I just bought an A1 upper assembly for a barrel (yea....not kidding), and it came with a piston system.  It's an Osprey system with a bolt carrier group that is piston converted already through a system that doesn't modify any of the existing M16 parts (much to my relief!!)  I'm not finding much on the reviews of it other than it seems to be decent, but no specifics.  I'm thinking of reselling it, but I want to know first that it's not a crappy product and see if anyone had experiences with this system.....as I MAY try a piston system, but also don't want to sell someone something that isn't safe or decent quality.....nor do I wanna pass up an opportunity to learn more about these systems.  

Photos on request. (I can basically send the link to the auction).  

Thanks in advance to all.
v/r,
Jon

been using it for 6 years over 35k rounds on it im on my second bolt and barrel....great system very reliable with no tilt

Osprey has no known issues, just not as popular as AA.  Surprises me as it's more of a drop in than AAs are.

If it's already installed on your upper run it and see if you like it.  If not, no harm no foul and all you have to do is install a gas tube and a standard BCG and you're back to DI.

I tell you though they are easy to get used to once you run them and see how clean things stay...

They work well. They are softer shooting than some other piston kits. They require more pressure in my experience ie. may not work well with cheap under powered ammo. Also limited on the rails they fit under. Overall built well and work well.

I may run it....but it is currently on a 1963-1964 barrel that is worth quite a bit....(which is why I bought it actually...lol)....but I don't know how much I'll be shooting a lot of these beauties once I put them together.  But I do have a couple of other projects that I'd love to see put into action that could possibly use the piston system.
v/r,
Jon

Best piston kit IMO.

http://www.ospreydefense.com/



Things i remember from the "piston wars" and current searches.

Was running head to head in popularity with Adams Arms. Seems they lost.

I dont recall any manufacturer uses it on a production rifle.

Many happy customers buy you dont hear much lately.

A few owners needed a different / custom piston cup for reliable function. i recall reading  maybe two or three incidents.

Limited in handguard selection.

Osprey claimed self regulation between suppressed and non suppressed function.  There was a video on the claim but they did a poor job on the forums here explaining it.

Easy installation , the entire system relies on the gas tube pin for anchoring.I think they upgraded to a stronger pin. I dont recall any failures being reported.

Web site says "under new ownership ".  News page say 2013 new owner change.

Web site  doesn't have a purchase function and not many websites sell the kit or say " not available ???    not sure what to think here or my search abilities stink.


Is this company still in business ????

originally when released the heat treat caused the piston cylinder dimensions to slightly change that was rectified over 7 years ago the pin is solid that goes into the gas tube pin hole it does not use a roll pin never has...great system no springs or valves.They are still in buisness.

Shoot it, It is not going to do anything harmful to your barrel.  It simply bleeds gas off exactly like the impingment system that uses the gas tube.  Operates a piston under the handguard and an operating rod pushes  a modified bolt carrier back  by direct contact.,  I have one Ospry and a couple of the AA and honestly cannot tell any difference in operation.

I really like mine. Runs great in semi & full auto and they sell them right here in the ARFCOM store.

I'd like to find another pin for the GB since I messed up the spare that came in the kit.

Osprey's kit seemed solid when I got one. However had issues with its fitment in the gas tube hole on gasblocks. Lack of customer service led me to return it to Midway USA and get an AA kit instead.

If you have one, try it, if it works for you then great. But I wouldn't recommend buying one, especially since they wont sell you spare parts for it. (if you need a new piston or cup, they will make you buy a whole new kit, I asked the customer [anti]service rep)

I put one on my 6.8 SPC and love it. One thing I will say is that with my ARP Scout barrel - it hates Hornady brass. Everything else, it eats up. Here is the thread I made about my build. Hope it helps.

https://www.ar15.com/forums/t_3_126/684686_Ops_416_piston_6_8SPC_II.html

I noticed this too.  Just received the kit today and I'm going to be changing the barrel off of the receiver set.  It seems solid, but I'm not overly excited on it.  The stupid gas tube pin is not the standard roll pin and I'm unable to get it out myself, despite vigorous use of the roll pin punch.  I guess it makes sense that the roll pin isn't used, but I don't like that the ends aren't dimpled so that the roll pin punch will settle in nicely.  Otherwise the quality and operation seem decent.  

I know it's not going to hurt the barrel any more than normal.....but would rather keep the barrel for the project and slap this on something that I'm gonna shoot the crap out of....or sell it to someone that's actually interested in the piston system.  Once the weather warms up and it quits alternating between bitterly cold and dumping tons of snow, then I'll try to make it back out to the range.
v/r,
Jon

I never ran into that problem dealing with them and I needed a new oprod and technical help. Try this contact if you need support on the unit.



Joseph Scimeca

Business Development

Osprey Defense/Ark Defense

941.356.1648

[email protected]

ive always dealt with Joe and they will sell spare parts