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Thread: Gas to Piston

  1. #1
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    Gas to Piston

    I searched around, and couldn't find much on the subject. Anyhow, I recently purchased a Smith & Wesson M&P15-T for duty use at my Department. I was curious to hear what peoples thoughts were on changing a gas system to a piston system. I know Adam Arms makes such a system for around $350.00.

    Since this would be a duty rifle I was wondering if it would be beneficial to perform such a conversion? Would there be any risk, or possible complications down the road. Any major pros or cons? Am I better off not messing with it?

  2. #2
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    Our search feature pulled up more than 11 pages.

    https://www.m4carbine.net/search.php?searchid=2638404
    Chief Armorer for Elite Shooting Sports in Manassas VA
    Chief Armorer for Corp Arms (FFL 07-08/SOT 02)

  3. #3
    badboy522 Guest
    Just my take on it... I am a Police Officer who is assigned to a Tactical Team as both an operator and K9 handler. I have both weapons systems.. And there is nothing wrong with the good old gas system. If you bought the weapon configured as a gas system, I wouldn't mess with it. The cons out way any Pro.

    Althought the Piston System does have its place IE; Short barrel weapon!! Having said that, my favorite weapon platform is my LMT MRP Piston System. If your heart is set on having a Piston System then buy a piston system that is already designed to run as such. IE; LMT MRP Piston, POF System or the LWRC System. Hope this helps some...

    Be Safe Out There!!!

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    My M&P15T has been flawlessly reliable over thousands of rounds. Can't really improve on that....100% reliable is 100% reliable, period.

    Personally I'm also not even a fan of gas piston systems. I was brought up on the British SA80 family of rifles....I found cleaning the gas piston assembly to be much more of a pain in the ass than cleaning the ARs DI system, IMO.
    Dan

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    Doesn't S&W offer piston system from the factory based on the Adams Arms unit? Answered my own question after I posted:

    http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/w...57784_757784_P
    Last edited by Coleslaw; 01-08-11 at 09:31.

  6. #6
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    Am I better off not messing with it?
    Bingo. I would never want or recommend installing one of those on a real-use gun. The DI system is a proven performer. What problems have you had with it that warrant a change?


    (Unless you just want more moving parts, more weight, and a cycling system that require more cleaning in more places, requires added parts be installed in your upper receiver, limits your handguard options, uses inferior or unknown quality steels, and limits you to a clamp on gas block, and after going out of business you won't be able to find their proprietary parts to maintain your rifle, then go for it.)

  7. #7
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    Quote Originally Posted by Sanpete View Post
    Bingo. I would never want or recommend installing one of those on a real-use gun. The DI system is a proven performer. What problems have you had with it that warrant a change?


    (Unless you just want more moving parts, more weight, and a cycling system that require more cleaning in more places, requires added parts be installed in your upper receiver, limits your handguard options, uses inferior or unknown quality steels, and limits you to a clamp on gas block, and after going out of business you won't be able to find their proprietary parts to maintain your rifle, then go for it.)
    I think your 'assessment' is a bit overstated. There is one more moving part, a piston/oprod. Requires LESS cleaning, period. One non-moving part in the upper. Quality of steel statement is unfounded. Several manufacturers use top grade materials and manufacturing processes in their piston systems. Does NOT limit you to a 'clamp-on' gas block depending on manufacturer.

    There are other issues though like carrier tilt. Some say they have remedied it. I do agree that there is currently no standardization amongst the manufacturers.

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    Quote Originally Posted by FiveOh417 View Post
    I searched around, and couldn't find much on the subject. Anyhow, I recently purchased a Smith & Wesson M&P15-T for duty use at my Department. I was curious to hear what peoples thoughts were on changing a gas system to a piston system. I know Adam Arms makes such a system for around $350.00.

    Since this would be a duty rifle I was wondering if it would be beneficial to perform such a conversion? Would there be any risk, or possible complications down the road. Any major pros or cons? Am I better off not messing with it?
    Why don't you shoot the crap out of it with the standard DI gas system first? Let it prove itself to you before you consider fundamentally changing the operating system.
    Last edited by William B.; 01-08-11 at 12:05.
    Owner/Instructor at Resolute Response
    Assistant Instructor at Protective Shooting Concepts

  9. #9
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    I love the "DI vs GP" threads. Many people don't realize the "DI" system is a piston system. In the "DI" system, the piston is the bolt carrier. In the "GP" system, the piston is located above the barrel in a separate unit. The major difference is how far the gas travels to operate the action.
    I'm an FFL/gunsmith, not the holster company. We specialize in subsonic ammunition and wholesale rifles.

  10. #10
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    If going to a piston gun, I highly recommend getting one that was designed from the ground up to be piston operated.
    The AR simply isn't.
    There isn't anything wrong with piston operation, and it does offer advantages over DI, especially if you want to run it with and without a suppressor. Some piston designs/executions are better than others, just like overall designs, and I have seen no data that puts any piston AR over contemporary piston designs.
    Jack Leuba
    Director, Military and Government Sales
    Knight's Armament Company
    jleuba@knightarmco.com

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