Outdoor Adventure USA

Does the gas inpingement vs/ gas piston design affect jamming/reliability? Haven't researched this much but it seems folks are converting to gas piston these days.

500 yards with an M16? I qualified at 300 yards. Can't imagine trying the same rifle at 500 yards.

Eric, that is one of those questions that can't be answered. Sort of a ford vs chevy. If you do a search you will see that the arguments run deep and wide on both sides. There are many who are going piston, but the major players military is staying DI. I understand the thinking on both sides. DI- Stoner designed it this way on purpose and due to reasons-recoil impulse, accy, reliabilty etc. Keep it wet and clean and it runs. I have run mine in bad dusty conditions up to 1000 rounds with no problem. The bolt and carrier get dirty and take some work to clean. The piston does away with directing the dirty hot gas into the carrier and doesn't get as dirty or hot. It is the ak system, but it is a bit heavy and recoils different and may not be as accurate. Who knows. As far as I know, our boys are still for the most part using DI, with no forseeable plans to completely change over. DI has better parts interaction vs piston. For me, I will keep my DI and run it a bit wet and clean. The reliability of my AR's is very good. I truly do not recall any jams or issues with my hard use AR's.

Good luck in your research, Steve

Dennis David wrote:500 yards with an M16? I qualified at 300 yards. Can't imagine trying the same rifle at 500 yards.

Marine Corps KD Course (Requirement for all Marines):
STAGE #1 (200 Yards / Time 20 Minutes):
-5 Rounds Slow Fire from the Sitting
-5 Rounds Slow Fire from the Kneeling
-5 Rounds Slow Fire from the Standing/Offhand

Notes: During this stage of fire, the Marines are only allowed to load 5 rounds at a time before making a complete safe weapon and changing positions. The total time is 20 minutes for all 15 rounds. A sling is allowed for all positions except for standing. During the standing position the shooter may either have a tight parade sling, or take it off the weapon.


STAGE #2 (200 Yards / Time 70 Seconds):
-5/5 Rapid Fire, One 5 Round Mag Standing, One 5 Round Mag Kneeling

Notes: 5/5= a tactical reload. The Marine is only allowed to load 5 rounds in each magazine. Therefore, the Marine has to reload for the second magazine. Makes for some interesting groups if your not careful to get that natural point of aim back. A rapid fire means just that; Firing rapidly. (You only have 70 second to get them all out!)


STAGE #3 (300 Yards / Time 5 Minutes):
-5 Rounds Slow Fire from the Kneeling

STAGE #4 (300 Yards / Time 70 Seconds):
-5/5 Rapid Fire, One 5 Round Mag Standing, One 5 Round Mag Kneeling

The position change from standing to kneeling is one of the better parts of the range. It really tests the Marines ability to adjust their firing position quickly, just like they might in combat. Drop to the ground and fire.


STAGE #5: (500 Yards / Time 10 Minutes)
-10 Rounds Slow Fire from the Prone position.

This yard line is often referred to as "gravy points" because the you really get to take your time here.

Sounds like the COF we used for Hi power competition--except, we only did 100 yards.

Regards, Steve