Least expensive, most reliable upper?

AR-15 » AR Piston Systems

AR Sponsor:

Site Notices

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Least expensive, most reliable upper?

Posted: 3/18/2016 10:35:54 AM EDT

I'd like to hear some opinions on the least expensive yet most reliable piston upper in 5.56!

I know the two don't usually go together, so Id like to hear what others have found in their experiences with cost and reliability!

Thanks!

Posted: 3/18/2016 10:42:49 AM EDT

[#1]

Having both piston and DI, I need to ask, why a piston? Are you running suppressed? If not, save your $.
I have had no issues with my CMMG piston upper.

Posted: 3/18/2016 10:49:25 AM EDT

[#2]

I do plan on getting a suppressor once I have a couple more ARs built!

Posted: 3/18/2016 1:30:24 PM EDT

[#3]

Least expensive, most reliable upper...isn't a piston.

Posted: 3/18/2016 3:48:06 PM EDT

[#4]

Quote History

Quoted:
Least expensive, most reliable upper...isn't a piston.

View Quote

The question specifically asked about opinions on piston uppers in the piston forum, why would you waste the effort and time making this comment!?!

Posted: 3/18/2016 4:10:43 PM EDT

[#5]

Quote History

Quoted:

The question specifically asked about opinions on piston uppers in the piston forum, why would you waste the effort and time making this comment!?!

View Quote View All Quotes

View All Quotes

Quote History

Quoted:

Quoted:
Least expensive, most reliable upper...isn't a piston.

The question specifically asked about opinions on piston uppers in the piston forum, why would you waste the effort and time making this comment!?!

Because Stoner Snob.

Posted: 3/18/2016 4:51:47 PM EDT

[#6]

At this point, I'd probably say Huldra.
They were an in-house brand manufactured by Adams Arms for Fleet Farm. The brand, although being no different in quality or spec than Adams, hasn't exactly caught fire.
Bad for them, but for consumers, it means you probably find a NIB or second hand used upper for a discount compared to its Adams counterpart.

Bear in mind, reliable is a holistic term. Adams / Huldra have a well documented history of needing approx 200 rounds of break-in before running flawlessly and have been known not to like .223 or light load (any of the steel cased Russian manufacturers) ammunition. Not without making modifications which typically means opening the diameter or of the gas port, using a lighter buffer, or any combination therein.

Posted: 3/19/2016 3:07:16 PM EDT

[#7]

Quote History

Quoted:

The question specifically asked about opinions on piston uppers in the piston forum, why would you waste the effort and time making this comment!?!

View Quote View All Quotes

View All Quotes

Quote History

Quoted:

Quoted:
Least expensive, most reliable upper...isn't a piston.

The question specifically asked about opinions on piston uppers in the piston forum, why would you waste the effort and time making this comment!?!

Because I see a new member asking a question commonly asked by people who don't know much about either or both of the available systems so I thought I'd steer you in a better direction.

Didn't know you were already an expert but you can't blame me based on your question.

Posted: 3/19/2016 3:55:22 PM EDT

[#8]

Quote History

Quoted:

Because I see a new member asking a question commonly asked by people who don't know much about either or both of the available systems so I thought I'd steer you in a better direction.

Didn't know you were already an expert but you can't blame me based on your question.

View Quote View All Quotes

View All Quotes

Quote History

Quoted:

Quoted:
Least expensive, most reliable upper...isn't a piston.

The question specifically asked about opinions on piston uppers in the piston forum, why would you waste the effort and time making this comment!?!

Because I see a new member asking a question commonly asked by people who don't know much about either or both of the available systems so I thought I'd steer you in a better direction.

Didn't know you were already an expert but you can't blame me based on your question.

I'm a newer member, but have been shooting DI ARs since Fort Benning. Tens of thousands of rounds later, I prefer pistons. However I don't find DI superior or inferior. They're both proven in their respective categories. You can get a DI that fails before a piston and a piston that fails before a DI. It all comes down to the quality of the company(s) who makes the parts within.

I'm also southpaw.

Posted: 3/19/2016 6:23:46 PM EDT

[#9]

So what is the most affordable reliable piston upper for 5.56? LOL All snobbish assholishness aside. LOL

Posted: 3/19/2016 6:59:06 PM EDT

[#10]

Quote History

Quoted:
So what is the most affordable reliable piston upper for 5.56? LOL All snobbish assholishness aside. LOL

View Quote

Your probably never going to find a piston upper that's a comparable price as a DI. It's going to run you inherently 200+ more. With that said you can take a look at Huldra Arms who use both AA type kits.

PWS will run you anywhere between $1,200+. Huldra will be anywhere between $429 or more because those are the standard handguards and railed gas blocks. Syrac sells them for $889 and have a good record. POF you'll spend like $1k. AA is like $799 or $500+ if you want a railed block. CMMG is like $750+.

They're all pretty proven. It's all on you whether you want more quality or more bang for your buck.

Posted: 3/19/2016 10:26:33 PM EDT

[#11]

What about the LWRC M6A2 complete factory upper from CDNN for $699? I bought one of these last year, and it's a great option at a great price.

https://www.cdnnsports.com/lwrc-m6a2-5-56-16-inch-complete-upper-no-sights.html?___SID=U

Posted: 3/19/2016 11:04:44 PM EDT

[#12]

Quote History

Quoted:
What about the LWRC M6A2 complete factory upper from CDNN for $699? I bought one of these last year, and it's a great option at a great price.

https://www.cdnnsports.com/lwrc-m6a2-5-56-16-inch-complete-upper-no-sights.html?___SID=U

View Quote

LWRC is great.