Hey guys, I'm not sure if there is a thread amongst the many about this topic, but I'm posting it anyway =]

For those who've got a DI or PS, or both, your thoughts on them? And which one do you prefer including your PRO's and CON's. I'm looking to purchase a M&P real soon and just wanted some first hand advice as to which one would be the wiser purchase or if it's just personal preference.

Just another thread to debate in...look forward to hearing what you guys gotta say.

Thanks...

-Nic

The DI is probably the most common, the PS is supposed to be cleaner, requiring less cleaning.

No, the Piston guns get just as dirty but in the piston area instead of the BCG. The piston guns also run hotter up front, and are nose heavy. IMHO I think piston guns are still in their infancy. There is no real industry standard for piston guns yet. Some manufacturers are on the issues and have come a long way, like solving the carrier tilt problem.

This is a topic that will forever cause disagreements...

From when I can tell you from using both and reading up on both quite a bit is the follow:

DI - Lighter weapon
Dirtier
More Common
Cheaper

PS - Heavier
Much Cleaner
Expensive
Controlable

Also DI is supposedly more prone to having issues...

I'll attach a german video comparing the M4 (DI) to the H&K 416 (PS)

M4 blows up after being fired filled with water - YouTube


Disclamer** If anyone feels what I said is incorrect please feel free to set me straight

DI pros =

1. common/simple/proven/familiar system ( cheap/ easy to remediate problems)

2. by most accounts a bit more accurate

3. costs less



DI cons = Gun barfs on itself like a drunk chick after that last shot of tequilla. We know the horror stories ( about the gun peoples)


Piston Pros = 1. Runs "clean and cool" less gunk in your action just elsewhere therefore should be more reliable in most situations

2. its cool/ looks cool ( the gunlust factor for the new/hot/different thing )



Piston cons = 1. $$$$$$$$ cost

2. carrier tilt. ( teething problems )

3. more parts to break and try to find in a Chicom Crackhead Zombie SHTF WROL TEOTWAWKI acronym scenario.

4. marginally less accurate

Keep in mind the piston thing is really on a roll and most of the nasty problems are being ironed out. I feel as though both would be a good choice for an MSR, just depends on what you feel is right for you and how much $$$$$ you can dump into the weapon alone!

That's pretty much where I stand right now. I do like PS ar's but I feel that a DI is cheaper and I'm not sure that paying the extra money for a little less cleaning is really worth it. I don't mind spending time on cleaning the gun thoroughly, as I would not be shooting the rifle on a daily basis. More as a hobby weekend warrior type thing as well as semi home protection next to my handgun.

I'm just basically looking for outside opinions to help mold and fabricate my final decision =]

oh yeah forgot about the weight issue too...good call

Haha, nicely put my friend. Love it.

So basically, DI first for reliability and ability to get parts in a zombie situation, and then a PS when more money allows and I can afford to maintain the weapon.

Thanks man =]

Just make sure you get what is right for you! I went DI because I'm saving up for my next purchase.





Yes...I'm gonna mount the GAU 8 on the beetle. Should be fun......

That's exactly what I think I'm doing, based on money right now, I believe the DI would be the practical purchase for the time being, and then work up to a nice PS.

I appreciate the info guys =]

and you better post pix of the GAU 8 mounted on the beetle =]

This DI vs PS was all ready discussed in your other Thread...why start a whole new one??

http://smith-wessonforum.com/smith-w...ny-others.html

The M&P PS piston rod and spring weighs 6 ounces, all guns get dirty, just so happens the PS gun doesn't get the BCG dirty, just the top of the hand guard. Both guns get hot at the gas block..this is caused by burning powder. The PS gun is not heavier than a comparable DI gun....just look at the Specs on the S&W page. Mine weighs 6.5 pounds...the stuff I added weighs a whole lot more than the piston rod and spring.

As I said in your other Thread: "The arguments will be around for awhile...same thing happened when car manufacturers started making cars with automatic transmissions. People bad mouthed them and said they would never last......"

Buy what you want. The cheaper Sports model will have the same end results as my PS gun....bullets coming out of the barrel. It comes down to what you can afford and think what will work best for you.


My comments copied from your other Thread, complete with a photo of my grandson and his target @ 100 yds:

Yes this is true, but I wanted to get more in depth with this and get more peoples opinions on it. Make a thread just for DI vs PS =]

And, nonetheless, I appreciate your time and information. I'm still a lil torn between the two haha, but I think my budget will solve the problem in the end =]

My preference is for DI. The parts are standardized. Piston systems are proprietary. If I have to repair my rifle, I want to be able find parts quick and get back up and running as soon as possible.

DI or Piston, fouling will occur but in different places. So that's a moot point for me.

Get a C.A.T. M4 tool, and cleaning a DI bolt & bolt carrier is quick and easy.

Very good point my friend! I appreciate it. Ill have to pick up that C.A.T. tool.

I only have my Sport but after seeing the Beetle Blast-o-Matic I'm going to have one of these...

Good night folks,

Hobie out.

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Laissez les bons temps roulez!

I do not see the DI system going away. It's very good, and simple. On the same note, with the cost added by a piston system, it's not too much in actual cost. And if you have ever carried an M14, you will say a piston gun is still a featherweight. In the end, they will both have those who like one or the other, and quite a few who will wind up with both over time.
Personally, I will take the better value/ price point to guide the purchase. When I had $1k to spend on a rifle, I found a great deal on a Bushmaster 308. Just as heavy as a piston gun, with that little extra WHUMP that a 308 brings over a .223 . Clean them, and don't modify a good working fire system, and you will be happy with either system.

And, Locipatanao- from my personal experience, most guys freak out when their rifle hits water; they spend the next 2 days washing and oiling their 'baby'......... Not many of us will ever actually shoot a submerged gun of any kind. If you are ever in that situation, point the rifle downward, and pull the charging handle back about 1" and count 2. Let it close, and start shooting.

Rojo I completely agree, I personally even avoid rain like its the plague!

I personally think there are better things to spend your money on that a piston system - a better trigger, for instance. Besides, in the field, you're better off with standard parts, in my oh-so-humble opinion.

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*Aim small, miss small...

Well J, A lot of folks feel that way about DI guns myself included. If you grow to like Piston guns and can afford well than knock yourself out!

I'm not a fan of piston systems. The AR 15 uses a rotating bolt the gas key directs the gas to the rear of the bolt (hence the gas rings). It was never meant to be hammered back by a piston. Piston guns do not have locking bolts. I've seen 1500 piston AR's with excessive wear after 500 rounds the geometry is wrong and the gun was never meant to have a piston. If you want a piston gun buy an AK. If you don't like to clean buy a Young Manufacturing chrome bolt and carrier.

Oops I meant $1500 AR's