User Panel
Posted: 3/20/2016 2:11:27 PM EDT
Greetings,
I Like my M16 direct-impingement 11.5" upper generally, although it gives quite a blast of gas in the face when shooting suppressed. (and before anyone asks, yes, I have a "gas buster" charging handle installed, which helps only a little). This issue has caused me to think again about maybe getting a piston upper to run on it. Any suggestions in this regard? Possibilities I've seen include the HK416 upper and some offerings from LWRC. Thanks for your input, SD |
|
Any piston upper should work in an M16 or AR conversion, provided you have the correct bolt carrier.
The usual concern with piston systems that don't have something like the internal rails of the 416 types, is carrier tilt, which can put wear on your receiver extension and possibly your expensive full auto lower - though there are also various fixes to mitigate or eliminate tilt. |
|
I would suggest sticking with your DI upper and getting an adjustable gas block instead. You can tune the gas system to where there's very little gas in your face. But yeah the Gas Buster charging handle is also a good start. I also like to run heavier buffers as well. Maybe pick up a H3 buffer or 9mm buffer. Of course also keep in mind no matter what kind of upper you run your'e always going to get some gas in the face, it's just the nature of suppressors in general. But I personally find my DI uppers to be quieter than my piston uppers.
|
|
I run the Adams Arms Kit. Have had it a few years on and it has been flawless.
|
|
http://slrrifleworks.com/index.php?route=product/product&path=57&product_id=496
I put that on my Suppressed 10.5" and I now have no issue with gas in the face. Also, since there is less gas i changed to a V7 Titanium BCG instead of steel and went from a H2 to an H1 buffer, runs just as reliably and i reduced the weight of my rifle by like 6+ oz. Adjustable gas blocks are def the way to go. IMO piston uppers just add weight and extra parts to deal with. |
|
I have an LWRC 10.5 with adjustable gas. The adjustment knob is easily reached and it's tuned to be either suppressed or not. Easy operation, and it has performed flawlessly in semi and full auto. If I had to do it over again, I would purchase the same upper.
|
|
Quoted:
I run the Adams Arms Kit. Have had it a few years on and it has been flawless. View Quote Me too. I get hammered on M4C for saying it though. Several years ago, Midsouth had the Adams retrofit kits on sale for like half price. I built an upper with a gray Colt flat-top to match my 9m-serial-number Colt lower, Noveske 10.5" polygonal, and the AA retrofit kit complete with bolt carrier. It runs great. It's cool and clean. I hardly ever have to clean it. It doesn't get nearly as hot as the DI systems that I'd used before. I do get a bit of wear in the buffer tube, but I feel that as long as I keep an eye on it and replace the tube every few years, my Colt lower will be just fine. Aside from the carrier tilt issue, one more thing may make you re-think using a piston and a suppressor: To the shooter's ears, the piston system is louder with a can than a DI system. I believe this is because most of the noise from a DI gun comes out the vent holes in the carrier - out the right side of the gun, and away from a right-handed shooter's ears. But with the piston system, the venting is right in front of you, at the gas block. So it doesn't sound as quiet to the shooter as the DI does. But that's a small price to pay for all that cool, clean, hassle-free shooting. |
|
Quoted:
I have an LWRC 10.5 with adjustable gas. The adjustment knob is easily reached and it's tuned to be either suppressed or not. Easy operation, and it has performed flawlessly in semi and full auto. If I had to do it over again, I would purchase the same upper. View Quote My buddy has one of these and also a 10.5 Mk416 upper and both are great. |
|
I just picked up a adams arms 545x39mm cant wait to chop it and bang xxxxxxx!
|
|
Quoted:
I have an LWRC 10.5 with adjustable gas. The adjustment knob is easily reached and it's tuned to be either suppressed or not. Easy operation, and it has performed flawlessly in semi and full auto. If I had to do it over again, I would purchase the same upper. View Quote I do also. Many thousands through it and 100% with and without can. Mine is M6A3 10.5" |
|
Quoted: I have an LWRC 10.5 with adjustable gas. The adjustment knob is easily reached and it's tuned to be either suppressed or not. Easy operation, and it has performed flawlessly in semi and full auto. If I had to do it over again, I would purchase the same upper. View Quote I have a 10.5" M6A2 that has always run as expected. The only thing I would change is I would have gotten it with the adjustable gas. |
|
I don't think you'll put NEAR the amount of rounds through them than Battlefield Vegas does, but the guy that runs it says the only piston uppers that survived non stop full auto are the HK and TDI (Titan Defense 415) 416 uppers.
