Looking at the Mk111 Pro to dip my toe in the piston gun pool. I've watched all I could find on Pornhub, I mean YouTube. Is it worth the extra coin for the Mod2?
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Any love for PWS?
- Thread starter long range sponge
- Start date
I only have shot the Mod2. Never had any problems with it, it does a nice job suppressed.
Been very happy with mine(11.8” 5.56). I run a shitty old Sico Specwar K on it and i’m always surpised how nice it runs and sounds. Would buy again in with zero hesitation.
I currently have an SAS Arbitor and Sentinel. They are both gassy AF on my LMTs. Bootleg carrier helps though.
Had the 14.5" one for a bit, worked fine but nothing that my KAC can't do as well so sold it.
Vivacious Stallion
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I had a MK114 mod 1 for a while. Always seemed either overgassed/recoily or undergassed/unreliable depending on the gas setting with full power ball. Didn't do anything better than a normal ar15. Also was a 2.5 moa gun without can with can it would tighten down to 1.5ish with ball ammo with a pretty large 6 inch vertical ish POI shift. Killed quite a few hogs with it though.
Had a MCX Virtus fall into my possession and it was just way better in literally every way, besides Sig being Sig, so I sold the PWS and havent missed it. My 10.3" Geissele Super Duty also performs much better with a can than the PWS did, IMHO.
I have also heard horror stories about PWS warranty support.
My 2 favorite piston guns right now are the MCX Virtus followed closely by the current HK MR556 now that they gave it a lighter profile barrel.
Had a MCX Virtus fall into my possession and it was just way better in literally every way, besides Sig being Sig, so I sold the PWS and havent missed it. My 10.3" Geissele Super Duty also performs much better with a can than the PWS did, IMHO.
I have also heard horror stories about PWS warranty support.
My 2 favorite piston guns right now are the MCX Virtus followed closely by the current HK MR556 now that they gave it a lighter profile barrel.
Vivacious Stallion
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Minuteman
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I would also say the weight reduction is significant enough to warrant the extra money if you are planning to hunt/carry it alot.
I have a few PWS items. Love them all. The mod 2 is a bit more cash but worth it for the blended picatinny rail and weight savings. I purchased mine to run with a transferable M16 lower, often suppressed. Groups were a lot better than expected using military ball (IWI 55 grain). I suspect the uppers would be easy MOA with a decent scope.
Won't be hunting much with it. The few places I have to coyote hunt are short walks in anyway. It will mostly be a range toy and additional "bump-in-the-night" gun.
@Vivacious Stallion that accuracy sucks. I'm not expecting 1/2 moa but at LEAST under 2 (closer to 1 1/2) would be nice. How did it do with your hunting ammo? The MCX would be great but it's twice the price of a Pro and about $500 more than a Mod2.
@Vivacious Stallion that accuracy sucks. I'm not expecting 1/2 moa but at LEAST under 2 (closer to 1 1/2) would be nice. How did it do with your hunting ammo? The MCX would be great but it's twice the price of a Pro and about $500 more than a Mod2.
What's the price different between the 2? Seems like $700.
The weight difference? 4oz?
Functions exactly the same. MOD2 has their muzzle brake. Pro has the A2.
MOD2 has ambi controls for mag release and bolt catch.
What if I told you that you could own both for the same price?
Buy the MK111 Pro. If you love it, then there it is. Now, if you're not in love it and really think you should have gotten the MOD2. Just buy a MOD2 Lower, Upper and Rail. Now you have a MK111 MOD2 in addition to a matching PWS Upper/Lower Set. Total cost would be the same as a MK111 MOD2.
Now, here's my issue... I hate you. I went through the same thing with the MK216. Got a crazy deal. For some reason I really had to update the MK2 Lower. The lower wasn't available stripped or it was a crazy price then. I don't even remember what the little update was. So I said it would be ridiculous for me to purchase an entire rifle just to swap lowers. Put it off. I was on this PWS kick and I wanted to do a lightweight DI build. Grabbed a PWS Black Friday Mystery Bag a few years back. It has their muzzle brakes, the upper and bunch of other stuff. So my PWS DI build got done. My PWS kick was over. I could move on. Looking up the PWS line to throw some feedback made me realize there is a MOD 2-M now. They made a small change and switched up the ambi bolt catch. Now I'm gonna lose sleep over this. I have the itch to buy something while waiting for Aimpoint to catch back up. I need to unsee this... But yeah, you get your choice of a MK111 MOD 2 or MK111 MOD 2-M. Definitely not swapping myself but man it's bugging me... and yes, I swapped out those stupid Ti pivot pins.
