Which piston, LWRCI, POF, Sig556, FN 16S, ACR, LMT

ryohavoc

Private
Minuteman
Aug 29, 2007
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0
Hi,

In terms of reliability and accuracy, which of these piston guns does everyone think would be the one to buy? LWRCI, POF, Sig556, Bushmaster ACR, FN SCAR 16S or LMT MRP?

Thx,
Doug
 
Re: Which piston, LWRCI, POF, Sig556, FN 16S, ACR, LMT

I've owned the Sig 556 so I can share a bit with you about that platform. It shoots great and is plenty accurate. I do have to say that it is pretty front heavy. I had troy rails on there also and I can tell you that is something you are not going to want to lug around all day. Because of the weight and the Mucilek (Sp?) brake I had on there the recoil was very nice, similar (but different) to an M4. The gun never gave me any problems. I just got rid of it because it didn't fit my needs.
 
Re: Which piston, LWRCI, POF, Sig556, FN 16S, ACR, LMT

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Downrange1x</div><div class="ubbcode-body">apples or oranges, depends on your usage requirements. Play or professional. </div></div>

I would have to say play. I saved up for a longtime to buy the LWRC REPR and bought one of the first production models that turned out to have all the problems!

I am looking to get a piston 5.56 but don't want a repeat of the REPR and for $2k plus price I would have to pay for some of these brands, I would like to make sure I buy the brand with the most reliability and accuracy! It's no fun to go out and shoot a brand new high dollar weapon that has problems!
 
Re: Which piston, LWRCI, POF, Sig556, FN 16S, ACR, LMT

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ErikTaylor</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I've owned the Sig 556 so I can share a bit with you about that platform. It shoots great and is plenty accurate. I do have to say that it is pretty front heavy. I had troy rails on there also and I can tell you that is something you are not going to want to lug around all day. Because of the weight and the Mucilek (Sp?) brake I had on there the recoil was very nice, similar (but different) to an M4. The gun never gave me any problems. I just got rid of it because it didn't fit my needs. </div></div>

I know what you mean, a friend of mine had a Sig 556 and I had a chance to play with it and noticed right away that it was front heavy! Real nice weapon though!
 
Re: Which piston, LWRCI, POF, Sig556, FN 16S, ACR, LMT

I'd take a good hard look at the lmt. From the ones I have played with they seem to be put togeather extreemly well. But i must agree that when you are considering the aformentioned list you really cant go wrong with any of them, it just comes down to what fits you best.
 
Re: Which piston, LWRCI, POF, Sig556, FN 16S, ACR, LMT

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DougSSG3000</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ErikTaylor</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I've owned the Sig 556 so I can share a bit with you about that platform. It shoots great and is plenty accurate. I do have to say that it is pretty front heavy. I had troy rails on there also and I can tell you that is something you are not going to want to lug around all day. Because of the weight and the Mucilek (Sp?) brake I had on there the recoil was very nice, similar (but different) to an M4. The gun never gave me any problems. I just got rid of it because it didn't fit my needs. </div></div>

I know what you mean, a friend of mine had a Sig 556 and I had a chance to play with it and noticed right away that it was front heavy! Real nice weapon though! </div></div>

Also if you go with the 556 you are going to want to replace the sights because they front sight is bulky and the rear sight is a POS. IMHO.
 
Re: Which piston, LWRCI, POF, Sig556, FN 16S, ACR, LMT

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ErikTaylor</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DougSSG3000</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ErikTaylor</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I've owned the Sig 556 so I can share a bit with you about that platform. It shoots great and is plenty accurate. I do have to say that it is pretty front heavy. I had troy rails on there also and I can tell you that is something you are not going to want to lug around all day. Because of the weight and the Mucilek (Sp?) brake I had on there the recoil was very nice, similar (but different) to an M4. The gun never gave me any problems. I just got rid of it because it didn't fit my needs. </div></div>

I know what you mean, a friend of mine had a Sig 556 and I had a chance to play with it and noticed right away that it was front heavy! Real nice weapon though! </div></div>

Also if you go with the 556 you are going to want to replace the sights because they front sight is bulky and the rear sight is a POS. IMHO. </div></div>

what about the new Sig 556 front & rear diopter sights, are those better?
 
Re: Which piston, LWRCI, POF, Sig556, FN 16S, ACR, LMT

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DougSSG3000</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ErikTaylor</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I've owned the Sig 556 so I can share a bit with you about that platform. It shoots great and is plenty accurate. I do have to say that it is pretty front heavy. I had troy rails on there also and I can tell you that is something you are not going to want to lug around all day. Because of the weight and the Mucilek (Sp?) brake I had on there the recoil was very nice, similar (but different) to an M4. The gun never gave me any problems. I just got rid of it because it didn't fit my needs. </div></div>

I know what you mean, a friend of mine had a Sig 556 and I had a chance to play with it and noticed right away that it was front heavy! Real nice weapon though! </div></div>
I hate the sig, front heavy, sites suck. Barrel warms up to quick as the rounds start impacting five inches from where they started. You hold it and feel nothing but plastic.JMHO
 
Re: Which piston, LWRCI, POF, Sig556, FN 16S, ACR, LMT

I like the functionality and versatility of the the LMT MRP. The fact that you can swap the barrels out for different lengths or even swap the bcg and go to a standard MRP barrel to go DI is nice. My experience is that the DI was more accurate than the piston (I have both).
 
