• Frank's Lesson's Contest

    We want to see your skills! Post a video between now and November 1st showing what you've learned from Frank's lessons and 3 people will be selected to win a free shirt. Good luck everyone!

    Create a channel Learn more
  • Having trouble using the site?

    Contact support

PWS MK214

Re: PWS MK214

No, but its identical, save for 1.5" more barrel... Which means about 40-80 fps depending on the ammo...

LAPD has used them, and I know some CBP Agents that have them...
 
Re: PWS MK214

Just shot that mk216 for the first time today and had lots of problems. I had a stovepipe and 17 failure to feeds out of 60rds. Also its not wanting to o to boltlock after the last round. I was using Federal 150 grain .308 WIN. I used 3 different PMAG's and still the same problem. Its a brand new gun so does it just need broken in? Just a little upset my Ranger Bonus went to this. What do you think? Thanks man
RLTW 02-03
 
Re: PWS MK214

Wow...

That is not the norm, for sure. I had a few issues within the first 100 rounds with extraction... Never bolt lockback though. Lube the chamber,and shoot it. If it continues to give you fits, call PWS.

It sounds like a tight chamber... Which can happen. Clean the chamber with a bore brush, and run it wet.

Give it a chance to settle in.

Sorry to hear your rifle is giving you fits. It's not my experience for sure... Mine runs like a Swiss Watch.
 
Re: PWS MK214

jstaugler, I'm a bit curious with your experience with your PWS as it seems to be not the norm. Did you contact PWS when you first wrote about your concern with the workmanship a few days before you posted you fired it? If so, what did they say? Where did you get your rifle? Was it from PWS directly or from a gunshop? Did you contact them about your stovepipes, FTFs and boltback issues? If so, what did they say?

I orderd the MK216 (yes I finally did decide upon the PWS brand and the MK216)directly from PWS and I would not be happy if I got my rifle in your condition or experience the type or amount of problems you had at your range which again seems to be against the majority of what is said and expected from PWS.
 
Re: PWS MK214

665-pws.jpg


Battleaxe, that is the same color as my MK216 I have on order. As the photo isn't high resolution and I can't tell, can you tell me if the PWS logo on the left magwell is engraved well. In other words, does the engraving stand out (engraving of high quality) and easily seen in FDE?
 
Re: PWS MK214

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: iswis</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> Battleaxe, that is the same color as my MK216 I have on order. As the photo isn't high resolution and I can't tell, can you tell me if the PWS logo on the left magwell is engraved well. In other words, does the engraving stand out (engraving of high quality) and easily seen in FDE? </div></div>

I received it black and DMack coated it for me in coyote. The MK114 next to it is in FDE and was coated by PWS. The pic does suck and they're not the same color. I think PWS offers all their rifles in FDE or black. I would have had my 216 coated by them had I ordered from them but I stumbled upon my 216 which was in shipping to a customer that bailed due to a family emergency and I couldn't pass on the price. DMack did a nice job on the coating and I already had a coyote USO so it worked out. Although I'm partial to coyote I like the FDE almost as much. Yes...the engraving is still crisp. Cerakote done properly is actually quite thin and doesn't affect even the small engravings such as serial numbers.
 
Re: PWS MK214

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BattleAxe</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: iswis</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> Battleaxe, that is the same color as my MK216 I have on order. As the photo isn't high resolution and I can't tell, can you tell me if the PWS logo on the left magwell is engraved well. In other words, does the engraving stand out (engraving of high quality) and easily seen in FDE? </div></div>

I received it black and DMack coated it for me in coyote. The MK114 next to it is in FDE and was coated by PWS. The pic does suck and they're not the same color. I think PWS offers all their rifles in FDE or black. I would have had my 216 coated by them had I ordered from them but I stumbled upon my 216 which was in shipping to a customer that bailed due to a family emergency and I couldn't pass on the price. DMack did a nice job on the coating and I already had a coyote USO so it worked out. Although I'm partial to coyote I like the FDE almost as much. Yes...the engraving is still crisp. Cerakote done properly is actually quite thin and doesn't affect even the small engravings such as serial numbers. </div></div>

Thanks for the info. Actually I didn't even notice the slight color difference with your MK216 which is actually the Coyote color. LOL!

I like seeing the emblem engraving on the left magwell and in some photos I've seen of PWS FDE rifles, the emblem is sometimes very predominant, but sometimes it looks washed out too. Glad to hear yours is crisp and hope mine will be as well.

