[klw]

Colt only lists one now in the consumer section. Didn't they use to have a lot more? Why the decline?

 

[AR15_1911]

Colt had their first piston system back in the late 60s but they were not commercially sold and the US Army don't want it.

In about 2008 Colt had some model LE1020 (16" barrel) with a rail system but not a monolithic type upper, they also had the model LE1033 with 11.5" barrel, same as the LE1020 except for barrel length.

Now with the model LE6940P 16" barrel and monolithic upper/ rail handguard are both on the commercial and law enforcement sites, the military have the P0923 select fire full auto 14.5" version.

Law enforcement also have the model P0923, SCW0921P select fire auto 10.3" barrel.

 

[klw]

Colt only lists one now in the consumer section. Didn't they use to have a lot more? Why the decline?

According to a friend who works for one of the major distributors, the answer is easy. They didn't sell.

 

[halfmoonclip]

Piston operated ARs are an answer to a question that no one asked.
The direct impingement system works just fine and makes for a simpler field strip without any reciprocating/vibrating parts out on the barrel to affect accuracy.
The DI system offers easier fieldstrip and just a simpler rifle, period.
Moon

 

[Signal_20]

Piston guns with an adjustment are easier to run suppressors because impingement guns tend to get over gassed with the extra pressure.

 

[Varangian]

Piston guns also run cooler and are much easier to clean.

 

[BigG]

If you use IMR powder, the .223 does not dirty up a gun like ball powder. I believe in keeping it simple with the gas tube and use IMR 4198.

 

[Varangian]

If you use IMR powder, the .223 does not dirty up a gun like ball powder. I believe in keeping it simple with the gas tube and use IMR 4198.

I believe in keeping it real simple and buying a piston system and using the cheapest surplus I can find. I also don't have to stand around waiting for my BCG to cool down enough to put the rifle in a case after a couple hundred rounds of suppressed fire. Nothing wrong with a gas system, unless you're lazy. I'm lazy. Quick cool down, quick clean up, maybe a slight loss in accuracy but with my marksmanship I can't tell a difference...

 

[SFSGM]

a piston solves many problems....if you are wondering if it is a "fad" or will catch on? Look at an AK-47 variant really well. shoots crappy but generally always functions reliably with dirty ammo

 

[paul s]

AR was designed around the DI system, to modify it to A piston system is really dumb. Not my thoughts just repeating what Reed Knight had to say about piston operated AR's

 

[William B.]

AR was designed around the DI system, to modify it to A piston system is really dumb. Not my thoughts just repeating what Reed Knight had to say about piston operated AR's

If any of you guys are interested, Reed Knight did a very interesting interview with Small Arms Review (March 2009 issue) in which he discussed piston AR's. It's worth a read if you can get a hold of a back issue.

ETA - Here's a link where you can purchase the back issue: Long Mountain Outfitters - Volume 12 - View Item - 12.06 March 2009

 

[dandak]

"An elegant solution to a non-existant problem"