Everything else failed. |
|
|
I use adjustable gas blocks on all mine. I used to have to make them but there are some fantastic adjustable gas blocks available now.
|
|
I have a factory adams arms 545x39 piston upper i have to change out the buffer in the m16 lower?
|
|
I run the Adams Arms Kit. Have had it a few years on and it has been flawless. View Quote Just wanted to f/u on my earlier thread with some info on various options I have since tried, for reducing gas blowback in an M16 running FA suppressed-- #1. GemTech suppressed bolt carrier http://www.silencershop.com/gemtech-5-56-suppressed-bolt-carrier.html
Definitely lowers the rate of fire when set to "suppressed". I didn't feel like it improved gas blowback that much, however. (and when looking at the design, not that surprising, as it does nothing to decrease the gas actually reaching the upper receiver). #2. Adams Arms 556 Carbine Tactical EVO 11.5" Evolution Piston Upper http://www.adamsarms.net/11-5-carbine-tactical-evo-upper
I've put 150 rds through it, and this is the best option I've found... no malfunctions so far. Of course, there's still a small amount of gas coming out of the chamber & spent casings as they're ejected. But, this option is cost-effective and presently available. Cons - can't remove gas plug with 51T mount installed (mentioned already in this thread); A little heavier than a similar low-profile DI upper (this is actually the first piston upper I've used on any AR15/M16 platform) Of course, all the low-profile/lightweight/PDW uppers get hot fast under full-auto fire... I may have to next find a good "range upper" to mitigate this, as much as possible. Anyone running the "Dissipator" style uppers on an M16? (e.g., http://www.midwayusa.com/product/683909/bushmaster-ar-15-dissipator-a3-upper-receiver-assembly-556x45mm-nato-16-barrel) |
|
Quoted:
Just wanted to f/u on my earlier thread with some info on various options I have since tried, for reducing gas blowback in an M16 running FA suppressed-- #1. GemTech suppressed bolt carrier http://www.silencershop.com/gemtech-5-56-suppressed-bolt-carrier.html Definitely lowers the rate of fire when set to "suppressed". I didn't feel like it improved gas blowback that much, however. (and when looking at the design, not that surprising, as it does nothing to decrease the gas actually reaching the upper receiver). Correct, the same amount of gas goes through the gas block, into the gas tube and into the upper, at which point some of it is released out the side of the BCG, which of course is right by your face. I haven't tried this BCG before but I imagine it makes gas tot he face worse. #2. Adams Arms 556 Carbine Tactical EVO 11.5" Evolution Piston Upper http://www.adamsarms.net/11-5-carbine-tactical-evo-upper I've put 150 rds through it, and this is the best option I've found... no malfunctions so far. Of course, there's still a small amount of gas coming out of the chamber & spent casings as they're ejected. But, this option is cost-effective and presently available. Cons - can't remove gas plug with 51T mount installed (mentioned already in this thread); A little heavier than a similar low-profile DI upper (this is actually the first piston upper I've used on any AR15/M16 platform) Piston systems work well with suppressors, but they tend to be a bit louder because they release the gas to the open air rather than in the enclosed upper. But they are effective at keeping the action clean and gas out of your face. The main downside is the weight as the gas block/piston assembling is usually large and you are replacing a tiny light weight gas tube with a heavy piston rod. Also, you have to use proprietary parts so options like lightweight BCGs are not an option, again "adding" more weight to the rifle. Of course, all the low-profile/lightweight/PDW uppers get hot fast under full-auto fire... I may have to next find a good "range upper" to mitigate this, as much as possible. Yes lightweight builds heat up quick, there is little material there to absorb the heat. I love my 10.5" Ultra Lightweight pencil thin barrel but im hesitant to do any high volume of fire with it. If you want extended high rates of fire you will need to step up to heavy barrel or preferable a quick change barrel system, Ruger or a Shrike being the only two options I know of for the M16 Anyone running the "Dissipator" style uppers on an M16? Yes I have a 16" upper with full length guard (Maybe its a mid-length), its what I use when people just want to do mag dumps. (e.g., http://www.midwayusa.com/product/683909/bushmaster-ar-15-dissipator-a3-upper-receiver-assembly-556x45mm-nato-16-barrel) View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted:
I run the Adams Arms Kit. Have had it a few years on and it has been flawless. Just wanted to f/u on my earlier thread with some info on various options I have since tried, for reducing gas blowback in an M16 running FA suppressed-- #1. GemTech suppressed bolt carrier http://www.silencershop.com/gemtech-5-56-suppressed-bolt-carrier.html Definitely lowers the rate of fire when set to "suppressed". I didn't feel like it improved gas blowback that much, however. (and when looking at the design, not that surprising, as it does nothing to decrease the gas actually reaching the upper receiver). Correct, the same amount of gas goes through the gas block, into the gas tube and into the upper, at which point some of it is released out the side of the BCG, which of course is right by your face. I haven't tried this BCG before but I imagine it makes gas tot he face worse. #2. Adams Arms 556 Carbine Tactical EVO 11.5" Evolution Piston Upper http://www.adamsarms.net/11-5-carbine-tactical-evo-upper