Well, as promised... I am about to start some lengthy testing of the PWS MK214 from Primary Weapons Systems. I have been running the MK114 and the MK110 for a while now, and find them absolutely supurb. Here is what I have in mind for this rifle.
My full time gig is a Tactical Law Enforcement Trainer. My scope of duty leads me to be the chief instructor for our Long Range Marksmanship training. I have the honor of training and networking with some of the finest SWAT teams in the State of Florida on a very regular basis, and we are blessed with some very good ranges.
I wanted to have a rifle that was a bit unorthodox, and since I have been using the PWS MK1 series rifles, and find them absolutely reliable and very accurate, I wanted to see what I could do with a "box" stock MK2 series rifle. My request was very straight forward. I needed an AR platform that was "Anvil Tough and Swiss Watch Reliable" that was able to make a cold bore "T-Zone" shot from arms length out to 150 or 200 yards.
Why so short of a distance? Well, my intended use is the Law Enforcement arena. We all know that the tactical marksman has the distinct possibility to be called upon in a stand off situation, and "may" be able to make a 300 or 400 yard shot... given the positive identification of the target... and all other parameters being met. However, the Law Enforcement "Sniper" differs from the Military Sniper... in one distinct way. As a Law Enforcement Marksman, I may be called upon to make a cold bore cranial vault shot in a hostage situation... or a barricaded subject scenario. If the suspect is holding an innocent hostage at gunpoint, I need to be one hundred percent certain that I can completely shut that subject down, without fear of a sympathetic shot, harming the hostage. So, do I need a gun that is capable of an 800 yard shot? Well... I know I am not capable of making a cranial vault shot every time at 800 yards, so... if I get called out, most likely I will close the distance to where I am positive that I can shut the subject down.
The venerable .308 platform has tons of ballistics out there, has been proven in the Law Enforcement Community as well as the Military Community, and rounds are plentiful. It does fairly well against barriers (windshields, windows, etc...) and is also very versatile.
This is quoted directly from the PWS webpage...
-----------------------------------------------------------
"The MK2 series, developed by Primary Weapons Systems, and based on the SR25 platform, has been built from the ground up as a short barreled rifle for those requiring the venerable 7.62x51 in a compact package. Utilizing our proven long stroke piston system, the MK1 series greatly reduces fouling in the action of the weapon making it as reliable as the AK47 that it was designed after.
The origins of the MK2 series began with the fascination in the simplicity and reliability of the AK47 combined with a deep-rooted appreciation for the ergonomics of the SR25 platform. Having a significant understanding of the deficiencies in the direct gas impingement operating system found on conventional AR10/SR25-style weapons, PWS developed the MK2 series with the professional operator in mind.
Significant product improvements have been made over both the direct impingement operating system and previous offerings of piston-driven operating systems. Our product improvements have addressed reliability and performance issues as well as reduced carrier tilt, cam pin wear and carrier bounce.
An innovative hand guard system utilizes a proprietary non-free float system that allows the end user or unit armorer to replace individual rails as needed without removing the barrel, barrel nut or even other rails. This system allows the user to attach numerous picatinny rail mounted devices such as sights, lights, and laser aiming devices.
The PWS proprietary operating system utilizes an operating rod that is attached to the carrier and a floating head piston that is attached to the operating rod. The MK2 series is built to be a true combat carbine. With no unnecessary gas adjustments and only one moving assembly, this is the most rugged, simple and versatile piston operating system available.
The MK214 features a pinned FSC30 muzzle device that brings the overall length to 16.1" and is thus not considered a short barreled rifle."
PWS MK214 User's Manual
--------------------------------------------------------------
I have a few very nice bolt guns. But, since I wanted to be unorthodox... I chose to try an AR platform. Now, there are many amazing AR platforms out there in the .308 caliber. But, I wanted to do something different. I wanted a short barrel, with enough velocity to penetrate barriers easily, and hold enough accuracy for a T-Zone shot out to 200 yards. The short barrel and collapsible stock would make getting in and out of the Bear Cat a lot easier, and also make rappelling easier.
So, enter the MK214. I went with the 14.5" barrel, to retain decent muzzle velocity... and with the PWS PRC (Precision Rifle Compensator) it would keep the BATFE happy, and negate me adding another stamp to my NFA trust.
I talked with Todd Tuttle at PWS in great detail about this rifle. We originally wanted to do the MK212, but the stamp issue, and me traveling with this rifle pushed it up to the 214. I also could have asked them to spec the chamber for me, and make it more of a "match" chamber... but, I wanted to see what I could do with this rifle just as it would come off the shelf.