Are you planning to photograph or make a vid of your MK216 in action soon? I still have some time to wait for mine and always like to see it in action, if anything to make me more eager.
 
Re: PWS MK214

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: iswis</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Are you planning to photograph or make a vid of your MK216 in action soon? I still have some time to wait for mine and always like to see it in action, if anything to make me more eager. </div></div>
We were actually planning on that but its hard to make the most of limited range time if your trying to get video and pics, amd I typicaly have specific training goals I'm trying to meet so that stuff usually takes a back seat. I still havent been able to get this thing doped yet due to range closures.
 
Re: PWS MK214

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DMack</div><div class="ubbcode-body">BA... Yours is a MK214 with a PRC like mine... </div></div>
Yes, typo
 
Re: PWS MK214

Yes, I talked to PWS before the comment. I just got off the phone with them again and they sid to shoot another 100rds through it and see if it just needs broke in. I was searching for this gun everywhere and I could not find any in stock. So I called PWS and they directed me to someone that had them in stock. They have a great customer service and they told me if it still acts up they will send a shipping label to service it. I was not trying to blast them if thats what you are getting at. I was just curious if anyone else was having the same problem! RLTW
 
Re: PWS MK214

jstaugler,
Don't know if you have already tried this: pull the buffer spring out and check the little plastic piece in the back of the tube. Mine had gotten loose and stuck in there cock-eyed. That kept the buffer from going all the way back therefore no lock back and other failures. Re-seated the piece and it's been good to go since.
 
Re: PWS MK214

Yeah I pulled the buffer and spring also and ran a patch down the tube. Buffer was good also the tube was clear of any debri. Just going to blast another 100rds through it like PWS said to see about the break in. Just wish .308 was a bit cheaper for this experiment. I will keep you posted.
 
Re: PWS MK214

The "plastic" thing that OS3 is referring to, is the dead blow buffer in the bottom (end) of the buffer tube. This is a nice piece of medical grade silicone that is affixed to the bottom of the tube. Some of the earlier pieces had a way of coming lose. PWS has since changed the cement used, and they have had no reports of the silicone coming off.

As for the take down pins moving around... mine is solid as can be. Battle Axe's MK214 is also very solid... as is every MK2 I have ever held. How your's is out of spec is beyond me, but it should be locked up very tight. I had to use a punch to get my pins loose when I first got mine... and even now, they are a bear to push out, when taking the rifle apart to clean it.

The rounds sticking, can be just a tight chamber... shoot it some more, and it should lap in.

I hope things turn out for you. I have zero doubt in PWS's customer service. I know they will make it right.

Cheers!

DMack
 
Re: PWS MK214

Talked to Lloyd from PWS and he wasn't concerned about the play and pin issue. He said that having a little bit of a wiggle was common. Reguardless of the outcome I will still buy their products. The recoil on that rifle was amazing. Maybe the bad luck was just in the air. My buddy just finished an AR build and put three rounds through it and he had a catastrophic bolt failure with all of the locking lugs breaking off. I have never in my life seen that before. I told him to get a PWS.
 
Re: PWS MK214

What kind of ammo are you running out of yours? Do you use .308WIN or 7.62x51? Have you ever heard of the Lake City XM80 ammo. Looking for some cheap quaility ammo to stock up on since ammo is getting pricey. Thanks
 
Re: PWS MK214

I spent a lot of time writing this thread... in it, I have tried to cover everything that I can think of. My rifle was intended from the start, to be used as a SWS for Law Enforcement. Having said that, I have only run match grade ammo through it, with the exception of about ten rounds of XM80 for Chrono numbers.

I have run some of the 168 grain Privi Partisan in it, with a few blown primers. Not the rifle's fault, it was a bad batch of ammo.

My MK114 is configured with the PWS Precision Rifle Compensator (PRC) pinned to the barrel, and I have a VLTor EMod stock, along with a Geissele SD-E trigger.

My rifle shoots M118LR (175 Grain SMK) very well, and also loves the 168 Grain TAP rounds from Hornady. 155 Grain TAP flies well in it, as does 178 grain AMax from Hornady.

It's chambered in 7.62x51 but you can shoot any of the better .308 WIN in it. It really likes the Federal Gold Medal Match 175 Grain 7.62x51

As for the pin play, I can't imagine it being very sloppy. I know mine is VERY tight. True, that a wee bit of wiggle won't hurt, but I wouldn't want my pins to work loose.

Best of luck with yours... mine shoots great!
 
