Anyone here have a piston AR?

[275RLTW]

I've been running my piston system for a few months now & have had no problems. I bought it from Primary Weapon Systems (www.primaryweapons.com) and mounted it on a LMT Defender lower.
The piston system is a bit heavier than a comarible DI system, but not enough that it is bothersome. The rails are much more stout than other mfgs so I presume the additional weight comes from there.

The recoil is much LESS than a DI system. The action runs cooler after sustained fire, although the barrel does get hot still. Without the normal cycling feel from the bolt and buffer, I felt as if I could run the gun faster, similar to the difference between a DAO gun and a 1911.
Cleaning time is reduced greatly as the majority of the gas hits the piston and nothing else. The upper receiver is clean and my hours with dental picks and q-tips are gone!

As soon as I got the upper I ran 700rds through it without any oil, lube, or grease before it started to stick and not feed completely. Adding some TW-25B grease solved the problem immediately.

My only complaint is that parts can be difficult to find at a match or if used overseas, however prudent planning can solve this.

I would recommend a piston system (not a conversion kit) for anyone who is slightly considering it.

[Mista Bukit]

I don't know if this will help but I had a chance to run 3 mags through an H&K 416 at full auto. My limited experence was that it ran a lot smoother and was a lot more accurate than my issue M4. I think it had less recoil and that contributed to the full auto accuacy. It goes without saying I want one!!

[Bailey Guns]

I've owned/still owned a few. By far the best was an LWRC 6.8 rifle. Just flawless in looks and function. Also have a Bushmaster factory piston gun...also works flawlessly. I've had a few conversion systems, too, and they've both been great though I haven't shot them much at all.

I worked the BM the hardest and actually abused the rifle by not lubing/cleaning it at all, ever, over maybe 3k to 5k rounds. Never failed and the majority of the shooting was done with Wolf or Silver Bear ammo. Actually, the only ammo other than Wolf or Sil Bear that I can really recall running through it was some 75gr TAP just to see if it'd work. It did.

I've seen no evidence of wear or "bolt carrier tipping" that some folks have experienced. Added weight is about the only drawback I can see...and having to modify certian handguards or rail systems to fit with the piston system installed.

Cleaning is a non-issue with piston guns in my experience. Wipe everything down and boresnake the bore. Lube. Done.

I can't comment on accuracy because I don't shoot for small groups at any particular distance. My gut tells me they're all very close, and in the case of the LWRC maybe more accurate, to what the DI guns will shoot.

I have a new conversion kit that I haven't tried yet that I'm anxious to try out made by made TNC or TWC or something like that. Looks to be of very good quality and I picked it up from a dealer at the Tanner show last Oct. He sold it to me for $245 out the door. I couldn't pass on that. Just haven't got around to installing it yet.

I'd recommend them (piston guns) if you don't mind paying the premium price.