This is becoming one of my favorite channels. VERY informative with no BS. I appreciate you sharing all your knowledge about training and firearms. Thanks for a great channel Sir!
Customer service is A1!!!! At PWS. My MK216 had problems with CBC ammo. FTE, Misfires etc. Now it shoots very reliably and accurate eating anything I feed it. They had no hesitation to correct and replace my entire bolt after I sent my rifle in for this issue. They stand behind their quality workmanship, reliability of their piston driven rifles. Also made in the USA in the state of Idaho. Great job ladies & gents keep em shooting!
I definitley use the forward assist on my rifle. It comes in handy when you want to check if a round is in the chamber and you just want to take a peek without losing the round with a full charge of the rifle. Sometimes the bolt doesnt go into full battery when you do that and the forward assist just helps bring it home. I wouldnt want one without it but thats just my personal preference I guess
i generally agree. That being said, i have recently started running a mk216, am currently ~1300rds in, and havent had a situation where i actually needed it once. Still doesnt feel right not to have it...
Lol I've never had to check if a round is in the chamber. I'm either locked and loaded for home defense or I'm at the range. In both instances, I am deliberately chambering a round . When I am "not sure" I just rack that charging handle and lock the bolt back. If one was in there its flying out. If not,..... well then .its not... press checks in an ar is just dumb and you only do it because you watched a yourube video of someone you thought was sick af did it
@@Buddha23Fett its quicker and easier just to palm slap the assist rather then finger f*cking the bolt carrier. It also gives you a bit more leverage. Especially if rounds were already fired and the carrier is hot. Or you just lubed up the bolt carrier
Had an issue with my buffer tube (not PWS'), asked PWS to look at my MK 107 upper and custom lower and they provided a free replacement of my buffer tube (and solved my problem). Their customer service is excellent, highly recommend their company!
I run a piston AR-10. I used to run M-16A1s in the military. There's no comparison. I can run a hundred rounds through mine and the bolt and carrier have the slightest amount of contamination in their lube, unlike the M-16 which would be filthy (baked-on filth at that) after a dozen rounds.
A good friend of mine has a PWS Mk 216 and loves it. The thing is a beast and does everything you could need from a hard hitting battle rifle. It is light enough to carry, accurate, and so far, totally reliable. He has a 1-6 VCOG on it and together, probably the finest rifle and optic combination I've had the pleasure of firing. My experiences with his have put the PWS on a very short list when I go shopping for a 7.62 NATO battle rifle.
The mod 2 actually does have a manual forward assist. If you look on the side of the Melonited BCG there is a scoop on it where you place your thumb and push it into battery. Lets get those ZEV triggers out to the public there an awsome trigger.
pete smith that just means the carrier will work in a gun with a forward assist as well. That is not a manual forward assist just because the carrier is cut.
+Derrick Kendrick no... You're wrong and Pete is kinda wrong. The dimple in the bolt carrier is THE original forward assist. It's nothing new that PWS came up with. They may have exaggerated on it in this model but the FA on the upper receiver was made at the request of the military when hands would be too slippery or gloves to cumbersome to use the FA on the bolt carrier
Thank you for this review. I’ve owned 2 PWS Rifles. I owned one of the 1st Generations, without the ability to adjust the gas. I had issues cycling with a Suppressor, but it ran everything without it. Brass...Steel. It ate it. I’m excited to try this newer Gen rifle.
On the topic of the forward assist, I've never "needed" one for a malfunction or anything like that but I use mine every single time I load my rifle before going to bed. I lock the bolt back, drop a round in the chamber, carefully and slowly guide the bolt back to it's closed position which causes the BCG to not be able to fully close due to the lack of momentum and finally I press the forward assist and *CLICK* it fully seats. The reason why I load my rifle this way in my home is because it keeps the firing pin from taping and dimpling the primer of the round in the chamber which risks turning that primer into a dud over time or worst case scenario a slam fire if you've loaded the same round many times. If you own an AR and didn't know this take it to the range and load the rifle than extract that round from the chamber before you shoot it and look at the primer, you'll see a little dimply in it. Have I ever had a slam fire, nope but it's good to know I have an even safer way to load my firearm around my home and family. This technique is very useful for those who have expensive self defense ammo as it saves your primers from getting dimpled. I'm pro forward assist.
SageDynamics Well that's one way of doing it lol. Me I like to unload and clear my guns before putting them in the safe each morning before heading off to work. I always have one on me though ;)
biggboysouth If you have kids putting it in the safe is probably the best option. I've seen exactly the little dimples in the primer you're talking about though, however I never thought of that method of loading to avoid that. another way is to load the rifle and just swap the ammo regularly. take it to the range and shoot it then replace the stuff you shot when you get home.
>"Think about what other rifles out there actually have a forward assist" >"The AR platform is the only platform that has a forward assist" Err, no? Most rifle platforms have a forward assist, the G36, the SA80, all variants of the Kalashnikov, the M1 Garand and it's derivatives, the list goes on. The only rifle I can think of off the top of my head that *doesn't* have one is the FAL, and even then, some variants of the FAL (like the Israeli model for example) did have forward assist charging handles.