Re: PWS MK214

I finally got mine out for a zero today. I ran 115 rounds through it with a cleaning after the 1st 15 and had zero function issues shooting FGM 7.62 175's. Only complaint would be the trigger which is by far the worst AR10 trigger I've ever felt, but I knew this going in. It felt like dragging a rock ...over another rock and its definately going in the trash.
 
Re: PWS MK214

@jstaugler

Hi,
Does your PWS wiggle a little bit? There are two options to make it tight.

1.] When you look at the inside of you lower receiver there is a little screw that you can adjust to tighten up your upper. You can do this by loosening your handle grip first.

2]. Cut a small credit card plastic and stick it at the bottom of the pin hole base (upper receiver). I have the old pic below, it looks sloppy but it did the job. I used contact cement. I recently replaced it with an aluminum plate to make it look better.

7245206116_9f3ef7f170_b.jpg
 
Re: PWS MK214

I would double check the play on mine right now... but it is still loaned out to a local Sniper Team. They are still loving it...

I've said it since the beginning, this rifle DESERVES a good trigger and glass.
 
Re: PWS MK214

Thanks man I appreciate it. Still going to send it in. I figure if you spend $2500 on a rifle it shouldn't have this many issues. I know PWS won't do me wrong and they will correct the issue. Also another thing I forgot to mention was that the front takedown pin came out about one third of the way out while shooting also. Maybe I just have some bad pins that are letting to much wiggle between the receivers.
 
Re: PWS MK214

I ran the MK214 today... very hard. Had an issue with the scope coming loose, but re-set it, re-torqued everything down, got everything level, and then ran some drills with it. I had some steel set up at law enforcement distances... from about 118 yds, out to 640 yds and the students had no idea how far out they were. I made them leave their laser range finders in their bags, and calculate distance the old fashioned way... with their reticles. Some had issues, using SFP... making calculations without being at the proper power for subtension...

I made a little short video, showing me running the MK214 in a "race track". I loaded five rounds of 168 grain FGMM and wanted to end the string on the farthest target, using reticle holds. For LE engagement distances, the MK214 fits the bill very, very well.
 
Re: PWS MK214

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BattleAxe</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Only complaint would be the trigger which is by far the worst AR10 trigger I've ever felt, but I knew this going in. It felt like dragging a rock ...over another rock and its definately going in the trash. </div></div>

Since it has been many years since I was in the military, the military trigger pull (6-8 lbs is it?) is the only thing I know on the M16A1/A2. I honestly can't even remember how it felt. LOL! But I'm glad I ordered the Geissle SSA trigger with my MK216 though. Sounds like I won't regret it.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DMack</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I would double check the play on mine right now... but it is still loaned out to a local Sniper Team. They are still loving it...</div></div>

DMack, as you said you got your MK214 back, have you double checked the workmanship on yours like any wiggle/play between the upper and lower receivers and the breakdown pins? Also, as you make videos sometimes, do you take request? I would like to see your rifle go through some stand up drills if you do those. Would be neat to see the recoil (or lack of) on it and the pointability and speed your MK214 can engage targets.
 
Re: PWS MK214

PWS just received my MK216 at 0916 this morning. I hope all the problems will be resolved. I have lost a lot of sleep over this gun. I bragged this thing up to everyone and I hope the issues it had will be resolved. Now if there is still play between the upper and lower when I get it back would you be concerned? I really doubt they will scrap an entire gun because of that. I know the main issue is all the failure to feeds. Honestly, I was really surprised to see a stovepipe. I have been in 12 years and never seen that. All I know is that I hope its gets fixed. I love that gun and its a dream to shoot. I really wish I was able to take it across the pond in a few months. RLTW!
 
Re: PWS MK214

They just called me about 2 hours ago. First off they have excellent customer service. He said he was going to the store and pick up some of the ammo I was using to test it. He fired it with some surplus ammo they had there and there were no malfunctions. He said he was also going to polish up the feed ramps a bit. As for the pins being loose he said that the newer rifles were not as hard to get out like the prior ones. I just can't wait to get this thing back. I go on leave next week so hopefully I will have it back by then. Maybe it just needed more rounds through it. Anyway, I know they will treat me right and get my baby back to me in working order. After this deployment I want mk1 but not sure yet on the length. Even though I had some issues with this gun, PWS sold me on just their customer service alone. RLTW
 
Re: PWS MK214

Hi jstaugler, Don't worry about your baby because pws will make it right. I have similar problem like yours. I have a brand new mk216 when I went to the range 20 rounds down the pipe I start having short strokes,stove pipes and 2 failure to lock back. I tried different mags,same thing. I tried different ammos, the problem still persist. Sent the rifle to pws and Stacey told me that the gas port was out of specs. that they gonna enlarge the gas port. Few days have past and called them again,Stacey said that on final QC they found out that my headspacing was out of specs too,so they ended up replacing my barrel and bolt. Now 350 rounds down the pipe so far so good and this thing is really accurate even though it doesn't have a free floating barrel.
 
