Gunsmithing Adams arms gas piston system problem

[packcons]

I recently installed a adams arms gas piston system on an ar. i never could get it to cycle, due to insufficient pressure.(i think) I did everything as instructed and it never fired reliably. it is on its way back to adams as of now, but i was curious if anyone else has had any problems?

thanks,

morgan

 

[n8lusk]

Re: Adams arms gas piston system problem

I recently went to an AR armorers school and was told not to install an aftermarket piston system. I was told there have been a multitude of issues including unrepairable damage to the upper.

The piston is a good idea, but if I wanted a piston system I would go with a firearm designed for that system.

Good luck, I hope this helps.
Nathan

 

[packcons]

Re: Adams arms gas piston system problem

Thanks, I got it for christmas, so im going to go with it if Adams can make it operate.

 

[SHANE0472]

Re: Adams arms gas piston system problem

I have installed several with never an issue. Adams is a good choice, they will make it right.

 

[GunjunkieM24]

Re: Adams arms gas piston system problem

I have installed the Adams as well as two other brands....never had an issue either.

Adams is my first choice...great product. Ares have had some issues but mine has worked flawlessly. I moved to the adams mainly due to the removeable piston without having to remove the handguard.

There are many...many AR's that have been converted with outstanding results...no damage to the uppers on any of the three I have....ever. Have approx 8-9K rounds on one and it just keeps on going bang. Once you install it and get it running right...you will never go back to the old gas tube. The piston system should have been put in the AR's from the beginning in my opinion.

 

[rankroddin250]

Re: Adams arms gas piston system problem

Are you shooting 223 or 5.56? some piston systems wont run on the lower preasure of the 223.

 

[scotharr]

Re: Adams arms gas piston system problem

ALL COMMENTS ONLY APPLY TO A 20" BARREL:

I bought an Adams system for my compass lake/krieger barrel. It would not cycle reliably. I ended up sending the unit back and received a full refund. In spite of sending them a detailed email with pictures and calling them, they spent zero time troubleshooting the problem. I understand that, they are too busy selling the unit to folks who are having no issues. I'm not bashing them, they make a great unit...just too damn busy selling their product like hotcakes to work with one of the few folks having problems.

That said, it is really simple to fix this problem: enlarge the gas port. Find out what your gas port size is currently. On a 20" barrel .093" is a number on the small side of the normal range....and the Adams piston did not work reliably for me with this size hole. If you enlarge it to .097", I bet you it will work like a champ. Plenty of folks make this modification to improve the reliability of their rifle....it's not a big deal and still within the normal port-size range.

You won't find a better piston retrofit than Adams. So, if you really want a piston, I suggest you enlarge the port size. You can even switch back to direct impingement with the larger port size. So, there is not any downside. Just make sure a competent AR-15 gunsmith does the work properly...don't use a drill bit for goodness sake!

 

[packcons]

Re: Adams arms gas piston system problem

scooter, i enlarged the port wayyyy tooooooo much and it still didnt work. I opened it up to at least to 7/64 with not much change. We ended up sending them in to adams and they are still working on them.

I just dont understant why they would not work. Everything was installed per the instructions and the piston moved as free as it possibly could. I tried at the different settings will still no change.

 

[JZizzle]

Re: Adams arms gas piston system problem

Did they fix your problem ... if they did, what was it? I have the same problem in my AR. I cant get it to cycle correctly...

 

[scotharr]

Re: Adams arms gas piston system problem

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BA7rum</div><div class="ubbcode-body">scooter, i enlarged the port wayyyy tooooooo much and it still didnt work. I opened it up to at least to 7/64 with not much change. We ended up sending them in to adams and they are still working on them.

I just dont understant why they would not work. Everything was installed per the instructions and the piston moved as free as it possibly could. I tried at the different settings will still no change.

</div></div>
7/64...yikes. and that still didn't allow it to work....what has Adams said about this?

 

[Tactical Support]

Re: Adams arms gas piston system problem

There is something wrong somewhere I have installed 75 to 100 of the the Adams units. From 7 in barrels to 16 in and never seen one not cycle.

Sounds like an alignment issue did you check the rod to see if it moved freely through the barrel nut?

Did not realize how old this thread is.

 

[DocJekyll]

Re: Adams arms gas piston system problem

I purchased an Adams Arms system for my RRA and have put about 3k rounds through it in the last 4 months without even so much as cleaning it. It has worked flawlessly. I did try putting it on the 45 deg setting though to test it and it only cycled properly every so often. This makes me believe that it is a gas port issue most of the time, or improper installation.

I had mine installed by my local armorer and he has done a number of these systems. If the gas port isnt properly lined up it can cause some serious issues.