Regarding the forward assist. I have actually used it to help clear malfunctions and it didn't make the problem worse. I think the forward assist is still very relevant. As far as the argument that most rifles don't have forward assist like the AK or whatever, that's because the charging handle is directly connected to the bolt and IS the forward assist.
I'm not saying you cannot use the FA to clear a malfunction but I am saying it's not "very relevant". I've never attending a carbine class where the FA was taught as a means to clear a malfunction, and rarely will you ever encounter a malfunction that would be cleared by an FA and not made worse, and most can be cleared by removing the magazine and working the charging handle.
@@hunterkiller232134 I think it’s important to clarify what I typed; it “helps” clear malfunctions but is not the sole function. I remember that it is especially useful if the weapon is dry and needs some extra help going into battery. You may ask why the weapon would be dry in the first place but sometimes you do not have the luxury of squirting CLP into the mechanism during a prolonged firing period such as a gunfight.
Aaron the very first forward assist went unnoticed. All AR designs have them. Tell people to look at the notch on the bolt carrier group. If your gun is ever out of battery, use your finger to push in that notch on the bolt, forward. Walla, your forward assist!
I somehow had never heard of Primary Weapon Systems before today, and I had always questioned why we used short stroke piston systems in ARs instead of long stroke (which I have always seen as the superior piston system) now I'm SUPER interested in the MK216 and the MK114 so thanks for the awesome video and giving me some stuff to google throughout the day
I love my PWS MK116 MOD2. The weight of other piston ARs turned me off to them. But, the PWS isn't just as light as a Di AR, it's also balanced and distributed weight. The long stroke piston brings the tough, reliability of the AK design to the AR. And, the accuracy of the rifle is as good as ARs get. When PWS gets around to sending me the new trigger that comes with the purchase of the mod 2, it'll be the best value for money in the AR market.
No. I called them and was told that they're sending them out in the order of the requests they receive. Since almost everything they make is sold out, I'm assuming that they're having a hard time demand.
The reason AR is the only military rifle with forward assist is because it is one of the very few platforms with non-reciprocating charging handle. With reciprocating charging handle you can perform the function of a forward assist by simply tapping a charging handle forward like on AK or SCAR. SOCOM actually demanded that SCAR was designed with a reciprocating charging handle for that very reason. FN FAL is the only infantry rifle I can think of that didn’t have a forward assist or reciprocating charging handle, however Israelis modified FALs for their military by adding forward assist.
I own the PWS mk107 mod 2 and I wish it had a forward assist I have had more issues with this system then any of my other home builds or factory rifles. great looking gun but for the price I wish it was a more reliable system.
Your very right forging is stronger that a machined piece of strain hardened plate!! But billet means machined completely ! Using a close proximity forging will allow the grain structure to flow through out the work piece mimicking the geometry thus making it stronger. Your still going to machine a lot of aspects of your forging there by it’s a forged billet part
Looking to buy a PWS mk1 mod 2 soon in the 11.5 length.. never owned a piston rifle before. I see the 14" length your are currently running, have you tried different lengths and seen any difference in performance? Thanks
Great review, thanks! I currently shoot a Ruger SR556 which is a great gas piston AR, for the price, but has a deficiency that I just can't get past being the monolithic & proprietary foregrip that will only allow for Ruger made rails to be installed. And being in Canada makes life worse as their distributors refuse to order the parts in for me. Needless to say, it's going on the sale block TODAY. I shoot AR often enough that I'd like to replace what I have prior to sale and I've been eyeing a Sig M400 Enhanced Patrol, the DD M4 V7 and the PWS Mk1 Mod 2. Though a little out of my price range I think you may have helped me decide.
Aaron come on! You don't get excited about rifles?!?! Your taste in gear, in particularly AR's, has always been top tier. How can you not get excited about rifles haha.
Correct me if I am wrong but the original design had an unlined/chromed barrel as well and most of us know how well that worked out, so that may not be the best argument for not having a forward assist. Also saying it does not need one because it is one of the only or the only service rifle with one in my mind is not a good argument as I think it is the most used battle rifle world wide second only to the AK which does have a forward assist technically. Also among special forces groups that are allowed to pick what they use it seems that they choose an AR platform rifle that happens to have a forward assist although a lot of this is could be classified under correlation not causation. Under extreme mud tests that are highly unlikely like those done by InRange TV a forward assist may be the only option for getting a gun to run long enough it cleans itself out where running a charging handle over and over will just empty a magazine with far less chance of it cleaning the rifle out and in a gun fight I would rather chance having my weapon blown up than getting shot as I cycle my bolt manually until my magazine is empty and my rifle still wont fire a shot. Gosh I feel dirty like some kind of arm chair warrior over here.... Probably because I am just trying to show another angle of thought on it.
Mark Breidenbaugh The AR-15 as designed by Stoner and Sullivan, and tested by the U.S. Military did have a chrome lined barrel and bolt carrier group. The DoD, or element within discarded the chrome lining as a cost saving measure.
