Thoughts from forum members who've got tons of experience with the AR platform?  Is the author on point or is he off the mark? 


http://www.defensereview.com/the-big-m4-myth-fouling-caused-by-the-direct-impingement-gas-system-makes-the-m4-unreliable/

I seen a piston system clog up.  With little over 1000 rounds. My DI with over 2000 rounds thru it hasnt been cleaned in 4 years still functions fine. I seen customers guns with
5000 rounds thru them still function fine with DI not being cleaned.

So testing on 1 gun will not speak for the rest.

Thoughts from forum members who've got tons of experience with the AR platform?  Is the author on point or is he off the mark? 


http://www.defensereview.com/the-big-m4-myth-fouling-caused-by-the-direct-impingement-gas-system-makes-the-m4-unreliable/

With the author as an 18B I wouldn't doubt his experience with weapons. In that article it didn't have any sample size to be representative of the traditional AR gas system as a whole. To be a valid case study he would have to have a large sample to represent the DI system as well as the myriad of proprietary "gas piston" systems out there. The traditional DI system already has a "gas piston" in it and in my little experience has worked fine.

I thought the whole DI vs piston driven argument was down to DI being more accurate and lighter with no carrier tilt versus PDs being cleaner running and less heat issues?

Also, aren't the piston driven ARs with impact keys the ones that tend to suffer from carrier tilt? I don't think PWS ARs are known to suffer from that, being a long stroke and all...

I personally don't have a problem at all with DI guns.  My Daniel Defense has given me no problems.  My dad's PWS piston gun was super finicky at first.

I have always followed the MEAL train of thought when it comes down to reliability and AR-15s. I'd say 95% of reliability issues can be traced to the following.

M- Magazine.  Use a quality mag in good condition.
E- Extractor.  A worn or broken extractor can effect either platform. Change or upgrade accordingly.
A- Ammunition. Crap ammo is crap ammo.  Good ammo is good ammo.
L- Lubrication.  The myth of using minimal to no lubrication on a gun has been debunked.  ARs like to be run wet.  A wet and dirty gun will run better than a dry and dirty gun.

I've had no problems with DI.  I've fired a couple thousand rounds with just a few drops of oil every now and then with no problems.  I think the only difference is DI requires a little more work on cleaning.

I've had no problems with DI.  I've fired a couple thousand rounds with just a few drops of oil every now and then with no problems.  I think the only difference is DI requires a little more work on cleaning.

LWRC's tagline is that if you can fix a potential point of failure, why wouldn't you?  In general (no single design or manufacturer has a 0 failure rate) their design is pretty bullet proof outlasting every other piston gun at media day at shot show.  They can make whatever bs excuses they want, but were you the last gun standing, year after year, in front of the gun press?  No?  then STFU.  Of course downside is weight and price!

John Noveske was known for saying "Why are you trying to fix something that isn't broken" when talking about piston systems.

Most common points of failure are still: hammer spring, firing pin, extractor and magazine.  Piston or no piston doesn't address any of these.