I have been considering the purchase of an AR15, is the gas piston or direct impingement systems any better than the other? Reliability would be important of course, with that said, I would probably clean the AR after ever shoot. Just wondering if any of the theories or myths that I have been reading about are true regarding the two different systems.

Thanks for your knowledge and helping me to make a good choice for and AR operating system.

Read this: http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_3_128/638178_AR15_Basics_forum_FAQ.html and http://www.ar15.com/content/page.html?id=493

A wise gunsmith told me.... gas systems are very proprietary and unique to each brand.  While DI is universally the same build.  So in many years if you need to rebuild or repair its much easier to find DI parts vs piston.  Who knows if piston parts will be around vs the mass quantity of DI parts.

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I personally feel DI is just fine for ARs.  Contrary to popular belief, DI guns don't have to be squeaky clean to run smoothly, but they should be run adequately lubed.  I only clean my gun every 500 rounds or so, and I could probably go longer and be just fine.  Most AR malfunctions boil down to bad ammo, weak extractor spring, bad magazines or not enough lube. In theory, DI guns will be a hair more accurate as well.

As far as piston guns go, I don't have a problem with piston guns that are built from the ground up. Guns like AKs, SIgs, Scars etc... are all fantastic guns.  But I feel when you try to adapt a system designed for DI to use a piston system, it just doesn't meld as well. The propriety parts will tend to get annoying down the line.  For instance, my dad owns a PWS piston gun, and had to pay $330 just for a new BCG, and had to order from the direct manufacturer. If you do decide to get a piston gun, don't opt for one of the cheaper ones.  Carrier tilt can still be a problem.  You will want to go with a higher end one, such as the 416, lwrc, or pws.

My vote is to stick with a DI gun.  Make sure you always shoot it lubed.  Stick to something milspec, and if extraction is an issue, be prepared to order a new extractor for all of $5.

I've had both. Neither gave me any problems. Piston was a lot easier to clean.

It is your money, and your final decision to make, but I agree with Bigkahuna... DI should be more than adequate for most recreational shooters.

Good luck with the decision, and post pics of the new addition to your family when it arrives! 

Raja dat! DI is a little lighter, by weight, system too I have read. Has to be a good thing right?

You could always build a poor mans piston "ar" using a saiga ak in 223/556.  Unlike the piston are the parts are available.   Just wont be a traditional ar but will be very reliable

If you're willing to spend the money, then the LWRC M6 is a piston driven beast.

DI and get yourself a nickel boron coated BCG, my son sold me on this by pulling his out of the gun he rarely cleans and wiping it off with a damp towel. It shined like it was brand new in about 30 seconds. Picked one up for my build.

DI and get yourself a nickel boron coated BCG, my son sold me on this by pulling his out of the gun he rarely cleans and wiping it off with a damp towel. It shined like it was brand new in about 30 seconds. Picked one up for my build.

 

I've good things about the fail zero bolts, and a few "meh" things about them. Somewhere I think I read someone had issues with it until he changed his buffer spring, not sure if it was actually the bolt causing the problems though.

I still think good lube is key to performance.

DI and get yourself a nickel boron coated BCG, my son sold me on this by pulling his out of the gun he rarely cleans and wiping it off with a damp towel. It shined like it was brand new in about 30 seconds. Picked one up for my build.

kendra gives good demos
 

I've good things about the fail zero bolts, and a few "meh" things about them. Somewhere I think I read someone had issues with it until he changed his buffer spring, not sure if it was actually the bolt causing the problems though.

I still think good lube is key to performance.

Yeah, everyone likes good lube, wouldn't want to run it up in there dry.   

The bolt carrier should not touch anything.  maybe just a bit on the top where the gas key is.

The Bolt does need to be lubed and the firing pin.

I been testing the new chrome Teflon coated buffer springs and they seem to be smoother.

I have been considering the purchase of an AR15, is the gas piston or direct impingement systems any better than the other? Reliability would be important of course, with that said, I would probably clean the AR after ever shoot. Just wondering if any of the theories or myths that I have been reading about are true regarding the two different systems.

Thanks for your knowledge and helping me to make a good choice for and AR operating system.

why not just build a lower and buy two uppers.  then either sell the one you don't like or keep the other as a back up.  they are cheap now a days, its not like its gonna run you 3k for an upper like it was a year and a half ago (unless your planning on buying expensive).

why not just build a lower and buy two uppers.  then either sell the one you don't like or keep the other as a back up.  they are cheap now a days, its not like its gonna run you 3k for an upper like it was a year and a half ago (unless your planning on buying expensive).

Never have built an AR or any firearm for that matter. Maybe it is a good time to learn how. Is it very difficult to do?

Gas piston is the ONLY way to go.  All REAL guns have gas pistons.  Direct impingement is doo-doo.  Not only will it explode in your face every single time you pull the trigger (even when the gun isn't loaded!!), but it causes genital warts, herpes, and Liberalism.  Obama would rather take your direct impingement away from you because he likes it better.  Don't be a herpetic cankerous libby.  Support the Constitution and buy gas piston.   

...gas piston recoil systems are so far superior to direct impingement recoil systems that the latter shouldn't even be called a recoil system.  'Mule dung' would be a more appropriate moniker.

Tom_G, you're killin' me !

(Coffee on keyboard due to laughter)

 

This one goes in Classic 2A member quotes.

Shoot other peoples guns and use their ammo and just think when you get home how it was.

Then think about that youre not the one having to clean the gun!

Just built a 762x39 piston carbine for a customer.  way smoother than my DI gun.  Carbine Gas tube length on a DI 762x39 is very brutal.

I used a Adams Arms conversion.