I have the MK116 MOD 0, and it is the only piston AR I have. All my other AR's are DI, and I hate cleaning them. The piston system is definitely the way to go. More shooting less cleaning.
Love the case but I wish they would have used coyote brown vs black because you'll see the dirt on this very easily. On a different note, I was really excited about this rifle until you mentioned how you can't lock the bolt to the rear with the bolt catch on the ejection side. Man, that was a downer for me being a lefty!!!
Sure I can although it's a bit uncomfortable being a lefty but the then that would defeat the purpose that this rifle is being advertised as fully ambi even though it's only partially.
+Rene G. Solis have u ran an ar or what bc it is way easy for a lefty. more so then a eighty to lock it back. it is just hard to release imo on some rifles
+Rene G. Solis have u ran an ar or what bc it is way easy for a lefty. more so then a eighty to lock it back. it is just hard to release imo on some rifles
i mean, every single other rifle platform has a forward assist by means of the charging handle. It was added to the AR because the charging handle cannot serve this function and it's a very important part of a service rifle. plus, there's no real reason to not have it
Hands down one of the most informative, helpful and professional video reviews I've watched. Thanks, after watching this I ordered a Mk114 Mod 2. It feels surprisingly nimble and balanced. I'm looking forward to getting some rounds through it. I noticed you have a different, Triad style flash-hider/recoil-compensator. Is that proprietary to the suppressor you use, or did it come that way? Mine came with the FSC556 version 2. Thanks again for the great informative review. It helped me make the decision to purchase the Mod 2.
Couldn't afford one either so I went bootleg and waited until Black Friday. I ended up building a DI clone for just under $1k! Yeah, saved $1,200. PWS is master race.
That’s impossible!!! There’s a lot of proprietary parts in the gas system your not gonna be able to build on your own!!! They do have Bootleg where you can buy a upper receivers and rail but the gun will be DI
Good man with a badass gun and the birds around him are singin away through the whole video. Aron, them birds love ya. It's like when Trump was in the Rose Garden hitting on some heavy subject I can't now remember but I do recall through Trumps whole video the birds were a riot of song. Appreciate you taking the time on this informational vid Aron. A peaceful and joyful day to you!
Does muscle fatigue set in holding your rifle like that when searching structures? Tried it in LEO work for a while and it sucked for me, my ar turned into a boat anchor in 10min on a 40min search. What grip are you rocken for long searches?
First I though you were firing a SIMS gun - it runs so clean. It really looks like a rounded tool not just another accessorized AR. Suppressors and full autos are banned here, so I'll stick with DI as long as possible. Regards from Slovenia. Any plans for a class in EU?
I am doing an mid length upper build and will be using the handguard shown. I just can't decide whether to go with a 14.5" barrel and 13" handguard, or 16" barrel and the 15" handguard. I will be using a Surefire muzzle brake and SOCOM can. Not sure which would look better? Suggestions?
The Primary Weapons website shows this rifle with the new ZEV AR Trigger. Was there a full spec change and switch to the BCM? Or did you replace yours?
@@oscarbarahona5419 thank you. I seen this video. All the other videos talk about piston driven. Can i use the upper for DI that you may know of? Thanks for your response
SageDynamics they are all very nice rifles. I had just noticed the similarities in parts used after watching some of your videos. Keep up the good work brother!
well i've been running one of these for a while now and I thought it was overgassed on the unsuppressed setting because of the ejection to the far front, but i guess thats just now its engineered? brass ejection on the PWS system is not an indicator as it is with DI, no??
Do you normally run the gun so high up, when clearing/searching a building? I have a tendency to revert back to this but have been taught by L.E.A.D.S. and others that it's much more advantageous to run the gun at a low ready to get a better view of what's in front of you. But then again, if I was expecting a gun fight I'd probably run the gun at the high ready. Nice rifle BTW. Wish I could afford one.
Thanks for the Review. I've been eyeballin' this one since it was released. Might be just out of my price range right now. However I was wondering if you were ever going to do a review or suggestion for a rifle setup that has multiple uses( i.e. Home Defense, Hunting, SHTF). I know that's a broad spectrum of use for just one rifle, but could it be done with the right optic, light, BUIS, etc.?
Any issues with military ammunition? I just picked up a Mk1 Mod1-P upper for my build and PWS states position one for some military ammunition. Thank you in advance.
What're your thoughts on the MCX platform? I think it has real potential in terms of practical modification and ease of modifications for different situations but the short stroke system just turns me off. If I could have a dream gun it'd be a long-stroke MCX with a piston similar to the PWS but still able to be fired with a folded stock like the MCX.
I'm still new to rifle accessories, so I apologize in advance for the dumb question. What is that item on the very front of the rifle next to the light? What does it do?
Hey Aaron, a quick question for you. Will the bolt carrier from this one work with the Law Gen 3, or is it like the older models? Thank you for your content, and keep on rockin'!
Serious question. I want to know why the Agency Arms classified rifle is much more expensive than this gun but as far as i know does not really offer anything superior to the PWS. Not to mention the classified has a milspec trigger.
