimpoint" Super nice piece, and my first POF




dang, sorry my pics are so pathetic

Nice! Is that a SBR, or is the flash suppressor permanently attached to make it 16"?

oh yeah I talked to POF and it is welded. i was going to take it off and have someone put on a surefire flash hider, but after looking at the POF brake it looks like a decent design, plus with it being pinned and welded, cutting the barrel,re welding, I'll just keep it factor specs. Very impressed with super high quality workmanship of this weapon, I guess I hadn't been at the right place at the right time to really check one of these out.

You had me worried for 1/2 second with that post. I took a quick glance at my flashhider and made a phone call. I saw the hole at the bottom of mine where you would pin it-no brass pin or weld bubble. I understand why yours was pinned, mine is 16". I was also planning on a Surefire or the new Silencerco at this years shot-show. Silencerco's Facility is fairly close to my location-I'm hoping to try one out at one of the local ranges on one of their rentals as I have in the past.

Ive owned the 14.5" model for a little over a year and can see two main downsides:

1. The rifle is a little front heavy due to the size of the rail. However, I have the tac rail whereas the new siper rail might save a little weight.

2. Your friends will hate you after seeing/firing the POF because they now feel as though they too must own one.


Oh and not sure if its really a downside but the new compensator on the end will make shooters to the left and right hate you too. This thing gobbles up all types of ammo without fail. Hornady, Federal, Wolf, MilSurp, .40 cal, 9mm....it all goes through. I use mine as a patrol rifle and trust it 100%.

I'm not sure were you heard the REC7 isn't a great gun, but I own one and I think it's the best piston system out there. What specifically are you refering to regarding the REC7 and I will give you my thoughts. I also own a LWRC M6A2 and I like the overall fit, finish and high quality parts it comes with. BTW it doesn't hurt my feelings if you say something negative about the Barrett....

That comp IS loud as hell but I love it even if my range buddies dont. lol

Luvin My POF P308 just finished it a few weeks ago.



Amazing how cool the BCG runs and how clean it stays. only 200 rounds so far though
Decided to go with POF after seeing my buddies P415 18". 1000 rds without a cleaning or lubing on that rifle.
(his choice not mine)

And I agree, the muzzle brake is Horrific for anyone to the left and right.

Proper reading is essential before replying. He said REC7 IS A GREAT GUN

Ha! I own a rec7 in 6.8 and an M6A2 upper in 5.56 and I have the same sentiment. I like the Barrett piston system better. Wish Barrett supplied nitrided barrels like LWRC though!!

Hope the reflection from the paint doesn't give u away.

I'm lost. Are you talking about the Barrett logo?

I'm lost. Are you talking about the Barrett logo?

The entire lower receiver. The last thing I want on my gun is something reflective to give my attacker something to aim at in a worst case scenario. Maybe the owner is fortunate enough to own multiple guns but I'm a minimalist and would rather stick with one plain ole non reflective black gun.

Your space shuttle and door gun are ready for launch.

You might want to take a look at the Tactical Gear thread on this forum and read some camo posts. Black guns stick out like sore thumbs in all but night ops. The NP3 finish, while being silver, is still matte and isn't going to be playing signal mirror like the un-protected front glass on your Aimpoint or ACOG. I have tested it in daylight and it is just as non-reflective as a black gun but definitely blends better than black. Those who KNOW... and know because they actually DO.... do Krylon.

Exactly. When you need it for tactical ops because the shtf, grab a can of krylon and let loose!

I was referring to a night operation. Thanks for agreeing.

Phoenix PD's SAU team doesn't seem too concerned with the NP3 causing them problems on night ops.

Do they have chrome rims on their support vehicles too? Bottom line , black is less conspicuous than silver at night. It's pretty, but I wouldn't want anything that would compromise me, even if it's a small chance.

heres a black pof piston gun. 6.8spc

Wait till you see black through a pvs14. I spray paint the targets black at night

POF makes a nice piston gun, along with LWRC, LMT, Barrett, PWS and a few others.
Personally wouldn't recommend AA, or the Sig 556.

I think you should research the piston designs with a mechanical mind and you will see that 1 system stands out.
I'll let you decide.

I would also recommend Daewoo and Rob Arms XCR.
From that, you'll see which design I would choose.

I have an XCR pistol in 6.8 and it really can't be compared to AR platforms. Extremely different piston set up and AK style bolt make it very robust. Out of my POF, Barrett, and LWRC, I like the Barrett the best. I have read about Colt's new piston system and something about a linkage to avoid issues with heat expansion but this sounds like a solution looking for a problem. I have done quite a few mag dumps with my LWRC and I never experienced any difference in performance when it was heated up.



M6A2 Upper



308 POF



Uploaded with ImageShack.us

As a side note, I have a 6.8 Black Hole Weaponry Barrel and Spikes Billet upper on the way. What aftermarket piston system most closely resembles the POF and Barrett ones?

best advice on here in a long time.....well said

Besides looking funny, they could be the best. They were the first modern American production ar piston, they went full one piece bolt carriers before anyone, they have always had a regulator, no oprod spring to fail, and the roller cam is one of the best enhancement to any AR.

If you meant the Sig 556 I agree but if by chance you meant the Sig 516 AR/M4 type piston well if how it functions makes any difference 100% is hard to beat.

I bought one of the cheap "Basic Patrol" versions (Plastic guard no quad rail) sold the Go-Bag so actually paid $1,000.00 even for it
I have fired maybe 2500 rounds since December and it is very accurate shoots any ammo, is very easy to take down and clean (although one feels like one waste his time bothering) and not one single round for any reason has not been 100%
Plus it has ambidextrous mag release & QD built into the lower with an interesting pressure spring that mates the upper and lower tight as is possible.
Also, the BC is milled out where it is too thick lightening the gun further.

Unfortunately Sig decided not to make more of these light weight guns that are better balanced than the more expensive quad rail so they are no longer available and too many people have found out how good this gun is so the lower prices are gone on the quad "Patrol" version as well.

The 516 did not require any break in from round one. No magazine feed no put a few hundred rounds through it before you call us and complain.
As an RSO I have dealt with many high end 1911s that insist their $1,000-$2,000.00 45ACPs require 2-500 rounds before they wear in and function right.
I bought a Sig 1911 TACOPS and it ran like a race car from round one. Maybe the best pistol I have ever owned (I have never owned a Nighthawk GRP though, LOL)

Imagine if your new car did not start all the time because you have to let it idle in the driveway for 3 months before it can be counted on to get you where you are going.
Just MO but these guns should be GTG out of the box, any and all of them and when even more expensive more so no excuses

Wulfmann

Having some fun with our 12.5" full auto P308-FA (.308 / 7.62x51)
Full auto and still shooting SUB-MOA with Hornady Match ammo

Copyright © 1996 - 2013 :: AR15.Com LLC :: All Rights Reserved.
Any use of this content without express written consent is prohibited.