xmortor66

Found this link to a really cool anamation of both systems. Since im in the market for a rifle I found this very helpful in understanding the functions of both systems.



Looks as if the Sig 516 is the winner for me with its gas piston system. Less carbon build-up in the lower reciever can only mean less frequent cleaning and more reliability.



Click the little box lower right to switch between systems on web page.



http://www.armytimes..._02_20_carbine/

Jim-Bob

I am with you on the 516 !

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sigp229r

Thanks for the info... But if I'm not mistaken, the gas piston usually runs a few hundred dollars more than the gas impingement... Depending upon the amount of usage, is it worth spending the extra money?

Hud35500

Gas piston systems are running about the same as gas impingement these days as more are coming to market. I've owned several "GI" AR's, and for the average user, I don't see any advantages with the piston. I can see how the piston system is superior in a combat environment, especially in the desert. There are a couple different types of piston systems, so there's even more to argue about. I do like the Sig piston rifles and they would be my first choice. Ruger makes a nice piston AR too. I think the most important thing is to purchase a rifle built as a piston rifle. I would avoid conversion kits.

Gett Daddy

Have you considered the 556? It's a beast. I like it, for it is a mutt between an AK and an AR. Best of both.

cavtrooper

XMorter66, thanks for the education on the difference in systems. The 516 looks like a sweet set-up.

SixStringer519

Okay so I know very little about rifles... What makes the 556 a mutt?

xmortor66

I have considered.. it for sure looks like a "beast" and it WILL be in the safe down the road. Just getting started in the rifle end of things since getting out of the military and want to make my first the more traditional AR platform like I carried (M16/M4) while in.



My dream list of rifles:

1.Sig 516

2.Sig 556

3. AK-47 (under folder) country of origin doesnt matter just love the traditional AK look and system

4.Colt AR-15 (DI)

5.M1A1



May take awhile but why not dream big? Hopefully those 800k M1s Korea is trying to sell back to the USA will go thru might be the time to get one of those realatively cheap? Anyone heard about this?

Gett Daddy

Uhhm, who/huh/wha?! Relatively cheap M1's from Korea? Somebody please lemme know.



Also, if we're talkin about dreaming big... I'd add a HK416 to that list.

Gett Daddy

It's supposed to be more accurate than AR's. I am not qualified to make that call, but some that I've spoken to tell me mine outperforms their AR's, hands down. Though, let me put it this way. The gas piston and bolt carrier are copied from an AK with better materials and a beefier piston (difference being, the piston isn't connected to the bolt carrier as on an AK). The heavier piston does not flex at all, like an AR. Some say this attributes to better accuracy. I do know the 556 has a tighter twist, contributing to accuracy as well. So, word has it, you get the reliability end from an AK with the accuracy end from AR tech, meeting somewhere in the middle if not superior.

xmortor66

@GD~No doubt that the HK 416 would be #1 on my list but from what I have heard HK doesnt plan on offering it in the 5.56 to the public anytime soon if at all. Please correct me if you know otherwise. Some videos I have seen on it shows it very well could be the ultimate AR.



Hers is a link on the M1s Korea has been trying to sell back to the US that the Obama administration blocked last year. To be exact its 80k M1 Garands and 770k M1 carbines not M1As as I originally thought. Still would like to have this piece of history in the safe as well.



http://bulletin.accu...ds-m1-carbines/

Gett Daddy

first thing I found on Bing...

http://www.thefirear...k416-and-hk417/



straight from the horse's mouth...

http://www.hk-usa.com/civilian_produ...m_09152008.asp



Dunno what the MSRP will be, but it's good news none the less.

Gett Daddy

first thing I found on Bing...





http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2...416-and-hk417/

Jim-Bob

Plus 1 . JB

garandguy

I need one for T&E. Might have to call and get one!

JackSauer

Anyone here know if the 516 is compatible with the CMMG .223 to .22lr conversion kit? I'm looking at getting an AR sometime in the future and a major selling point to me would be the ability to swap out the bolt and practice with super cheap ammo.