Tyler jameson the additional cost for the Gray edition was the control options, Cerakote, bag, muzzle device and magazines. The trigger is an ALG, not milspec.
i gotta ask, what holster is that in the intro for your glock? I have been looking for a new duty holster and wanted to see your take on it because i appreciate your insight and experience.
Finally, a professional that tells the truth. Poignant explanation of Customer Service. Have 5 ea. PWS in my immediate family, I've never spoken to Customer Service. Arguing in favor of a DI is Biden voter stupid - a brainwashed simpleton - PERIOD.
You are 2.5 moa at best. Not the rifle which is proven by other people being able to get sub moa groupings with good ammo and moa with typical ammo. If they were charging what they are for a 2moa rifle there would be much less hype surrounding these.
I’m torn with going to a proprietary system vs a higher DI gun with standard parts. My friends issued 10” SBR has broken down twice. Both were bolt failures, once the connection rod on bolt carrier broke and the second was the carry rod connection to piston rod. He really likes the PWS, but does not own one personally. He is trying to talk me into a standard mil spec for the ease of parts replacement and compatibility. I was looking at their high end mk116 mod 2 complete rifle, but the gun store also has the mk116 pro upper. Which is a major difference in price, $2000 vs $650. Is the value version worth it just to try out? Or go with the lighter premium mod2? What are your thought on this?
The PRO series uses a 6061 aluminum upper instead of the stronger and milspec 7075 T6 aluminum. It also uses a traditional MLOK handguard instead of a PicLok handguard. It uses a basic flash hider instead of a PWS FlashComp. Overall at $650 it is worth it to try it out.
only time i have used a forward assist was in a hunting situation and it was because when i charged the rifle i was trying to be real quiet and slow. lol.
![[UA] NAVI проти G2 Esports | Blast Premier Fall Final](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/QWlIm4FGESQ/mqdefault.jpg)
Sometimes I too throw on my gear and clear random buildings by myself....
I thought I was by myself
This is becoming one of my favorite channels. VERY informative with no BS. I appreciate you sharing all your knowledge about training and firearms. Thanks for a great channel Sir!
Customer service is A1!!!! At PWS. My MK216 had problems with CBC ammo. FTE, Misfires etc. Now it shoots very reliably and accurate eating anything I feed it. They had no hesitation to correct and replace my entire bolt after I sent my rifle in for this issue. They stand behind their quality workmanship, reliability of their piston driven rifles. Also made in the USA in the state of Idaho. Great job ladies & gents keep em shooting!
So... crappy from factory fixed on the second try?
This is by far the only high quality review video on the PWS MK Mod2 system on UA-cam. Damn good job, love your channel!
Very underrated rifle and company !
This was an excellent video. My dad has the second rifle they ever sold in Boise. Love love love PWS. They are outstanding.
I definitley use the forward assist on my rifle. It comes in handy when you want to check if a round is in the chamber and you just want to take a peek without losing the round with a full charge of the rifle. Sometimes the bolt doesnt go into full battery when you do that and the forward assist just helps bring it home. I wouldnt want one without it but thats just my personal preference I guess
i generally agree. That being said, i have recently started running a mk216, am currently ~1300rds in, and havent had a situation where i actually needed it once. Still doesnt feel right not to have it...
Lol I've never had to check if a round is in the chamber. I'm either locked and loaded for home defense or I'm at the range. In both instances, I am deliberately chambering a round . When I am "not sure" I just rack that charging handle and lock the bolt back. If one was in there its flying out. If not,..... well then .its not... press checks in an ar is just dumb and you only do it because you watched a yourube video of someone you thought was sick af did it
@LogicalSense
Why not use the dish on the bolt?
You know you can just push on the cutout on the bolt carrier right?
@@Buddha23Fett its quicker and easier just to palm slap the assist rather then finger f*cking the bolt carrier. It also gives you a bit more leverage. Especially if rounds were already fired and the carrier is hot. Or you just lubed up the bolt carrier
Had an issue with my buffer tube (not PWS'), asked PWS to look at my MK 107 upper and custom lower and they provided a free replacement of my buffer tube (and solved my problem). Their customer service is excellent, highly recommend their company!
I run a piston AR-10. I used to run M-16A1s in the military. There's no comparison. I can run a hundred rounds through mine and the bolt and carrier have the slightest amount of contamination in their lube, unlike the M-16 which would be filthy (baked-on filth at that) after a dozen rounds.
A good friend of mine has a PWS Mk 216 and loves it. The thing is a beast and does everything you could need from a hard hitting battle rifle. It is light enough to carry, accurate, and so far, totally reliable. He has a 1-6 VCOG on it and together, probably the finest rifle and optic combination I've had the pleasure of firing. My experiences with his have put the PWS on a very short list when I go shopping for a 7.62 NATO battle rifle.
Shot one of the MK114s at a local suppressor shoot...now I need a suppressor AND a PWS upper to finish my build...and the price just keeps going up! 😑
Aaron is my favorite and go to guy for information. Thanks dude, keep up the good work !!
