First of all: This is NOT a DI vs Piston thread, and I hope it doesn't degenerate into that.
Ok, as the thread title says, I'm looking to get 1 of these two rifles: a LMT MWS 308 or a PWS (Primary Weapons Systems) Mk216.
Other possible contenders were as follows, but are not in the running due to the reasons listed:
KAC SR-25 EMC: Can't afford it.
Larue OBR/PredatAR: Very nice, but I don't need the 20
Armalite AR-10: Don't like the mags.
SCAR 17: Want to stick to the AR platform.
Noveske Leonidas/AR-10 type: Also, can't afford one.
LWRC REPR: Proprietary parts.
POF 308: Proprietary parts, plus the raiser rail and gigantic, bulky forend are not my cup of tea.
DPMS LR-308: Already had one. Loved it. Nice budget blaster. Sold it to fund a more precise build.
The PWS Mk2 series
(seen here):
PWS site
is relatively new, but I have seen a few write-ups about it:
arfcom thread
Snipershide thread
and its 5.56 little brother the Mk1 series (more feedback in general on this one since they've been around longer):
Snipershide thread
M4c thread
I ask advice from you forum members because where I live, I cannot actually see, handle or shoot these rifles in person before buying (sucks).
The two are about the same price from the dealer I go through, so cost is par for the course, as is barrel length (both 16").
Deciding between LMT MWS 308 vs PWS Mk216
Between the two accuracy is probably not a significant factor, since either rifle will likely shoot better than I can. Plus, I don't think free-floating is critical for my needs, since like I said I am probably the limiting factor to the accuracy equation.
My main use for this rifle is recreational shooting anywhere from 50m to at most 600m, maybe some service rifle matches or 3-gun.
My main priority is reliability/durability. (Yes, I know that I would probably be bankrupt by the time the round count got high enough to start breaking parts, given the cost of .308). The reason for this being my priority is that both rifles' parts are proprietary.
So, as I see it the pros/cons break down to:
LMT MWS
Pros: +More proven DI system is a known quantity (more beta testing)
+A bit more accurate (free floated
barrel)
Cons: -A bit heavier (harder to shoot off hand/standing, slower)
PWS Mk216
Pros: +A bit lighter (easier to shoot off hand/standing, quicker)
Cons: -Long-stroke piston system, although
interesting and cool, is an unknown
quantity compared to DI.
-Slightly less accurate (non-free
floated barrel)
Note:
1) For my personal uses, the quick barrel/caliber change capability of the LMT is not really a deciding factor. I don't see myself getting into exotic, hard-to-find calibers even pricier than .308, and having to buy different bolts, mags, etc. The stock 16" chrome-lined barrel is the perfect length, and of high enough quality that it will be the one I'll use.
2) Triggers and stocks that come with each are a non-factor, as I will be installing my Geissele SSA-E and Magpul CTR (love that stock) on whichever rifle I get.
Now I know that somebody will say that PWS's piston system is proprietary, but it seems to me that any 308 AR is proprietary. The LMT will only take an LMT BCG, I believe, and it will certainly only take LMT barrels (Quick change system ones). The only 308 AR inter-compatibilities that I am aware of are trigger groups, some upper/lower swapa- but only between a handful of makers and maybe some smaller parts. Major components like BCG, barrel, etc. seem to be manufacturer-specific.
I may be wrong, but as far as I have read that appears to be the case.
Feel free to chime in/flame me/whatever.
Thanks!!!!!!
Ok, as the thread title says, I'm looking to get 1 of these two rifles: a LMT MWS 308 or a PWS (Primary Weapons Systems) Mk216.
Other possible contenders were as follows, but are not in the running due to the reasons listed:
KAC SR-25 EMC: Can't afford it.
Larue OBR/PredatAR: Very nice, but I don't need the 20
Armalite AR-10: Don't like the mags.
SCAR 17: Want to stick to the AR platform.
Noveske Leonidas/AR-10 type: Also, can't afford one.
LWRC REPR: Proprietary parts.
POF 308: Proprietary parts, plus the raiser rail and gigantic, bulky forend are not my cup of tea.
DPMS LR-308: Already had one. Loved it. Nice budget blaster. Sold it to fund a more precise build.
The PWS Mk2 series
(seen here):
PWS site
is relatively new, but I have seen a few write-ups about it:
arfcom thread
Snipershide thread
and its 5.56 little brother the Mk1 series (more feedback in general on this one since they've been around longer):
Snipershide thread
M4c thread
I ask advice from you forum members because where I live, I cannot actually see, handle or shoot these rifles in person before buying (sucks).
The two are about the same price from the dealer I go through, so cost is par for the course, as is barrel length (both 16").
Deciding between LMT MWS 308 vs PWS Mk216
Between the two accuracy is probably not a significant factor, since either rifle will likely shoot better than I can. Plus, I don't think free-floating is critical for my needs, since like I said I am probably the limiting factor to the accuracy equation.
My main use for this rifle is recreational shooting anywhere from 50m to at most 600m, maybe some service rifle matches or 3-gun.
My main priority is reliability/durability. (Yes, I know that I would probably be bankrupt by the time the round count got high enough to start breaking parts, given the cost of .308). The reason for this being my priority is that both rifles' parts are proprietary.
So, as I see it the pros/cons break down to:
LMT MWS
Pros: +More proven DI system is a known quantity (more beta testing)
+A bit more accurate (free floated
barrel)
Cons: -A bit heavier (harder to shoot off hand/standing, slower)
PWS Mk216
Pros: +A bit lighter (easier to shoot off hand/standing, quicker)
Cons: -Long-stroke piston system, although
interesting and cool, is an unknown
quantity compared to DI.
-Slightly less accurate (non-free
floated barrel)
Note:
1) For my personal uses, the quick barrel/caliber change capability of the LMT is not really a deciding factor. I don't see myself getting into exotic, hard-to-find calibers even pricier than .308, and having to buy different bolts, mags, etc. The stock 16" chrome-lined barrel is the perfect length, and of high enough quality that it will be the one I'll use.
2) Triggers and stocks that come with each are a non-factor, as I will be installing my Geissele SSA-E and Magpul CTR (love that stock) on whichever rifle I get.
Now I know that somebody will say that PWS's piston system is proprietary, but it seems to me that any 308 AR is proprietary. The LMT will only take an LMT BCG, I believe, and it will certainly only take LMT barrels (Quick change system ones). The only 308 AR inter-compatibilities that I am aware of are trigger groups, some upper/lower swapa- but only between a handful of makers and maybe some smaller parts. Major components like BCG, barrel, etc. seem to be manufacturer-specific.
I may be wrong, but as far as I have read that appears to be the case.
Feel free to chime in/flame me/whatever.
Thanks!!!!!!
