PWS DC-16 Experiences and Observations:
Jason Paletta, a Primary Weapons Systems representative, asked me to test a sample DC-16 upper assembly. Prior to the start of class on training day 1, we opened the box for the first time and looked over the upper assembly. My initial impression was that PWS built a cosmetically flawless upper. The fit and finish was phenomenal and I fell in love with the extended rail immediately. The PWS charging handle was also a welcome touch as the latch itself extended a bit further forward than a standard USGI unit.
Unfortunately, that was our one and only glimpse of a virgin DC-16 as I quickly added my Aimpoint ML2 in LaRue LT129 to the upper assembly and performed a 25yd zero in the unsupported prone position. With the 25yd zero we dialed POI to 1” below my POA to produce a rough 50yd zero (Not that 25yds is the test of extreme accuracy, but all rounds went through nearly the same hole on the final zero group).
Once the upper was zeroed the BCG and charging handle were lubricated with Hoppes as if it were a standard direct impingement BCG. This was the first and last time the upper was lubricated and survived an excess of 1000 rounds throughout the class. I had brought 986 rounds of 5.56NATO/.223 Remington to SCT’s Carbine 2.5, but had to borrow ammunition from a friend once those were expended. When a student is encouraged to perform non-standard responses for two days, the round count has a tendency to increase.
SCT had us going strong the first day and I ran 504 rounds of Federal XM193, PMC Bronze and Hot Shot 55gr. through the weapon. Unfortunately, only 501 were flawless as the Hot Shot provided three failure to fires as evidenced with primer strikes with no ignition. This aggravated me as all three failures to fire occurred during a man-on-man type-1 malfunction exercise. Fortunately, these failures to fire were not weapon related and the rifle smoothed itself out after only ~150 rounds. The action was the smoothest that I’ve felt in an AR-platform weapon throughout the rest of the class.
For those that do not know me, I am a person that bases a lot of my decisions around logistics. The direct impingement weapons have always seduced me as quality components are readily available and most do not require proprietary components. The PWS might very well change my mind. The weapon was extremely smooth due to the long stroke piston and felt more like a 20” barreled AR-15 with a rifle length gas system. In addition to that, the muzzle rise was less than my primary LMT 16” M4-type direct impingement upper with PWS FSC-556 muzzle brake. This allowed me to produce some very quick follow-up shots that left me fairly surprised with myself.
During the evening break, my friends and I examined the upper and found that although dirty, none of the debris was solid or caked within the receiver. In fact, a lot of the initially applied lubrication was still present. The rifle was reassembled after inspection without cleaning or reapplication of lubrication.
Training Day 2 proved to be more intense than the second day and included a course of fire which asked the student to disassemble his/her carbine’s bolt carrier and charging handle. The carbine’s components were placed in 10 yard increments away from the weapon. To make a long story short, I accidentally kicked a good amount of debris into the open receiver. My initial thought was to clear the receiver of said debris, but realized that the PWS unit was not my upper. Needless to say, I reassembled without clearing the upper of debris and was able to finish the course of fire without any malfunctions.
SCT’s sample DC-16 upper digested another flawless >500 rounds of the above mentioned cartridges. Aside from the administrative breaks, the upper assembly’s barrel was warm, if not hot to the touch which necessitated the use of gloves throughout training day 1 and 2. This meant that the PWS upper was constantly run during both class days and had its fair share of rounds down range within 48 hours.
I have to admit that the past two months have been a life lesson in the consumption of humble pie. Prior to my purchase of PWS brakes, I had always been a naysayer of muzzle brakes on any 5.56 platform. My mind was changed when a friend of mine and I picked up our FSC-556s and TTOs in February 2010. Fast forward to March 27-28, 2010 and I had to eat another hot slice of humble pie as the PWS DC-16 upper’s smooth operation left a positive impression on me.
Beautiful photo compliments of our very own 45r:
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