The mod 2 actually does have a manual forward assist. If you look on the side of the Melonited BCG there is a scoop on it where you place your thumb and push it into battery. Lets get those ZEV triggers out to the public there an awsome trigger.
pete smith that just means the carrier will work in a gun with a forward assist as well. That is not a manual forward assist just because the carrier is cut.
+Derrick Kendrick no... You're wrong and Pete is kinda wrong. The dimple in the bolt carrier is THE original forward assist. It's nothing new that PWS came up with. They may have exaggerated on it in this model but the FA on the upper receiver was made at the request of the military when hands would be too slippery or gloves to cumbersome to use the FA on the bolt carrier
Thank you for this review. I’ve owned 2 PWS Rifles. I owned one of the 1st Generations, without the ability to adjust the gas. I had issues cycling with a Suppressor, but it ran everything without it. Brass...Steel. It ate it.
I’m excited to try this newer Gen rifle.
On the topic of the forward assist, I've never "needed" one for a malfunction or anything like that but I use mine every single time I load my rifle before going to bed. I lock the bolt back, drop a round in the chamber, carefully and slowly guide the bolt back to it's closed position which causes the BCG to not be able to fully close due to the lack of momentum and finally I press the forward assist and *CLICK* it fully seats.
The reason why I load my rifle this way in my home is because it keeps the firing pin from taping and dimpling the primer of the round in the chamber which risks turning that primer into a dud over time or worst case scenario a slam fire if you've loaded the same round many times. If you own an AR and didn't know this take it to the range and load the rifle than extract that round from the chamber before you shoot it and look at the primer, you'll see a little dimply in it. Have I ever had a slam fire, nope but it's good to know I have an even safer way to load my firearm around my home and family. This technique is very useful for those who have expensive self defense ammo as it saves your primers from getting dimpled. I'm pro forward assist.
biggboysouth I just leave the rifle loaded.
SageDynamics
Well that's one way of doing it lol. Me I like to unload and clear my guns before putting them in the safe each morning before heading off to work. I always have one on me though ;)
biggboysouth If you have kids putting it in the safe is probably the best option. I've seen exactly the little dimples in the primer you're talking about though, however I never thought of that method of loading to avoid that. another way is to load the rifle and just swap the ammo regularly. take it to the range and shoot it then replace the stuff you shot when you get home.
You could just push the bolt home with your thumb through the ejection port.
>"Think about what other rifles out there actually have a forward assist"
>"The AR platform is the only platform that has a forward assist"
Err, no? Most rifle platforms have a forward assist, the G36, the SA80, all variants of the Kalashnikov, the M1 Garand and it's derivatives, the list goes on. The only rifle I can think of off the top of my head that *doesn't* have one is the FAL, and even then, some variants of the FAL (like the Israeli model for example) did have forward assist charging handles.
I would like to see you review the Sig MCX to see if it even meets your standards.
Regarding the forward assist. I have actually used it to help clear malfunctions and it didn't make the problem worse. I think the forward assist is still very relevant. As far as the argument that most rifles don't have forward assist like the AK or whatever, that's because the charging handle is directly connected to the bolt and IS the forward assist.
I'm not saying you cannot use the FA to clear a malfunction but I am saying it's not "very relevant". I've never attending a carbine class where the FA was taught as a means to clear a malfunction, and rarely will you ever encounter a malfunction that would be cleared by an FA and not made worse, and most can be cleared by removing the magazine and working the charging handle.
@@hunterkiller232134 I think it’s important to clarify what I typed; it “helps” clear malfunctions but is not the sole function. I remember that it is especially useful if the weapon is dry and needs some extra help going into battery. You may ask why the weapon would be dry in the first place but sometimes you do not have the luxury of squirting CLP into the mechanism during a prolonged firing period such as a gunfight.
Aaron the very first forward assist went unnoticed. All AR designs have them. Tell people to look at the notch on the bolt carrier group. If your gun is ever out of battery, use your finger to push in that notch on the bolt, forward. Walla, your forward assist!
ddandridge10 u
"walla"
Forward assist truthers crack me up. Every time I've had to use the forward assist I've gotten the bolt stuck.
There really isn’t an advantage to not having one. I guess if you are trying to get the absolute lightest rifle.
I somehow had never heard of Primary Weapon Systems before today, and I had always questioned why we used short stroke piston systems in ARs instead of long stroke (which I have always seen as the superior piston system)
now I'm SUPER interested in the MK216 and the MK114 so thanks for the awesome video and giving me some stuff to google throughout the day
The Aks forward assist is built into its own charging handle
I love my PWS MK116 MOD2. The weight of other piston ARs turned me off to them. But, the PWS isn't just as light as a Di AR, it's also balanced and distributed weight.
The long stroke piston brings the tough, reliability of the AK design to the AR.
And, the accuracy of the rifle is as good as ARs get. When PWS gets around to sending me the new trigger that comes with the purchase of the mod 2, it'll be the best value for money in the AR market.
Any idea when that'll be ? Waiting on mine too
No. I called them and was told that they're sending them out in the order of the requests they receive. Since almost everything they make is sold out, I'm assuming that they're having a hard time demand.
