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Posted: 6/8/2015 10:50:17 PM EDT
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Ok guys first and foremost lets keep this civilized... no pissing matches.
Now that we have that out of the way here's my dilemma: I'm going to be buying a piston driven AR15 soon. This is going to be my "go to war" weapon should the situation ever arise. For the longest time I was set on a Core15 rifle, specifically this one, http://www.core15.com/our-products/core15-rifles-2235-56/core15-tac-mid-length-piston-rifle/ which I can find for purchase brand new online for around $1100 but I decided that before I pull the trigger per se that I should look around and see if there would be a significantly better options. After reading through the forums here I've saw some other options that really stand out. So i've added two more options to the consideration. The front runner being the LWRC IC-A5 https://www.lwrci.com/p-329-ic-a5.aspx which i've found pretty consistantly around the $2400 mark The other viable option is from PWS the MK116 http://primaryweapons.com/wp/shop/mk116-rifle/ which is coming in around the $1800 mark So what it comes down to is this is going to be the rifle I choose and depend on when SHTF and I want to say that cost is a secondary factor but its still a factor. I have to choose between spending $1100, $1800, & $2400. Is the $2400 rifle REALLY worth twice as much as Core15? I'm looking forward to your guys input since most of you have actually had and worked with these specific systems. I'd prefer to make the right choice the first time instead of getting one and then later getting the one I really wanted. Thanks guys |
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Well, if you were to purchase the LWRC rifle, you'd be getting a free Aimpoint until August 31st. If you find a rifle, with the skirmish sights already on it, you'd get both the iron sights and the Aimpoint.
The PWS is a good rifle but I prefer the built in full ambi lower of the LWRC and I am also partial to just having a 2 position gas block that you can rotate with a gloved hand. I used to have a PWS MK112 but I didn't fall in love with it, the same as some others here have. I'm also not a huge fan of Keymod and would enjoy the rifle far more if it had M-Lok (Bias here obviously) In the end, I'd choose between the PWS or the LWRC. The Core15 isn't a bad rifle but I find the money is better spent on the PWS, as the long stroke design is rather cool, or the LWRC for their Ambi lower and free Aimpoint deal. |
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The Core 15 you linked looks like it has a re-branded Adams Arms clamp-on piston kit. If that's the case, then yes, the LWRC is worth twice as much, if that's what people are paying.
That being said, I'm a big believer in the PWS system and believe them to be best design available. Both my MK 114 and MK 116 (mod 0) have been flawless with every type of ammo I've been able to find. They also balance better (not as front-heavy), and are easier to disassemble than the LWRC design. You're going to start another PWS vs LWRC debate amongst the fanboys, but the truth is they're both at the pinnacle of their respective designs and you could equally rely on either. I wouldn't count so much on the Core 15. They've got some slick marketing, but I haven't been very impressed with their offerings. I'm fairly confident I could build a better one on my coffee table, not so with the PWS/LWRC. Do some homework on the different piston designs (short stroke vs long stroke) and pick your favorite. |
I have the LWRC M6IC a5 and love it, especially being a primarily left handed shooter. The ambi set up is awesome. The rifle to date has performed flawlessly, even suppressed. The adjustable gas block works great, it doesn't seize up. The gun stays cool during operation and is accurate. As a previous person said, you're getting an Aimpoint T-1 with it... Pretty good deal honestly
My friend has the core15 and it's a good rifle, especially in that price point, I fear though you would be adding things to the rifle, which in turn drives the price up anyway. Ultimately at the end of the day you just have to decide how much you want to spend, all options are great |
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Although I have both DI and piston system, I like piston guns more and have accumulated different piston systems, e.g., LWRC, Adcor, Sig 556, PWS, and Tavor. I am now waiting for Serbu SU-15. I don't buy piston systems which I can build, e.g., Adam Arms. Out of all the piston systems, PWS (long stroke piston) is my favorite in most instances (suppressed and un-suppressed). If you are shooting suppressed most of the time, I would go with either LWRC or Adcor (short stroke piston), but I prefer the Adcor even though there seems to be no fanboy club for the Adcor. If you really want a 16" barrel length gun that has similar overall length dimensions of a 7" AR-15 SBR length, then I would go with the Tavor. A lot depends on what configuration you plan to shoot most of the time. All the systems I have uses proprietary bolt carrier group, but at least LWRC, Adcor and PWS uses standard AR bolt (PWS uses a proprietary bolt with a spring, but it it fails, you can always swap in a standard bolt without the spring-it works with the standard bolt). Some people like Faxon, but it uses a proprietary bcg and I believe cannot accept a standard bolt.)
If you don't care about matching lowers and uppers, you can get a PWS upper between 1000-1400 (can get some good deals if you monitor GB). If you are not set on the LWRC model, you can get an LWRC M6A2 for $699-$899 at CDNN. Sometime, you can get an Adcor upper for $800 (monitor GB). For the price that you are thinking about buying, you can get both PWS and LWRC uppers or both PWS and Adcor uppers for about $1700-$1800. Haven't seen a new Tavor for less than 1599 (Gunbuyer.com). If you plan to only get one piston gun (unlike me), then I would go with the PWS. |
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