Primary Weapon Systems AR15 Piston Conversion
Primary Weapons Systems (PWS), the same guys that produce the excellent DNTC and FSC556 muzzle brakes for the AR15, have introduced their piston system for the AR15. Having dealt with the AK system for some time, they wanted to bring the reliability of the AK to the AR15 platform with its superior ergonomics. Now, some would argue that a piston system for an AR15 is unnecessary except for some specific applications, but the market has shown that even if people don’t necessarily need one, they want the option of having one. Gene Stoner’s direct gas impingement system of the AR15 has proved to be a very reliable one, as long as it’s kept properly lubricated and fed with high quality ammo. Even so, the quest to improve upon that system under more conditions has led to the development of piston systems for the platform, like HK with its 416 and various other piston upper manufacturers. Whether or not they’re improvements over the original DI system can only be answered by the passage of time during which these new system prove themselves. Some have been complete replacement upper assemblies, others have been retrofit systems requiring minor modifications. The PWS system falls into that category – it’s a retrofit system that can be installed on an existing DI upper or on a brand new build. It’s not a drop-in system – it must be installed by PWS or an approved installer.