Converting a DI AR to Piston

**Guns4Fun** · November 1st, 2009, 11:30 AM

Okay guys, lets not start a debate on Piston vs DI - i know the value of each.

I am considering buying a piston conversion to try out on my suppressed 11.5" colt 6933. This conversion atttempt will be to see for myself how much it cuts down the gassing with the suppressor.

What kits are out there? What kits are the best? Advantages of one over another? Etc.

Thanks - and remember lets keep the bickering to a minimum, please

. This thread isn't to debate DI vs Piston - i am only interested in the conversion kits available and which are better and why.

**animalmother85** · November 1st, 2009, 02:42 PM

http://ospreydefence.com/
http://www.aresdefense.com/
http://www.primaryweapons.com/
http://www.adamsarms.net/
http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/sid=5...it?mc_id=10000
http://lwrci.com/
http://www.bushmaster.com/products.asp?cat=6

I only have experience with the LWRC rifles. Mine is an LWRC rifle, not a conversion. I know they used to do conversions for customers in the past, I'm pretty sure they still do but it is an in house operation and it does take a while due to their current work load. Usually you want a short-stroke kit/conversion to help mitigate carrier tilt. If I were to pick a conversion, it would be the Primary Weapons conversion due to their supportive customer service, very communicative and helpful. A few guys on other forums have used their product and are really happy with it. Also, they work with a bunch of different rail manufacturers.

**Legion_Prime** · November 1st, 2009, 05:17 PM

PWS's system is looking to be one of the best on the market as their op rod is retained by the Bolt carrier stabilizing it to eliminate carrier tilt. This new system they do not offer as a conversion kit like they did with their old piston system but if you give them a call they could probably do the conversion for you.
Actually Animalmother, it is the short stroke systems where carrier tilt is an issue. It's the long stroke piston systems that do not have that problem.

**Guns4Fun** · November 1st, 2009, 11:05 PM

So, anyone else use any of these piston conversions?

**-JD-** · November 1st, 2009, 11:17 PM

No experience and not sure if you can buy it as a non-factory conversion, but FWIW: CMMG http://cmmginc.secure-mall.com/shop/...73539&cat=168&

**animalmother85** · November 2nd, 2009, 10:26 AM

Originally Posted by Legion_Prime

PWS's system is looking to be one of the best on the market as their op rod is retained by the Bolt carrier stabilizing it to eliminate carrier tilt. This new system they do not offer as a conversion kit like they did with their old piston system but if you give them a call they could probably do the conversion for you.
Actually Animalmother, it is the short stroke systems where carrier tilt is an issue. It's the long stroke piston systems that do not have that problem.

...hmmm, could have sworn it was the other way but that does make sense, the bolt carrier would be controlled a bit more if the piston has to guide it more or less.

**joelad** · November 2nd, 2009, 10:28 AM

Addax Tactical was doing conversions using the PWS system, but no longer offer this service. Word is they plan on moving into a bigger facility by the end of the year, and will once again offer the conversion service.

I have a converted LWRC AR, and an Adams Arms kit I installed myself. Both work very well. Adam Arms had a group buy over on ARFcom last month.

The Osprey Defense system looks promising, tho not widely available to civilians yet.

**d90king** · November 2nd, 2009, 10:42 AM

I to will be going down the piston road strictly for the reason you are. I think that I am going to go with a factory SBR though. I am also looking at the Noveske SB setup... I can definitely see the value of the piston design on a SBR with a can.