Edit: Then I just remembered it's Keymod. Which the MLOK rails weren't offered yet... Just did the math. You could do the Pro, convert to a MOD 2 or MOD 2-M and be under the price of a MOD 2 / MOD 2-M.
MOD 2-M Lower - $300. Probably can find it lower.
Bootleg Upper - $100-$150. You can easily find one.
Bootleg Rail - $150ish. They always run sales.
Bootleg is the PWS sister company. Basically PWS is piston side, Bootleg makes parts for DI builds. Everything manufactured by PWS/Bootleg in the same factory. Basically same company.
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I've got a mk116 mod1, a mk114 mod1 and an mk216. Both of the mk1's have been good to go since day one. The mk2, good shooter but has seen warranty twice. Once for a broken mag catch early on, shot them an email, they fired me the part and I was good within a week. Second time around I had to send it to them because it was horribly over gassed with a SiCo Omega to the point it was having functionality issues. I bet they kept that sucker for three months, or more. I'd have to go back through emails.
The 116 holds about .75moa with good ammo, mostly shoot 75gr hornady black because it works good on pigs and the 114 has kind of been a let down, shoots around 1-1.5moa with 55gr ball.
I did run a load the 116 likes through the 114, 60gr vmax and powerpro 2000 and it shot right at 1moa with a 1-6 vortex. Could probably do better with a better scope.
A friend shoots an mk111 mod2 suppressed constantly and he has no complaints. He bought it after shooting mine.
The 116 holds about .75moa with good ammo, mostly shoot 75gr hornady black because it works good on pigs and the 114 has kind of been a let down, shoots around 1-1.5moa with 55gr ball.
I did run a load the 116 likes through the 114, 60gr vmax and powerpro 2000 and it shot right at 1moa with a 1-6 vortex. Could probably do better with a better scope.
A friend shoots an mk111 mod2 suppressed constantly and he has no complaints. He bought it after shooting mine.
I grabbed a pws mk111 mod 2 a little while back. I’ve ran LWRC pistons pretty hard with success, but wanted to try something different. I have about 500 rounds through it with an even mix of running it with/ without suppressor. Really happy with it so far, as high quality as LWRC in fit/ finish if that matters to you. Ate everything Ive thrown at it without issue. Even ran on suppressed setting without a suppressor without fail.
Mod 2 is lighter and has there “pic lock” rail at the very front, and does NOT have a forward assist.
I was on the fence between mod1/ 2, and am happy with the mod 2 so far
Mod 2 is lighter and has there “pic lock” rail at the very front, and does NOT have a forward assist.
I was on the fence between mod1/ 2, and am happy with the mod 2 so far
@long range sponge
I'd grab one and not look back. I was on the fence for a LONG time before I finally bought mine. Not trying to start the piston vs gas debate ( I have and like both), but SBR/pistol length and or suppressor is where the piston setup shines IMO.
Im glad I went mod 2 just for the weight savings. It has the flared magwell as well which I like. No forward assist hung me up for a while, but I don't miss it. Yea I would use it on press checks but I still conduct press checks and haven't had any issue. If your needing to slam the forward assist on a regular basis, you probably have bigger issues anyways.
Keep your eyes open and you can grab one for a deal on ARF or even here in the PX sometimes.
I'd grab one and not look back. I was on the fence for a LONG time before I finally bought mine. Not trying to start the piston vs gas debate ( I have and like both), but SBR/pistol length and or suppressor is where the piston setup shines IMO.
Im glad I went mod 2 just for the weight savings. It has the flared magwell as well which I like. No forward assist hung me up for a while, but I don't miss it. Yea I would use it on press checks but I still conduct press checks and haven't had any issue. If your needing to slam the forward assist on a regular basis, you probably have bigger issues anyways.