Re: Which piston, LWRCI, POF, Sig556, FN 16S, ACR, LMT

I have a LWRC in 6.8 and love it. I like the LMT but have no experience behind one. I held a Sig 556 and didn't care for the front heaviness of it, just felt strange. Same with the FN Scar, I didn't care for the feel of it (this is just personal preference though) You really need to be hands on and see what you like, after all it is your cash, and no one to impress but yourself.
 
Re: Which piston, LWRCI, POF, Sig556, FN 16S, ACR, LMT

I have a LMT that I got off gunbroker from Red's trading post, and it is the cats meow. It was also the lowest price one I could find. I had a Ruger, sr-556, stay away from those, I had a ton of carrier tilt and had 1000's of little metal shavings. They need to stick to revolvers and bolt action imo.

Here is the link to the one I actually bought so you can contact Red's if you like.
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=172970064
 
Re: Which piston, LWRCI, POF, Sig556, FN 16S, ACR, LMT

Go with LMT MRP. You can always switch back to an excellent DI platform if you do not like the piston.
 
Re: Which piston, LWRCI, POF, Sig556, FN 16S, ACR, LMT

I have an older LWRC M6A2 in 5.56 with over 3k down the tube. (Has the old two piece BCG.) The only failures I have had with it was a weak extractor spring and a broken firing pin when I first got it. After I got replacement parts from LWRC (They were awesome dealing with.), it has ran like a champ since. It is a bit on the heavier side for an AR is about the only downfall I can think of. As far as accuracy the barrel is a 1:7 twist. My particular rifle really seems to favor 77gr 5.56 rounds and can hit sub MOA if I do my part.

I have not had the chance to see how the new LWRC's with the new single piece BCG perform.

I have also fired the SCAR and the sig 556. I liked the SCAR due to the low recoil thanks in large part to the muzzle break on it. I know some people are not terribly fond of the SCAR due to the reciprocating charging handle on the side. Like the others have said the sig is quite front heavy. I was also not fond of the ergonomics of the sig but some of my friends liked it well enough. I didn't notice any issues with either the SCAR or the sig when I used them at the range.

As far as your list I would take a very close look at the LMT. I have handled both the DI and piston LMT's but I have only fired the DI version. Anyway sorry for the wall of text I hope this helps.
 
Re: Which piston, LWRCI, POF, Sig556, FN 16S, ACR, LMT

Sig556 has everything going for it except accuracy, due to the long piston design and thin barrel, at best 2.5"-3" groups. This is match 69gr, 75grn and 77grn ammo, I use since it is 1:7 twist. And before someone would say the accuracy is partial to my particular sig, this was conclusive after testing three different Sig556. I had one with a Samson Rail handguard, fishgill, and Sig551 handguard. What we find is the accuracy of the rifle gets better if nothing touch the rail (including your hand). Using 55gr and 62 gr yeilds 4"-6" grouping.

The LWRC M6A2 and M6A3 proved consistent with all weight bullets 55gr-62gr avg 2", inproving to 1.25"-1.5" with the 69gr and heavier bullets. This is due to the heavy barrel.

FS2000 is in between the Sig556 and LWRC rifles, avg 2"-3" groups, though I don't see this as a long range rifle, more of a 100-200 yard gun.

I only can comment on these two as they are the only piston ARs I own. Hope it helps your decision, if it was up to me, I would stick with the LWRC or FS2000
 
Re: Which piston, LWRCI, POF, Sig556, FN 16S, ACR, LMT

Thousands of rounds through my LWRC M6A3, only 1 hiccup. That was due to included PMAG. No problems since. Love the weapon, fit, finish, and feel is awesome, it runs like a champ and the quality is immediately apparent. LWRC CS cannot be beat, they will take care of you no matter what, they are always on the LWRC forum helping people out and talking to their customers trying to find out what improvements are needed. If you do have a problem they will help you out quick. As always, you get what you pay for, and I'm glad I bought my M6A3. If the HK MR556 weren't supposed to be coming out soon, I would definitely give my money to LWRC again.
 