Interesting. I own a couple of LWRC piston guns. The weight of the PWS is attractive, as well as the accuracy they produce for you.
just when I thought I was done buying AR15s... and you show me this.. I like it!
Great philosophy and wisdom here. Right down to earth. Thanks.
The reason AR is the only military rifle with forward assist is because it is one of the very few platforms with non-reciprocating charging handle. With reciprocating charging handle you can perform the function of a forward assist by simply tapping a charging handle forward like on AK or SCAR. SOCOM actually demanded that SCAR was designed with a reciprocating charging handle for that very reason. FN FAL is the only infantry rifle I can think of that didn’t have a forward assist or reciprocating charging handle, however Israelis modified FALs for their military by adding forward assist.
I own the PWS mk107 mod 2 and I wish it had a forward assist I have had more issues with this system then any of my other home builds or factory rifles. great looking gun but for the price I wish it was a more reliable system.
Great video, love the straight to the point content and the graphics were a nice touch.
Your very right forging is stronger that a machined piece of strain hardened plate!! But billet means machined completely ! Using a close proximity forging will allow the grain structure to flow through out the work piece mimicking the geometry thus making it stronger. Your still going to machine a lot of aspects of your forging there by it’s a forged billet part
Looking to buy a PWS mk1 mod 2 soon in the 11.5 length.. never owned a piston rifle before. I see the 14" length your are currently running, have you tried different lengths and seen any difference in performance? Thanks
Great review, thanks!
I currently shoot a Ruger SR556 which is a great gas piston AR, for the price, but has a deficiency that I just can't get past being the monolithic & proprietary foregrip that will only allow for Ruger made rails to be installed. And being in Canada makes life worse as their distributors refuse to order the parts in for me. Needless to say, it's going on the sale block TODAY. I shoot AR often enough that I'd like to replace what I have prior to sale and I've been eyeing a Sig M400 Enhanced Patrol, the DD M4 V7 and the PWS Mk1 Mod 2.
Though a little out of my price range I think you may have helped me decide.
Aaron come on! You don't get excited about rifles?!?! Your taste in gear, in particularly AR's, has always been top tier. How can you not get excited about rifles haha.
GREAT REVIEW!! You sold me! breaks down every single thing
Correct me if I am wrong but the original design had an unlined/chromed barrel as well and most of us know how well that worked out, so that may not be the best argument for not having a forward assist. Also saying it does not need one because it is one of the only or the only service rifle with one in my mind is not a good argument as I think it is the most used battle rifle world wide second only to the AK which does have a forward assist technically. Also among special forces groups that are allowed to pick what they use it seems that they choose an AR platform rifle that happens to have a forward assist although a lot of this is could be classified under correlation not causation. Under extreme mud tests that are highly unlikely like those done by InRange TV a forward assist may be the only option for getting a gun to run long enough it cleans itself out where running a charging handle over and over will just empty a magazine with far less chance of it cleaning the rifle out and in a gun fight I would rather chance having my weapon blown up than getting shot as I cycle my bolt manually until my magazine is empty and my rifle still wont fire a shot. Gosh I feel dirty like some kind of arm chair warrior over here.... Probably because I am just trying to show another angle of thought on it.
Mark Breidenbaugh
The AR-15 as designed by Stoner and Sullivan, and tested by the U.S. Military did have a chrome lined barrel and bolt carrier group. The DoD, or element within discarded the chrome lining as a cost saving measure.
VIPER150311 don't you love bean counters!
Ahh I suspected that might have been the case thanks for chiming in.
I have the MK116 MOD 0, and it is the only piston AR I have. All my other AR's are DI, and I hate cleaning them. The piston system is definitely the way to go. More shooting less cleaning.
Love the case but I wish they would have used coyote brown vs black because you'll see the dirt on this very easily. On a different note, I was really excited about this rifle until you mentioned how you can't lock the bolt to the rear with the bolt catch on the ejection side. Man, that was a downer for me being a lefty!!!
Sure I can although it's a bit uncomfortable being a lefty but the then that would defeat the purpose that this rifle is being advertised as fully ambi even though it's only partially.
+Rene G. Solis have u ran an ar or what bc it is way easy for a lefty. more so then a eighty to lock it back. it is just hard to release imo on some rifles
+Rene G. Solis have u ran an ar or what bc it is way easy for a lefty. more so then a eighty to lock it back. it is just hard to release imo on some rifles
I like forward assists, they make me feel all warm and fuzzy.
I have a Mk116 and love it. Glad this review finally came out.
I think a MK111 is next on my list
My MK216 has become my favorite rifle by a wide margin, absolutely love it
iv8888 he proves how great of a gun piston guns r.....almost 4000 rounds straight n still kept running
Thanks for the great update and review! I know I have seen you run PWS guns for awhile now, but any chance you would review a LWRC piston gun?
vietmontague not likely.
Why not?
