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Posted: 2/22/2012 10:39:31 AM EDT
| Hey guys, first post here. Looking for my first Piston AR and have been pointed in the direction of the PWS MK114 or 16. I was just wondering if anyone had any thoughts on these rifles. What do you think of their performance, price, features, etc... I have about a 1500 dollar budget. Thanks for your help! |
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Actually because the PWS gas piston is based on the AK47 comparing this completely different method with other makers is not relevant to either type.
The piston rod is attached to the bolt carrier and moves with it instead of a piston driving a rod back against the BCG. There are a few who bought other makes that attack anyone who does not buy the same but the fair minded people (of which most are here) agree the PWS is an excellent piston AR. IMO, for $1500.00 no other AR comes close but there are some very sweet pistons for a bit more money one would be delighted to own as well. Wulfmann Here is my MK114 but i do like other brands as well (I have since changed covers and only use a QD sling) 
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Here's the review I posted on their website,
"I own a Mk116 and Mk216. I continue to be extremely impressed with both. Fit and finish are excellent, they have been 100% reliable with a wide variety of ammunition, consistently accurate, and very well balanced. With both I'm typically getting 1.5 MOA or so with surplus, right around 1 MOA with anything decent and slightly under with match-grade and handloads. I think the worst accuracy I've recorded was in the range of 2-2.5 MOA with REALLY NASTY surplus. With the Mk116, the 1/8 rifling has handled 55 grain ball and SP to 77 grain OTM equally well. The MK216 has run everything from 110 TAP to 175 grain SMK handloads well. The balance is probably the biggest difference I've noticed between the PWS and other carbines. Overall, they feel lighter than they are and neutrally balanced between your hands. They feel lively, point very well and transition fast between targets. It's rare you find a weapon that feels this light and lively in the hands while at the same time giving you the impression it's built like a tank. I'd highly recommend them to anyone." The more I shoot them, I more impressed I am. As far as the difference between the short stroke and long stroke? Think "Garand/M-14 type piston vs. Kalashnikov type piston" Long Stroke Short Stroke (Adams Arms) For the record, I also have an Adams Arms type (S&W M&P-15PSX) which is also excellent and I trust the rifle implicitly. I just like the PWS a bit better. |
| I just opened mine (PWS MK-114) and I'm blown away. Change that to, extremely pleased? I've not shot mine yet, but I've shot the hell out of my buddy's and I just find them really great weapons. I ordered mine direct from the Company, because I was back in the People's Republic of New York Statist at the time. PWS (Stacey) was extremely helpful walking me through it, and a delight to deal with - because I'm a PITA, and he never lost his sense of humor. Thank you Stacey. I don't want to slam anybody else's piston AR's here, but this is not my only piston AR. Yet. And a MK-214 (or MAYBE MK-216) will be on order within a month. |
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After reviewing all the piston systems out there I concluded the PWS Long Stroke design makes the most sense.
I found a dealer with a MK110 upper in stock, it will be here next week. I asked Stacey of PWS a whole bunch of questions he returned all my emails quickly and answered all my questions throughly. I have also ordered a PWS enhanced buffer tube. This upper will go on a PSA pistol lower until the SBR paperwork for my Spikes Billet lower gets approved 
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Absolutely love my MK114.
