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Posted: 3/25/2012 7:02:27 AM EDT
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I'm sure this has been asked and answered already but the search function on this site leaves a bit to be desired, so here goes.
I went on a parts buying spree last week so I have several uppers and barrels on the way. After spending some time reading piston discussions, I think I'd like to build up one upper with a gas system. I have a DD 18" mid gas S2W profile barrel coming and will mate it to an Aero Precision upper. Currently I only have one lower, OEM from a Windham Weaponry HBC. Not even sure what buffer is in it. Seems like I hear good things about AA gas conversions. Also Osprey. Not looking for "the best money can buy", I don't have that kind of budget, but willing to spend more for quality vs. just functional. How does one pick a hand guard for a piston system, are they included with the system, or are there guidelines for what will work and what won't. I'd like to go floating handguard with this upper. Will I likely have to change out my buffer and/or spring (until I can build a dedicated lower for the piston upper)? OTOH if I'm supposed to figure this out on my own, flame retardant suit is on. Joe |
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Quoted:
How does one pick a hand guard for a piston system, are they included with the system, or are there guidelines for what will work and what won't. I'd like to go floating handguard with this upper. At least with Adams Arms, they give a list... http://adamsarms.net/content.asp?content=3#qa1 If you look at the question below it, they go into modifying ones not included in the list. In regards to the buffer, it should work fine with the kit. If you start going too light with ammo on a heavy buffer, you'll have some issues... but that would be similar across the board. |
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Osprey also give you a list, it's not updated though
http://www.gaspiston.com/osprey-defense-gas-piston-system-ar15-m16-installation/handguard-rail-system-will-fit-list/ I have both systems, both rocks, but I prefer Osprey for non-free float handguard, and AA for free float. Also Osprey is low profile, so you could keep the same M4 Profile. |
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Osprey also give you a list, it's not updated though http://www.gaspiston.com/osprey-defense-gas-piston-system-ar15-m16-installation/handguard-rail-system-will-fit-list/ I have both systems, both rocks, but I prefer Osprey for non-free float handguard, and AA for free float. Also Osprey is low profile, so you could keep the same M4 Profile. Any preference functionally/durability wise between AA and Osprey so far? Rainier has the AA mid length kits in stock, standard and a new light weight model. Rainier's kits do not ship with handguards, though. Midway is out of stock until April, same price as Rainier (within $10 anyway) but their kit includes non-floating handguards. After pricing floating handguards and examining the profile of the barrel I'm going to use it with (it will take quite a bit of mishandling to flex it, I think), I may just use non-floating to start out with, making the AA kit a real bargain (under $300). Thanks for the insight. Joe |
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Functionality they are both on par.
I too prefer the Osprey for its simplicity of install and use. Install takes all of ten minutes and requires no permanent changes to your upper. Also there's nothing to fiddle with when switching between suppressed/unsuppressed fire. The Osprey just runs! |
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Quoted:
Quoted:
Osprey also give you a list, it's not updated though http://www.gaspiston.com/osprey-defense-gas-piston-system-ar15-m16-installation/handguard-rail-system-will-fit-list/ I have both systems, both rocks, but I prefer Osprey for non-free float handguard, and AA for free float. Also Osprey is low profile, so you could keep the same M4 Profile. Any preference functionally/durability wise between AA and Osprey so far? Rainier has the AA mid length kits in stock, standard and a new light weight model. Rainier's kits do not ship with handguards, though. Midway is out of stock until April, same price as Rainier (within $10 anyway) but their kit includes non-floating handguards. After pricing floating handguards and examining the profile of the barrel I'm going to use it with (it will take quite a bit of mishandling to flex it, I think), I may just use non-floating to start out with, making the AA kit a real bargain (under $300). Thanks for the insight. Joe Depends on which AA kit you buy. Rainier sells both the pinned gasblock and the clamp on gas block. The clamp on conversion comes with handguards and the pinned version does not. |
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I just picked up an AA upper from Rainer Arms and have not had a chance to shoot it as of yet. I bought it based on their reputation. There's a weird spring on the bolt.
I own an Osprey Defense conversion in my Bushy. It's truly a K.I.S.S. system. I love that system and will buy again. It's very easy to install. I trusted it enough to put it in my patrol carbine and carry it every day at work. I probably put at least 1k rounds through it with the Osprey on it and never had an issue. It's the easiest gun I have ever owned to clean as well. I owned an LWRC M6A2. I consider that the Maserati of the AR World. I regret getting rid of it. It was the finest rifle I have ever shot. I just picked up a Hogan H-308, but have not had a chance to shoot it. Looks solid and is backed by unbelievably great customer support. I have carried and put thousands upon thousands of rounds through my old issued M16A2 and M-4 (COLT'S) that were DI and hated them both. If it got any crap in the chamber or on the bolt, you will hear that unmistakable "CLICK" instead of a "BANG." |
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Quoted:
I just picked up an AA upper from Rainer Arms and have not had a chance to shoot it as of yet. I bought it based on their reputation. There's a weird spring on the bolt. I own an Osprey Defense conversion in my Bushy. It's truly a K.I.S.S. system. I love that system and will buy again. It's very easy to install. I trusted it enough to put it in my patrol carbine and carry it every day at work. I probably put at least 1k rounds through it with the Osprey on it and never had an issue. It's the easiest gun I have ever owned to clean as well. I owned an LWRC M6A2. I consider that the Maserati of the AR World. I regret getting rid of it. It was the finest rifle I have ever shot. I just picked up a Hogan H-308, but have not had a chance to shoot it. Looks solid and is backed by unbelievably great customer support. I have carried and put thousands upon thousands of rounds through my old issued M16A2 and M-4 (COLT'S) that were DI and hated them both. If it got any crap in the chamber or on the bolt, you will hear that unmistakable "CLICK" instead of a "BANG." spring |
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A couple of votes for Osprey got me leaning that way.
A thread in the general AR forum about customer service issues with AA sealed the deal. Talked to Osprey (someone answered the phone first ring) about whether I would need the HBAR kit for my S2W profile barrel. He gave me guidelines for measuring the barrel, then I asked, what's the downside to ordering the HBAR kit. Answer; none, they will all be HBAR kits once their stock of original design kits runs out. He even told me Xtreme Guns in TX has them on sale! What a guy! My 18" HBAR compatible kit is ordered, $299 shipped. Now I need to get a bolt, charging handle and I suppose a delta ring kit to complete the upper. Thanks for the guidance guys. I'll post a picture of the upper once I settle on a comp (that is, once I design and make my own). Joe |
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I figured I'd post on this thread since this is the barrel I'm going to use with the Osprey kit I ordered, and it's not that remarkable anyway.
Fooling around in the shop today, I whipped up this compensator (at least I hope it ends up being compensatory). I have some free machining stainless showing up tomorrow but this is just an aluminum prototype. The ports are angled 5 degrees forward. In theory they should be angled backwards to get more muzzle brake effect but I don't want to be directing gases back towards the guys using adjacent shooting tables. My brother in law told me about the time he shot a Barrett Light 50 with a muzzle brake and it did not go well for the shooters set up around him. They pretty much cleared off several benches to either side of him. Not that I think 5.56 can do the same thing but I'm proceeding cautiously. I will do some back to back testing once I get the upper assembled. http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o167/scudzuki/P1010213.jpg http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o167/scudzuki/P1010212.jpg |
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