Kinda would have liked to see what makes the Agency Classified NOT a re-branded PWS minus being DI. Other than that cool stuff
i mean, every single other rifle platform has a forward assist by means of the charging handle. It was added to the AR because the charging handle cannot serve this function and it's a very important part of a service rifle. plus, there's no real reason to not have it
I have a faxon arak love the long stroke piston idea. I want to pick one of these up in 300 BLK out
Once again another great video! I've got a piston system and was looking to add another. Looks like I'll be looking I to this system.
Hands down one of the most informative, helpful and professional video reviews I've watched. Thanks, after watching this I ordered a Mk114 Mod 2. It feels surprisingly nimble and balanced. I'm looking forward to getting some rounds through it. I noticed you have a different, Triad style flash-hider/recoil-compensator. Is that proprietary to the suppressor you use, or did it come that way? Mine came with the FSC556 version 2. Thanks again for the great informative review. It helped me make the decision to purchase the Mod 2.
Since I couldn't afford the Mod 2 I bought a Mod 1 upper and I'm pretty happy with it
Ozzy G what lower did you use? I'm about too get the mod 2
Miguel Cruz rebel arms lower
Ozzy G thanks
great choice
Couldn't afford one either so I went bootleg and waited until Black Friday. I ended up building a DI clone for just under $1k! Yeah, saved $1,200.
PWS is master race.
what was the piston gun you owned prior to 2014 that initially turned you off piston guns?
I recall it being a SIG 516
Does that RMR ever get dinged by ejected brass?
This AR is so badass! I'm gonna build a replica! 👍🏻
That’s impossible!!! There’s a lot of proprietary parts in the gas system your not gonna be able to build on your own!!! They do have Bootleg where you can buy a upper receivers and rail but the gun will be DI
Now that I have a few pistols, next on my list is the MK111 Mod 2. That is, if the prices settle down with all the unrest in the country.
Good man with a badass gun and the birds around him are singin away through the whole video. Aron, them birds love ya. It's like when Trump was in the Rose Garden hitting on some heavy subject I can't now remember but I do recall through Trumps whole video the birds were a riot of song. Appreciate you taking the time on this informational vid Aron. A peaceful and joyful day to you!
Does muscle fatigue set in holding your rifle like that when searching structures? Tried it in LEO work for a while and it sucked for me, my ar turned into a boat anchor in 10min on a 40min search. What grip are you rocken for long searches?
a review of the WWSD rifle would be very interesting
First I though you were firing a SIMS gun - it runs so clean. It really looks like a rounded tool not just another accessorized AR. Suppressors and full autos are banned here, so I'll stick with DI as long as possible. Regards from Slovenia. Any plans for a class in EU?
You made some points that I totally agree with. Can't wait to pick one up!
I've watched the video like four times! Trying to decide between this and a scar 16s. any thoughts would be appreciated!
This, the Scar is way over rated.
ps: I have the PWS, a friend of mine have a Scar so I've a solid comparaison ;)
Check out a LaFrance, ZM Weapons, or Arms-Tech AR.
I am doing an mid length upper build and will be using the handguard shown. I just can't decide whether to go with a 14.5" barrel and 13" handguard, or 16" barrel and the 15" handguard. I will be using a Surefire muzzle brake and SOCOM can. Not sure which would look better? Suggestions?
The Primary Weapons website shows this rifle with the new ZEV AR Trigger. Was there a full spec change and switch to the BCM? Or did you replace yours?
Charles Sizemore the Zev are not shipping yet, it currently ships with the BCM, Zev to be sent at a later date.
I’ve Needed a forward assist!!! In fact I sold my x95 because it went down and stayed down due to lack of forward assist.
Well the mod 1 still exist and that has a forward assist
One more thing please. I was curious as to what type of holster you are using in the opening sequence. Thanks again for the great videos.
Please get PWS to let you review the MK114 Alpha rifle. Please! Thanks for the channel.
Can i use this upper in the video as DI or does it have to be piston?
ua-cam.com/video/bXf22WU9GLM/v-deo.html
@@oscarbarahona5419 thank you. I seen this video. All the other videos talk about piston driven. Can i use the upper for DI that you may know of? Thanks for your response
What! No accuracy testing video? Those are my favorite part of your vids. That and the burn down!
VOPARZ GINSBURG wasn't a review video, just an informational
Would be nice if you could compare this rifle w/the new Lantac Raven
This pws rifle, the rebel arms rbr 15 and agency arms AR all seem like basically the same thing minus the piston.
Civiliansoldier762 they are; aside from different barrel profiles and features. That’s never been a secret.
SageDynamics they are all very nice rifles. I had just noticed the similarities in parts used after watching some of your videos. Keep up the good work brother!
Great video as always. Can't wait for my pws lower to get in.
brother will you do a review on the POF renegade please
+1
well i've been running one of these for a while now and I thought it was overgassed on the unsuppressed setting because of the ejection to the far front, but i guess thats just now its engineered? brass ejection on the PWS system is not an indicator as it is with DI, no??
amazing gun Aaron. If you had 2500 for a home defense set up, what's your top picks?
Do you normally run the gun so high up, when clearing/searching a building? I have a tendency to revert back to this but have been taught by L.E.A.D.S. and others that it's much more advantageous to run the gun at a low ready to get a better view of what's in front of you. But then again, if I was expecting a gun fight I'd probably run the gun at the high ready. Nice rifle BTW. Wish I could afford one.