I've put 150 rds through it, and this is the best option I've found... no malfunctions so far. Of course, there's still a small amount of gas coming out of the chamber & spent casings as they're ejected. But, this option is cost-effective and presently available. Cons - can't remove gas plug with 51T mount installed (mentioned already in this thread); A little heavier than a similar low-profile DI upper (this is actually the first piston upper I've used on any AR15/M16 platform) Piston systems work well with suppressors, but they tend to be a bit louder because they release the gas to the open air rather than in the enclosed upper. But they are effective at keeping the action clean and gas out of your face. The main downside is the weight as the gas block/piston assembling is usually large and you are replacing a tiny light weight gas tube with a heavy piston rod. Also, you have to use proprietary parts so options like lightweight BCGs are not an option, again "adding" more weight to the rifle. Of course, all the low-profile/lightweight/PDW uppers get hot fast under full-auto fire... I may have to next find a good "range upper" to mitigate this, as much as possible. Yes lightweight builds heat up quick, there is little material there to absorb the heat. I love my 10.5" Ultra Lightweight pencil thin barrel but im hesitant to do any high volume of fire with it. If you want extended high rates of fire you will need to step up to heavy barrel or preferable a quick change barrel system, Ruger or a Shrike being the only two options I know of for the M16 Anyone running the "Dissipator" style uppers on an M16? Yes I have a 16" upper with full length guard (Maybe its a mid-length), its what I use when people just want to do mag dumps. (e.g., http://www.midwayusa.com/product/683909/bushmaster-ar-15-dissipator-a3-upper-receiver-assembly-556x45mm-nato-16-barrel) I still highly recommend you try an adjustable gas block. It should solve all of your issues without adding weight to the firearm and allowing you to use all milspec style parts including high end after market parts. |
|
I still highly recommend you try an adjustable gas block. It should solve all of your issues without adding weight to the firearm and allowing you to use all milspec style parts including high end after market parts. View Quote Thank you for taking the time to respond to my post - good info! Could someone send / post a link to a recommended adjustable gas block upper that I can just Purchase? (don't want to build one myself right now) And yeah-- looking like I'm going to end up getting a more traditional upper for range use / "kind of" high volume fire. (and don't you just love the modularity of the M16 system?! ) |
|
There are at least a dozen out there, as I said before I was a bit of an early adopter so I used to modify LMT gas blocks, then Noveske released their switchbock of which I have 3 and I dig them (although they come with three pretuned settings and are not user adjustable).
I haven't tried any of the more recent offerings. If I was in the market I would probably check out the New AR15 products forum I think there have been at least 10 posted there in the last year or two. |
|
Quoted: Could someone send / post a link to a recommended adjustable gas block upper that I can just Purchase? (don't want to build one myself right now) View Quote We are also a site sponsor here on AR15.com. Here is a link to our industry forum: http://www.ar15.com/forums/f_2/543_.html We do all of our testing in full auto and you can see some of our videos here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCU1RTBMGsZVXJBnPfk8VabA Here is one torture test video using an 8" 5.45 upper and a 556 Specwar: This video shows RoF results comparing controlling the gas vs using a heavy buffer: |
|
Quoted:
Thank you for taking the time to respond to my post - good info! Could someone send / post a link to a recommended adjustable gas block upper that I can just Purchase? (don't want to build one myself right now) And yeah-- looking like I'm going to end up getting a more traditional upper for range use / "kind of" high volume fire. (and don't you just love the modularity of the M16 system?! ) View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted:
I still highly recommend you try an adjustable gas block. It should solve all of your issues without adding weight to the firearm and allowing you to use all milspec style parts including high end after market parts. Thank you for taking the time to respond to my post - good info! Could someone send / post a link to a recommended adjustable gas block upper that I can just Purchase? (don't want to build one myself right now) And yeah-- looking like I'm going to end up getting a more traditional upper for range use / "kind of" high volume fire. (and don't you just love the modularity of the M16 system?! ) http://slrrifleworks.com/index.php?route=product/product&path=57_125&product_id=496 That's what I use on mine |
|
AR15.COM is the world's largest firearm community and is a gathering place for firearm enthusiasts of all types.
From hunters and military members, to competition shooters and general firearm enthusiasts, we welcome anyone who values and respects the way of the firearm.
Subscribe to our monthly Newsletter to receive firearm news, product discounts from your favorite Industry Partners, and more.
Copyright © 1996-2024 AR15.COM LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Any use of this content without express written consent is prohibited.
AR15.Com reserves the right to overwrite or replace any affiliate, commercial, or monetizable links, posted by users, with our own.