Piston conversion kits

[awp101]

I know before the old board went down, there was some discussion regarding the kits to convert a DI AR over to piston driven.

What is the general consensus on these kits? Worth it or not? Truly drop in or is there tweaking (major or minor) needed?

[RJ Shooter]

I've heard that they are pretty much drop in, and good to go. But carrier tilt is an issue with all of them.

...Since then, however, there have been some manufacturers making anti-tilt buffer tubes! But they tend to sell out quickly...

http://primaryweapons.com/store/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=139&idcategory=4

[NewbieAKguy]

IIRC, the newer kits have been fixed with "skis" to help prevent the tilt, or at least mitigate it as much as possible. From what I've read/seen the Adams Arms kit (licensed to S&W now) is one of the best and the Osprey is supposed to be good. I know S-man has one, but forget which he used, and IIRC moe has the Osprey system....moe has a thread about it I think...oops, nope it was kimberkid: http://www.gunsnet.net/showthread.php?364-Advantages-Disadvantages-of-the-Gas-Piston-Operated-Carbine

http://www.gaspiston.com/
http://www.adamsarms.net/

[stinker]

Truly drop in or is there tweaking (major or minor) needed?

Hop on youtube. There are videos that show the installations from start to finish. Looks simple.

[awp101]

[Frank Barone]Holy crap![/Frank Barone] $350 and up for the conversion? Another $150 for the buffer?

I thought someone had a kit that was like $150?:oh: Then again, that was a couple of years ago I suppose...:gruebel:

[kimberkid]

I remember thinking kits should only cost around $150 ... especially kits like the Osprey Defense that use your existing sight base and your existing bolt.

Since then I've bought an Osprey kit and have been extremely pleased with it ... simple to install, Self Cleaning, actually removes its own contaminants. * No venting means no holes for dirt and contaminants to enter the system. * Semi auto/full auto/suppressed or unsuppressed * no valves,screws,or springs to adjust *works in calibers of .223, 5.56, 5.45 x 39, 7.62 x 39, 6.5 mm, & 6.8 mm *installs without any permanent modification to your rifle, in 4minutes ... just install it and it works beautifully!

http://http://pics.gunbroker.com/GB/228841000/228841035/pix242727107.jpg

I don't sell them but I am that happy with it and am going to get another for my 7.62x39 AR ... some of that ammo is dirty shit and this is the perfect solution for it!

[Schuetzenman]

I have a Kurt's Kustom piston system, which is one of not too many ever made. Kurt bought the farm in a motorcycle wreck less than 6 months after he finished putting his M9Evo piston systme on my middy. It works, I saw some early signs of buffer tube wear and put white lithium grease, Lubriplate on the buffer and bolt carrier at the back end. That stopped all wear as far as I can tell.

Recently I was talking with a buddy that has his SOT and he's tried all they piston systems on the market you can buy and install. He says the Osprey is the best one over all. He's running these in full auto M16's he's building as dealer samples. I wouldn't mind trying and Osprey now. Early on they were kind of "my shit doesn't stink" and we aren't selling to you civilian. They stated originally that they were selling only to LEO and Military. Now it seems they have no problem selling to Civilians. :whatever:

They have the Osprey to fit 20" rifle, 16" carbine and 16" mid length gas styems.
http://www.gaspiston.com/ Looks like they cost $349.