Rick Aprea in larger spaces I tend to just look over the optic, in close quarters I run the rifle lower. Environment dictates.
Is it true Rangers/Delta go barrel down and Seals go up? Choppers - Boats...
Thanks for the Review. I've been eyeballin' this one since it was released. Might be just out of my price range right now. However I was wondering if you were ever going to do a review or suggestion for a rifle setup that has multiple uses( i.e. Home Defense, Hunting, SHTF). I know that's a broad spectrum of use for just one rifle, but could it be done with the right optic, light, BUIS, etc.?
I'd take one of these over a REC 7, KAC, LWRC or POF
love my lwrc more but have both. really love my di lwrc the most if that is normal bc I can't run suppressed in illinois anyway
I have this rifle and the flyweight rec7. I prefer the rec7
Time to review the Mod 2, mk216 !
Train accordion?
Any issues with military ammunition? I just picked up a Mk1 Mod1-P upper for my build and PWS states position one for some military ammunition. Thank you in advance.
What're your thoughts on the MCX platform? I think it has real potential in terms of practical modification and ease of modifications for different situations but the short stroke system just turns me off. If I could have a dream gun it'd be a long-stroke MCX with a piston similar to the PWS but still able to be fired with a folded stock like the MCX.
What brand plate carrier is that at about the 0:16 mark? Excellent video and God Bless
M1GarandSon SKD pig
SageDynamics what length is this rifle?
SageDynamics did you have the zev trigger in yours? The one I'm buying does I wonted to know how it is
Palmer 14.5
5:48 technically you can have billet stronger than forged but the way the industry is producing firearms, it is currently not the case in most rifles.
Anyone know what rifle case that is?
PWS makes the best AR rifles.
I'm still new to rifle accessories, so I apologize in advance for the dumb question. What is that item on the very front of the rifle next to the light? What does it do?
Thank you.
Aaron, what’s the life expectancy for the barrel? Thanks.
Hey Aaron, a quick question for you. Will the bolt carrier from this one work with the Law Gen 3, or is it like the older models? Thank you for your content, and keep on rockin'!
Todd Hosfeld it's compatible.
Very cool, thanks again!
Serious question. I want to know why the Agency Arms classified rifle is much more expensive than this gun but as far as i know does not really offer anything superior to the PWS. Not to mention the classified has a milspec trigger.
Tyler jameson the additional cost for the Gray edition was the control options, Cerakote, bag, muzzle device and magazines. The trigger is an ALG, not milspec.
Oh ok, that definitely justifies the price. Thank you for the speedy reply sir.
Looking to order a PWS. Do you recommend a MK111 MOD 1-M or is it worth upgrading to MOD 2-M
ever have overgassed jams while running that can? it really changes the ejection pattern
gotdrift8 the ejection pattern is determined by impacts on the deflector and BCG speed. If it cycles, it cycles. Short answer, no.
Great video!
i gotta ask, what holster is that in the intro for your glock? I have been looking for a new duty holster and wanted to see your take on it because i appreciate your insight and experience.
Raymond Bartlett Safariland DO model for RMR handguns.
Finally, a professional that tells the truth. Poignant explanation of Customer Service. Have 5 ea. PWS in my immediate family, I've never spoken to Customer Service. Arguing in favor of a DI is Biden voter stupid - a brainwashed simpleton - PERIOD.
How does the piston system do better with a suppressor than an adjustable DI gun? Is a suppressed piston system louder than the DI?
I agree it's a good gun but mine is 2.5 moa at best, and I'm still waiting on the trigger it was supposed to come with.
You are 2.5 moa at best. Not the rifle which is proven by other people being able to get sub moa groupings with good ammo and moa with typical ammo. If they were charging what they are for a 2moa rifle there would be much less hype surrounding these.
I want a Sandman S! also wish I had an abandoned building where I could shoot.
I was lost after the hard larp-ing at the beginning.
just wondering how the agency arms rifle stands up against this one?
I’m torn with going to a proprietary system vs a higher DI gun with standard parts. My friends issued 10” SBR has broken down twice. Both were bolt failures, once the connection rod on bolt carrier broke and the second was the carry rod connection to piston rod. He really likes the PWS, but does not own one personally. He is trying to talk me into a standard mil spec for the ease of parts replacement and compatibility.
I was looking at their high end mk116 mod 2 complete rifle, but the gun store also has the mk116 pro upper. Which is a major difference in price, $2000 vs $650. Is the value version worth it just to try out? Or go with the lighter premium mod2? What are your thought on this?
The PRO series uses a 6061 aluminum upper instead of the stronger and milspec 7075 T6 aluminum. It also uses a traditional MLOK handguard instead of a PicLok handguard. It uses a basic flash hider instead of a PWS FlashComp. Overall at $650 it is worth it to try it out.
only time i have used a forward assist was in a hunting situation and it was because when i charged the rifle i was trying to be real quiet and slow. lol.