Re: PWS MK114
Finally home, and in one piece. It was a LONG week at SHOT Show 2012. I had the distinct honor of working with PWS there, and getting the chance to speak with a lot of people about my experiences with the PWS rifles. Best of all, I was able to show people my actual rifles, and demonstrate the wear patterns and the good / bad I have found with these rifles.
The crew at PWS are amazing people. Very intelligent and down to earth. I learned a lot about the manufacturing process, because several of the guys that run the machines that do the milling were there. I learned about the quality control that goes into each rifle... and how the process works.
PWS is still small enough that personal attention goes into every single weapon that ships out. Another interesting fact... I spoke with the owner of the company that does the Isonite coating for PWS. I learned that he is the same guy that does the coatings for MANY of the BIG names in the industry. He was pleased with the wear patterns on my MK1 and I am now a true believer in the process.
To note, the most amazing thing for me personally, was to spend a ton of time one on one with MSG(R) Paul Howe, discussing his observations with the MK1 and MK2 series rifles. No one can dispute his credibility, and to get the opportunity to speak with him about tactics and training was priceless. His findings on the PWS system mirrors my own and that gave me quite a bit of validation.
Here we are, discussing the wear cycle on the Isonite treatment that PWS gives their parts. I am showing him the buffer tube, which has ZERO wear on it after a high round count.
In talking with him, I explained the testing I have done, and how I really DON'T clean the rifle. I don't abuse it, but I have not been picky about it after shooting. He is VERY "OCD with cleaning"... which, normally I am as well. However, it was my intent to see how hard you can run this rifle in normal real world settings, and it's effects. Here we are looking at the Bolt Carrier Group / Piston System and how even the wear patterns are. His findings on his MK1 series rifles, match my own in perfect detail.
My take away from my time discussing the system with MSG(R) Howe, is that the system is very sound. It gives you EVERYTHING you need in an AR platform, and nothing you don't.
The engineers at PWS stated that my barrel was still good to go. The one thing they did not check yet, but will check before my rifles come back, is erosion around the gas port inside the barrel.
They will replace the muzzle device with a Triad on my MK114 before sending it back to me. I want to do some testing on the Triad now.
All in all, it was a tremendous time. I had the chance to see some old friends, make some new friends, and learn more about the PWS Company as a whole. I have a few new series of tests that I will be putting these rifles through, now that I have some direction.
Stay tuned...