Re: PWS MK214

Ok, my PWS MK214 is back in it's intended configuration. I have my US Optics 1.8-10 SN3 mounted back on it, and now it's ready to get abused some more.

Stay tuned!!!
 
Re: PWS MK214

I got my rifle back from PWS. They opened up the feed ramps a bit and it shoots much better now. However, there is still play between the upper and lower, also the inside of the buffer tube is starting to wear. Is that normal for these? Also should I be concerned about the play between the receivers? It's just frustrating because these are expensive guns and I have a buddy that has a Rock River and its tight as can be.
 
Re: PWS MK214

My rifle has well over 3000 rounds through it now... with ZERO issues. My upper / lower is so tight, I have to still use a delryn punch to get the pins out... zero slop. My buffer tube has zero wear in it. Now, there is some bright spots where the metal has polished it a bit, but no gouges or spots were it isn't natural. It just looks like a rifle with 3000 rounds through it.

What did PWS say about the movement in your upper? I would ask you to make a short video, showing me the slop you are talking about. My MK1 series rifles have a wee bit of slop, as you say... but, none more than ANY of the other forgings that I have.

The MK2 series uses Billet 7075 uppers and lowers, there should not be excessive play.

If you are still unhappy, call PWS and talk to them. I know their customer service department will make it right. Internet forums are very one dimensional... without video, I can't see what you are dealing with.

Shoot the heck out of your rifle. If it stops on you, then I would worry.

I don't know what else to advise you other than if you are not happy... get them involved.

Sorry that I couldn't be any more help.

DMack
http://rangerproof.blogspot.com/
 
Re: PWS MK214

I talked to PWS and they said the play between the upper and lower are normal. The QA manager called me and said they made them like that now because of complaints that guys needed to bring a hammer and punch to the field to break the weapon down. As far as the buffer tube showing wear, they said that was normal on the MK 2 series rifles also. They told me if it got worse to let them know and they would fix it. By they way, your paint job looks great! I'm looking to find a place that cerakotes guns around FT. Campbell. There is a guy that does the Duracoat but, I haven't heard good things about the Duracoat holding up well. It shoots great now so hopefully I won't have anymore problems with it. The customer service at PWS is top knotch. I felt like a pain addressing all these issues but, I just wanted to make sure my rifle was squared away. The way the world is going you never know. Thanks for all your input. RLTW!
 
Re: PWS MK214

I read a lot of this forum, i actually joined this forum because of the great things i was learning. I wanted to give a shot out to Dmack for one the great testing and two probably the best gun painting i have ever seen in my life. That said i have a couple questions regarding the pas and I'm not sure if they have been answered or not but if they have been i am sorry, i read like 4 pages of this thread and didn't see what i was looking for.

I do a lot of predator hunting in texas, i currently use a dpms chambered in .308 and it does its job but the recoil is awful and i have a sweet tooth for guns like everyone else here.

i have read a lot on the subject of the .308 chambered ar-10s and the pws looks to be the best bang for my buck, my only question are

1. is the 14 inch barrel of the pas considered legal with the compensator that comes with it making it 16? and is the compensator the best one for low recoil seeing as how i will be carrying this on hunts walking around and such.
2. What triggers are suggested, currently using a timney in my dpms and love it, wondering if anyone else used it in their pws.
3. All of my shooting is within 200 yards and was wondering what grain bullets people are getting good accuracy with because i love the 165grain barnes triple shock for the retention rate and was seeing if that grain was good for the pws.
4. Lastly how do i get painting skills like you Dmack? those guns are unreal how cool they look, love em.

thanks for any reply,
Texan
 
Re: PWS MK214

Howdy Sir... let me take your questions in order.

1. The 14.5" barrel with the standard FSC-30 that comes on the PWS MK214 is BATFE legal without a stamp. PWS attaches the muzzle device permanently making the barrel 16.1" long.