The PWS rifles come spec'd very well, for what they cost. With this rifle, I knew I had to make sure I had good glass, and a good trigger. I chose the Geissele SD-E trigger that I have grown to love so much. I also chose the US Optics SN3 in 3.2-17 power with the EREK, TPAL and red illuminated reticle. The only thing I have yet to do, is sort out the mounting of the optics, discard the MOE pistol grip, and add some bipods. I also have to work out a sling system, because this rifle will see some rappelling, fast roping, and some maritime operations.
I will be updating this thread as I conduct the tests. I will provide true chrono numbers for various loads, as well as accuracy tests, and barrier testing. I will be shooting through vehicle windshields, safety glass, doors, etc... at various ranges, and will let you know how it does.
I have very high hopes for this rifle... the fit is outstanding. The rifle balances so well, even with the HONKING SN3 on it. Yes, it looks funny. Yes, it's unorthodox... but, is it going to fill a niche that I am looking for it to fill?
We shall see.
Here is the first picture of many to come. Please be patient, as I have a ton on my plate. Next week, I will be out of the loop... but this rifle will make it's debut on one of our Sniper Training days in July.
I just mounted the optic on very quickly, to get a feel of how it balanced, and to check eye relief.
I will cover the rails with some ladder rail covers... add some Bipods (still researching what to use) and change out the MOE to a MIAD, so it fits my gorilla paws better. I may or may not keep the VLTOR stock on there, depending on how the rifle deploys.
The buffer in this rifle, helps tame the recoil, along with the amazing PRC. If I switch out to the PRS, or UBR, I would have to change the buffer system. So, we shall see.
I would like to thank Todd at PWS for his continuing support. He is not only a very decent fella to speak with, he's also a shooter himself.
I'd also like to thank Jason Kyle at US Optics for getting this scope built for me so quickly. I have long been a fan of US Optics, used them down range, and could not think of a piece of glass I'd rather use than this one. Great company to deal with, and Jason is a shooter himself. It's refreshing to speak with a Customer Rep that is so well educated in his products, and can speak as detailed as you need when researching what would be the best fit.
This is a great forum, that has taught me so much just from lurking. Lowlight and his outstanding reviews has helped me in many unspoken ways.
So, stay tuned... much more to follow.
My full time gig is a Tactical Law Enforcement Trainer. My scope of duty leads me to be the chief instructor for our Long Range Marksmanship training. I have the honor of training and networking with some of the finest SWAT teams in the State of Florida on a very regular basis, and we are blessed with some very good ranges.
I wanted to have a rifle that was a bit unorthodox, and since I have been using the PWS MK1 series rifles, and find them absolutely reliable and very accurate, I wanted to see what I could do with a "box" stock MK2 series rifle. My request was very straight forward. I needed an AR platform that was "Anvil Tough and Swiss Watch Reliable" that was able to make a cold bore "T-Zone" shot from arms length out to 150 or 200 yards.
Why so short of a distance? Well, my intended use is the Law Enforcement arena. We all know that the tactical marksman has the distinct possibility to be called upon in a stand off situation, and "may" be able to make a 300 or 400 yard shot... given the positive identification of the target... and all other parameters being met. However, the Law Enforcement "Sniper" differs from the Military Sniper... in one distinct way. As a Law Enforcement Marksman, I may be called upon to make a cold bore cranial vault shot in a hostage situation... or a barricaded subject scenario. If the suspect is holding an innocent hostage at gunpoint, I need to be one hundred percent certain that I can completely shut that subject down, without fear of a sympathetic shot, harming the hostage. So, do I need a gun that is capable of an 800 yard shot? Well... I know I am not capable of making a cranial vault shot every time at 800 yards, so... if I get called out, most likely I will close the distance to where I am positive that I can shut the subject down.
The venerable .308 platform has tons of ballistics out there, has been proven in the Law Enforcement Community as well as the Military Community, and rounds are plentiful. It does fairly well against barriers (windshields, windows, etc...) and is also very versatile.
This is quoted directly from the PWS webpage...
-----------------------------------------------------------
"The MK2 series, developed by Primary Weapons Systems, and based on the SR25 platform, has been built from the ground up as a short barreled rifle for those requiring the venerable 7.62x51 in a compact package. Utilizing our proven long stroke piston system, the MK1 series greatly reduces fouling in the action of the weapon making it as reliable as the AK47 that it was designed after.