Out of the 5 ARs that I have, if I had to only choose one to keep, it would be the PWS. For a many reasons already mentioned here...Its light, its extremely well balanced, shoots consistently accurate, shoots whatever ammo I feed it. It also shoots softer than any AR I have ever shot. Not to mention, running 300 rounds of junk steel cased cheap stuff through it doesnt seem to dirty it up a bit. I pull the BCG out and it doesnt really look like I even fired it. I recommend the MK114 over the 116 due to the few ounces less weight and the fact that the PWS brake is superb and you dont need to change it. Out of the box, theres really nothing you need to add to this rifle. I will note, that the only piston gun I have to compare this to is the sig 516, however I would choose this rifle over my Larue predatar. http://www.luckystrike.mynetworksolutions.com/images/724_IMG00892-20120202-1303.jpg |
I have the original version of this system that was known as the ATAC MK1 from Addax Tactical. its a good system. I love mine but it does has drawbacks like any platform. I really wish it had a free floated barrel and handguard but its still suprisingly accurate and has very little muzzle rise due to the brake it comes with. I think its one of the best AR15 piston systems out right now. Im very happy with it 
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Quoted:
Absolutely love my MK114. Not to mention, running 300 rounds of junk steel cased cheap stuff through it doesnt seem to dirty it up a bit. I pull the BCG out and it doesnt really look like I even fired it. Make sure you do a good chamber cleaning when using steel cased ammo. Occasional problems have been reported on piston guns when too much steel is used then switching to brass. Here is why: When a round is fire the steel case does not expand to seal the chamber as effectively and brass carbon can build up on the chamber walls from the heated gas. As we all know when cleaned regularly this is not a problem but if carbon builds up too much and hardens it can become difficult to restore the chamber size for reliable brass case use. The smaller the chamber to begin with the more likely a problem will develop. This in no way is meant to suggest using steel cased ammo is bad. Just a note that more attention to brushing out the chamber is a good idea. BTW, I ran a box of Wolf WPA through my PWS and it worked fine. I did this as a test for all the ammo I have lying around so I "KNOW" what works and absolutely everything works in my MK114. However, I do not use steel case ammo in any of my guns. Wulfmann |
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Quoted:
I have the original version of this system that was known as the ATAC MK1 from Addax Tactical. its a good system. I love mine but it does has drawbacks like any platform. I really wish it had a free floated barrel and handguard but its still suprisingly accurate and has very little muzzle rise due to the brake it comes with. I think its one of the best AR15 piston systems out right now. Im very happy with it FYI, the ATAC piston uppers from Addax were made under license from PWS by Addax using PWS manufactured and supplied components which were then combined with Addax components and labor to build them. I believe that both were built to the same standards and shared many components but had different brand and model names. The DC series uppers were being produced at the same time by PWS and then evolved and were renamed the MK1 series in mid 2010. |
ya i was aware it was a joint production between ADDAX and PWS. i was unaware that the PWS MK1 rifle was already out when i ordered mine 
i had picked up my ATAC upper assembly in early december of 2009. regardless i am very happy with the system
http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii271/lilohart/IMG_0457-1.jpg |
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I have also recently purchased a MK114 upper for my Spikes lower w/ Magpul's UBR stock. I ordered it straight off the website, received a tracking number the next day, and it appeared on my doorstep about 8 days later. (free ground shipping x-country)
Finish is a nice dark black & matches the lower perfectly. VERY SLIGHT movement between the upper and lower, which an accu-wedge completely eliminates. Even with the heavy UBR stock it still comes in under 8 lbs. (on my fishing scale) and feels lighter/balances well. I've only had it to the range once, but it was a dream to shoot. The guys on either side of me on the line felt differently. The compensator on the 14" barrel, while being extremely effective, throws a concussion blast to either side. This prompted the other shooters to say "I'll just wait till you're done" as they stepped back from the line. I felt bad...but only a little. After the PWS was sighted-in and test-fired to my satisfaction, I picked up the Draco. 
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Quoted: I have the original version of this system that was known as the ATAC MK1 from Addax Tactical. its a good system. I love mine but it does has drawbacks like any platform. I really wish it had a free floated barrel and handguard but its still suprisingly accurate and has very little muzzle rise due to the brake it comes with. I think its one of the best AR15 piston systems out right now. Im very happy with it Edit: Nekul already hit it, and with better words. |
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Quoted:
Absolutely love my MK114. Out of the 5 ARs that I have, if I had to only choose one to keep, it would be the PWS. For a many reasons already mentioned here...Its light, its extremely well balanced, shoots consistently accurate, shoots whatever ammo I feed it. It also shoots softer than any AR I have ever shot. Not to mention, running 300 rounds of junk steel cased cheap stuff through it doesnt seem to dirty it up a bit. I pull the BCG out and it doesnt really look like I even fired it. I recommend the MK114 over the 116 due to the few ounces less weight and the fact that the PWS brake is superb and you dont need to change it. Out of the box, theres really nothing you need to add to this rifle. I will note, that the only piston gun I have to compare this to is the sig 516, however I would choose this rifle over my Larue predatar. http://www.luckystrike.mynetworksolutions.com/images/724_IMG00892-20120202-1303.jpg How do you like your Sig516 compared to your MK114..Im on the fence about them both. |
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Quoted:
How do you like your Sig516 compared to your MK114..Im on the fence about them both. I too have a MK114 and a Sig 516. A month ago I stated the Sig 516 was the best dollar for dollar piston one could buy. It is still as good as it was then but the bargain buys are gone. However it is well worth the money. Mine has 2K rounds in as many months and it has not hinted at a malfunction. It is accurate, reliable and easy to care for. It has a few features many more expensive pistons do not have like ambi mag release, QD sling built in to the receiver, built in spring that makes upper/lower feel like one unit and a chrome line bore, If you catch a deal on a 516 jump on it, IMO For the same money I prefer the PWS but for $2-300 less I would go with the Sig––––IMO Wulfmann |
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