Keep your eyes open and you can grab one for a deal on ARF or even here in the PX sometimes.
Nice rifles, probably one of the best piston guns out for the costs. I prefer the Mod 1 due to having a fa.
I have a mk116 MOD 1 and love it for shooting suppressed. Regarding the comments on weight savings, is that all due to the handguard/receiver? Can anyone quantify the difference in weight?
I can’t recall the exact amount. If you call them direct they will tell you the exact difference. They were great when I called about 3 times asking stuff before getting my mk111
The OP sounds like its open curtain call for PWS at large. IF not, hit the Ignore!
ONly have two piston AR's, PWS Mk109 9.75" .300 BLO and 16" HK 556 MR556A1. Have a lot of rounds thru both and no issues; they both run pretty clean suppressed.
I run the PWS with a red dot and S&B optic, accurate enough @ 100 meters + for the 9-banded armadillo's chewing up the airfield! Surprisingly, with the Trijicon RMR I had a tighter target group than with the S&B, on that day,
The HK can reach out 5X to neutralize those critters.
with
ONly have two piston AR's, PWS Mk109 9.75" .300 BLO and 16" HK 556 MR556A1. Have a lot of rounds thru both and no issues; they both run pretty clean suppressed.
I run the PWS with a red dot and S&B optic, accurate enough @ 100 meters + for the 9-banded armadillo's chewing up the airfield! Surprisingly, with the Trijicon RMR I had a tighter target group than with the S&B, on that day,
The HK can reach out 5X to neutralize those critters.
with
Above post. The only difference between a MOD 1/MOD 2/MOD 2-M is the receivers and muzzle devices. Weight difference shows 4oz from specifications. Seems very minimal. The MOD 2 receiver set is solid. I guess "Lightened" can just mean it is lighter. Even .01oz lighter is lighter. Not much of a difference. So would be on all looks. Don't think they are updating much internally.
Seems like the same 11.85" barrel, Piston System, Radian CH, mil-spec trigger. Stuffs.
Just some numbers I came across. More like 2 oz.
Mil-Spec Forged Upper - 7.1oz
Lightened Forged Upper - 6.2oz
Mil-Spec Forged Lower - 8.3oz
Lightened Forged Lower - 7.5oz
PRO (6lbs 10oz - Pistol) - Standard with Pro Rail. Like they kept the good cuts and threw on the standard parts. Looks like budget rail and A2.
MOD 1 (6lbs 5oz - Rifle) - Standard Forged Receiver Set with PWS Rail
MOD 2 (6lbs - Rifle) - "Lightened" Forged Receiver Set with Ambi Controls with PWS/Bootleg Rail with KMR Mounting
MOD 2-M (6lbs - Rifle) - Revised "Lightened" Forged Receiver Set with Ambi Controls with PWS/Bootleg Rail with KMR Mounting
BCM Gun Fighter Stock - 7-7.5oz.
SBA3 Brace - 6.75-7.4oz.
All carbine length long stroke piston. Same barrel, trigger, SBA3 on all.
I think they just changed the ambi bolt catch design to something sturdier and secure to the lower.
Stock photos are the MOD 1 and MOD 2-M (Which I'm thinking they just call them a MOD 2 but did a silent update of the lower.
Picture of the stripped lower and parts should be the MOD 2. I don't know what PWS actually calls them. I assume the first lightened version is a MOD 2 and the latest offering is the MOD 2-M.
MOD 1
MOD 2-M
MOD 2
Also offered with their own "brace" at one point.
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Yeah you can carry a spare mag in that brace, but... EW! Lol. I appreciate all the info y'all. I just don't know. So many options. Maybe... Maybe I'll just start with a Mod2 upper and throw it on some random budget lower. If only I had one sitting around that I completely forgot about because the wife buried it in the fucking closet. 
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Let me get that.Yeah you can carry a spare mag in that brace, but... EW! Lol. I appreciate all the info y'all. I just don't know. So many options. Maybe... Maybe I'll just start with a Mod2 upper and throw it on some random budget lower. If only I had one sitting around that I completely forgot about because the wife buried it in the fucking closet.