The origins of the MK2 series began with the fascination in the simplicity and reliability of the AK47 combined with a deep-rooted appreciation for the ergonomics of the SR25 platform. Having a significant understanding of the deficiencies in the direct gas impingement operating system found on conventional AR10/SR25-style weapons, PWS developed the MK2 series with the professional operator in mind.
Significant product improvements have been made over both the direct impingement operating system and previous offerings of piston-driven operating systems. Our product improvements have addressed reliability and performance issues as well as reduced carrier tilt, cam pin wear and carrier bounce.
An innovative hand guard system utilizes a proprietary non-free float system that allows the end user or unit armorer to replace individual rails as needed without removing the barrel, barrel nut or even other rails. This system allows the user to attach numerous picatinny rail mounted devices such as sights, lights, and laser aiming devices.
The PWS proprietary operating system utilizes an operating rod that is attached to the carrier and a floating head piston that is attached to the operating rod. The MK2 series is built to be a true combat carbine. With no unnecessary gas adjustments and only one moving assembly, this is the most rugged, simple and versatile piston operating system available.
The MK214 features a pinned FSC30 muzzle device that brings the overall length to 16.1" and is thus not considered a short barreled rifle."
PWS MK214 User's Manual
--------------------------------------------------------------
I have a few very nice bolt guns. But, since I wanted to be unorthodox... I chose to try an AR platform. Now, there are many amazing AR platforms out there in the .308 caliber. But, I wanted to do something different. I wanted a short barrel, with enough velocity to penetrate barriers easily, and hold enough accuracy for a T-Zone shot out to 200 yards. The short barrel and collapsible stock would make getting in and out of the Bear Cat a lot easier, and also make rappelling easier.
So, enter the MK214. I went with the 14.5" barrel, to retain decent muzzle velocity... and with the PWS PRC (Precision Rifle Compensator) it would keep the BATFE happy, and negate me adding another stamp to my NFA trust.
I talked with Todd Tuttle at PWS in great detail about this rifle. We originally wanted to do the MK212, but the stamp issue, and me traveling with this rifle pushed it up to the 214. I also could have asked them to spec the chamber for me, and make it more of a "match" chamber... but, I wanted to see what I could do with this rifle just as it would come off the shelf.
The PWS rifles come spec'd very well, for what they cost. With this rifle, I knew I had to make sure I had good glass, and a good trigger. I chose the Geissele SD-E trigger that I have grown to love so much. I also chose the US Optics SN3 in 3.2-17 power with the EREK, TPAL and red illuminated reticle. The only thing I have yet to do, is sort out the mounting of the optics, discard the MOE pistol grip, and add some bipods. I also have to work out a sling system, because this rifle will see some rappelling, fast roping, and some maritime operations.
I will be updating this thread as I conduct the tests. I will provide true chrono numbers for various loads, as well as accuracy tests, and barrier testing. I will be shooting through vehicle windshields, safety glass, doors, etc... at various ranges, and will let you know how it does.
I have very high hopes for this rifle... the fit is outstanding. The rifle balances so well, even with the HONKING SN3 on it. Yes, it looks funny. Yes, it's unorthodox... but, is it going to fill a niche that I am looking for it to fill?
We shall see.
Here is the first picture of many to come. Please be patient, as I have a ton on my plate. Next week, I will be out of the loop... but this rifle will make it's debut on one of our Sniper Training days in July.
I just mounted the optic on very quickly, to get a feel of how it balanced, and to check eye relief.
I will cover the rails with some ladder rail covers... add some Bipods (still researching what to use) and change out the MOE to a MIAD, so it fits my gorilla paws better. I may or may not keep the VLTOR stock on there, depending on how the rifle deploys.
The buffer in this rifle, helps tame the recoil, along with the amazing PRC. If I switch out to the PRS, or UBR, I would have to change the buffer system. So, we shall see.
I would like to thank Todd at PWS for his continuing support. He is not only a very decent fella to speak with, he's also a shooter himself.
I'd also like to thank Jason Kyle at US Optics for getting this scope built for me so quickly. I have long been a fan of US Optics, used them down range, and could not think of a piece of glass I'd rather use than this one. Great company to deal with, and Jason is a shooter himself. It's refreshing to speak with a Customer Rep that is so well educated in his products, and can speak as detailed as you need when researching what would be the best fit.
This is a great forum, that has taught me so much just from lurking. Lowlight and his outstanding reviews has helped me in many unspoken ways.
So, stay tuned... much more to follow.