2. I am using a Giessele SD-E trigger in mine. Since I set mine up at the beginning to use as a Law Enforcement Perimeter / Precision style rifle, I wanted a "match" type trigger, but didn't want an adjustable trigger since it would see duty use. I have not used the Timney in an AR platform, but I have recently been doing A LOT of shooting, with the new CMC trigger out of Texas. I have become a huge fan of it. It breaks VERY clean at 3 pounds, and the reset is phenomenal. Triggers are like bicycle seats. What is good for one person, is not good for another. Find what works for you, and I would stick with it.

3. The PWS MK214 is stupid easy to shoot out to 300 yards, and is MOA out to 600 with the right ammo. I have found that MY PWS MK214 really loves M118LR at distance. The 168 grain Hornady TAP that I use, flies well. I have not used the Barnes, but I suspect the 165 grain will fly perfectly for what you want to do with the rifle. This rifle is LIGHT for a 7.62. It handles just like an AR should. It would make a crazy reliable hunting rifle, and that is more in line with what PWS had in mind when they designed it. I would get one, and never look back.

4. My camo is definitely needs based. I teach a lot of precision rifle stuff to LEO's... and we do stalking drills, individual hides, etc... so, I need my rifles to blend into the surrounding area. I found that this pattern works VERY well where I am located.

It's Krylon... and very easy to do. I will be doing a video to show my technique soon...

I hope this helps. I apologize for being scarce... I am losing two of my instructors for deployment... been a WEE bit busy at work.

Cheers!
 
Re: PWS MK214

I ordered an MK216 today. After I called PWS and learned there was at least a 6 month wait for one direct from them I checked with their dealers. Stacy at PWS was kind enough to provide me with a list. I found one at a dealer in NC. They had got a shipment in a couple days ago and had sold two earlier today. I got the last MK216 they had in stock. Got a good price on it too. Thanks Dmack for a thorough review of this weapon.
 
Re: PWS MK214

DMack, really like the FDE color job on your MK214! I especially like that the PRC is FDE. Makes it look really unique yet still looks sharp. Did you just used Krylon to paint your gun (like in the past)or is the entire paint job cerakote? Have you experienced any wear on the paint job on your PRC since then when firing? If all sounds good, maybe my FSC30 on my MK216 will get the same treatment someday. Yes, I did get it and its in FDE. Loving my MK216!
 
Re: PWS MK214

iswis

My new color on my MK214 is Cerakote... I sandblasted everyting after completely pulling the rifle apart. I even Cerakoted my USO SN3.

I too, like the PRC in FDE instead of black...
 
Re: PWS MK214

Hey guys, question for you, I will put it to PWS as well....

I seem to be getting a lot of FTE's still with my MK216, I have about 300 rounds through it now and about 20-25% of the time I get one...

I have switched magazines, run it wet, run it dry,clean, dirty, nothing seems to change it. It does seem to reduce a bit when I use hand loads, but it still does it with everything from Black Hills, HSM, Southwest Ammo, 168 or 175 grain.

Any ideas? everything is still pretty much stock, and the bolt does stay back on the last round in the mag.

Thanks!
 
Re: PWS MK214

When it fails to extract or eject, what happens exactly? Does it leave the casing in the chamber, does the extractor claw rip through the case rim? Does it not clear the ejection port? I'd check your extractor to start. The case could be still under too much pressure when the bolt is trying to extract it. That could mean an out of spec chamber or it could mean its overgassed.

I've got less than 100rnds through mine with some cheap American Eagle 150gr fmj with no problems so far.
 
Re: PWS MK214

That sometimes happens if your bolt speed is too fast. The spent case cant get out of the way of the bolt as its returning to battery and the bolt mashes it half way out of the ejection port. Another indicator of too high a bolt speed is failure to strip and chamber the next round. The bolt carrier is moving too fast for the mag spring to push up the next round so it can be chambered. When it fails to eject, does it strip the next round from the mag? If it doesnt it almost certainly means your action is cycling too fast.
 
Re: PWS MK214

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DMack</div><div class="ubbcode-body">

PWSMK214b-1.jpg
</div></div>

I love your rifles but a few questions.

1. I thought that Geiselle recommends against KNS pins with their triggers?
2. Did you use Cerakote air dry your scope and the same on the rifle or use Heat on the other parts?
I am getting ready to make my second MA TEN FDE in a very similar manner.
3. Do you have any play in your stock?
I have the same stock and same buffer tube (PWS) on a LW build and I get a small amount of side-to-side play that bugs me a bit.