SIXTO

The Smiths are OK, but overpriced for what they are. The fit and finish were Ok, but something just wasnt right about the rifle. I dont know what, but it was there. I'd rather have a Bushmaster or RRA.

Draco

What are the differences between the M4A2 and the A3......

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ccw9mm

What about the chamber/action fouling, based on the nature of the gas system of a standard AR? Anyone have experience with the alternative gas piston systems, such as Patriot Ordnance, Leitner-Wise, or Olympics OA-series rifles? Seems to me that anything that would reroute the gas fouling to a piston would be inherently more reliable.

This post is not intended to hijack. Rather, it's to expand on the idea of SHTF reliability characteristics.

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SIXTO

A2 has a fixed carry handle, the A3 has a flat top upper reciever.

Tubby45

Both designs (gas impingement and piston) are proven technology that has been around for a while. I think the BAR and Garand rifles are good examples of gas inpingement and piston op systems that have stood the test of time. Also in the AR15 family it has been our nations weapon of choice since before Vietnam and has proven itself.

From other forums the guys that have piston systems are actually not as reliable as the gas operated uppers. Many of them switched back to the gas uppers, as they had a lot of failures in classes and on the range.

For the SHTF, I'd stick with the standard gas system. It works, is reliable, and is easy to service. Like anything, keep it clean and maintained and it will serve you well.

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Hobbes

Gas operated is fine IMO. I have used it in desert and winter conditions with minimal cleaning and some harsh treatments. Not to mention harsh treatments from many Marines before me. Although carbon builds up, it self limiting because of the movement of the bolt.

I've fired about 300 rounds out of a bone dry M-16 with no problems, I've dumped multiple mags on 3 rnd burst until the bbl glowed a dull red with no problems etc....

Blackeagle

Both the BAR and Garand are piston operated weapons. The direct impingement system used on the AR-15 is something of an oddball. The only other weapons mentioned as using the system in the Wikipedia entry are a pair of rifles obscure enough that I'd never heard of them (the Swedish AG-42 and French MAS-49).

rocky

Impingmnet seems to work well for our troops using em.

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ccw9mm

Seems to, sure. It's a matter of degrees, and of a well-tried system (gas impingement) versus a well-tried system (gas piston) new to the AR platform. Was looking for opinions as to relative reliability, given the original poster's questions about durability/reliability. (Thanks, FS.)

__________________
Your best weapon is your brain. Don't leave home without it.
Reports: CZ P01 pt1, pt2.
Thoughts: Justifiable self defense.
Explain: How does disarming victims reduce the number of victims?
Tip: Use the <search> feature.

vtdefender

The Daewoo K1A1 is also a direct impingement gun. Pretty much a direct design copy of the AR15 system. It must be noted that the K2 rifles switched to piston.