Re: Which piston, LWRCI, POF, Sig556, FN 16S, ACR, LMT

I have the SIG, Ruger SR 556, SCAR and the 6920. Donot like the SR 556. I changed the fish gill hand guards on the SIG for the classiic ones and put a Magpull CTR stock made a big difference in the gun. Mine will only shoot 52 grainn SMK's accurately 1.25-1.5" 5 shoot 100 yard groups. All other weights including 69 grain SMK shoot patterns not groups. Yes, I have varified it's a 1:7 twist. The SCAR is very accurate with almost any bullet weight and shoots just about 1" groups. The 6920 however is still my favorite. Almost as accurate as the SCAR
 
Re: Which piston, LWRCI, POF, Sig556, FN 16S, ACR, LMT

I have LWRC M6A3 5.56 and it's a great gun. Coating is NiCorr which makes it impervious to elements and wear, increases lubricity. No failures after 600 rounds, but others have reported 5 to 10k without cleaning which makes it a great battle rifle for reliability. Down-sides include that it's a bit heavy but M6, M6A1, or M6A2 versions are lighter (in succeeding order). The A3 version has adjustable gas knobs for suppressors and has a mid-length piston. The others are short stroke piston but one can custom order them in "stretch" model. Accuracy has not reached MOA in my hands, but it has to do with loads. The 1:7 twist requires heavier bullets even at 100 yds for tight groups. I have 77 grain at home waiting for a day at the 100 yd range.
The M6 series has a great proven reliability record, and none of the teething problems of the REPR (which are reportedly worked out by now because it was a new design). If you want a reliable fighting weapon, it's unbeatable. If you want MOA bragging rights and larger choice of use with lighter ammo, you may want to consider another brand.
 
Re: Which piston, LWRCI, POF, Sig556, FN 16S, ACR, LMT

Haven't shot the POF, have shot the rest, still have 2 sigs and the SCAR.
The SCAR feels a little different after shooting ARs for 17 years but I'll take it over the others every time.
 
Re: Which piston, LWRCI, POF, Sig556, FN 16S, ACR, LMT

Lotsa great options out there right now. I'll throw in my two cents:

LMT: the piston system seems to be well liked by those who use it. The easy change system is handy. But you will have to settle on a setup with some weight to it and I understand the teeth on the AAC breaks will block removal of the piston if you want to run their line of supressors.

SCAR: Kinda bulky and it looks rather goofy with the SBR sized rail and 16" barrel but it's light and seems to do the job well. It's nice to have a weapon that's already undergone extensive military testing. Ultimately it got dropped by SOCOM not because it sucked but because it didn't do that much more than the M4 so they couldn't justify buying more. Lack of options is a pain right now.

ACR: Has a lot to prove. Came in with a higher pricetag an higher weight than folks were expecting. Long term reliability is TBD. I really like the concept of this gun but I'm sitting on the sidelines waiting to see how it plays out.

The HK MR556 should be comming out soon too. It'll be priced about the same as the SCAR and ACR. I'd prefer a easy change barrel option but I doubt I'd really take advantage of it and the 416 seems very popular with the folks who use them oprationally.

For my dime I'm happy to let other folks continue to shake this tree. At the end of the day the most proven design remains the DI AR-15. I wouldn't mind switching out but nothing thrills me enough to get me to fork out the large ammounts of cash required to join the piston club.

Besides, the real focus area these days seems to be the rebirth of the 7.62 battle rifle.
 
Re: Which piston, LWRCI, POF, Sig556, FN 16S, ACR, LMT

Sigs are great.

DSC_0070.jpg


LWRCs are great.

12-8-09033.jpg


I haven't owned the POF, but look real nice.
The LMT's are good,but I have seen 2 blow up. Nobody did figure out what happened.

JPG
 
Re: Which piston, LWRCI, POF, Sig556, FN 16S, ACR, LMT

Currently running a scar 16, couldn't be happier. Had a few sig 556's, many many ar's, xcr's. Sigs were 1.25-2moa, scar does 3/4moa w/fgmm69's, just under moa w/silver bear 62's. Never been so easy to make iron sight hits at 400/500/600 yds, the scar ironsight are great at the range.
 
Re: Which piston, LWRCI, POF, Sig556, FN 16S, ACR, LMT

Deviating a little but I've tried the Sig556 Patrol carbine,MSAR and Robinson Arms XCR.

All shot less than 2MOA and were very reliable.I kept the MSAR because I like it the best.

My Armalite AR-15 DI is way more accurate than the others.1/2 MOA.I gotta keep it lubed or !@#$%^
 
Re: Which piston, LWRCI, POF, Sig556, FN 16S, ACR, LMT

I have read great reports on LWRC.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Silverbullet-2</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Sigs are great.
</div></div>

Are parts readily available for the SIG?
 
Re: Which piston, LWRCI, POF, Sig556, FN 16S, ACR, LMT

LMT MRP - the one I have is unbelievably accurate. Shot a 300-yard 5-round group, where 4 of the 5 shots were under 2-inches and I was using troy MBUS sights, ammo was surplus SS109. Last week I was repeatedly banging steel at 750-yards with my ACOG TA-33 mounted and using BH red box 77-gr match ammo.

Only problem is the LMT gas piston doesn't like weak commercial loads, i.e. FTE or completely cycle the bolt. It runs 100% reliable with MilSpec ammo.

I have an early SIG 556, it's not accurate to say the least. When I first bought it the best I could do is 3.5 inch groups, where 4.5 was the norm (with ACOG NSN). Sent it back to SIG NH, and they replaced the barrel. Now I can almost get under 2-inch groups at 100-yards (with AimPoint).

If you have the money, and can find one, get a preban SIG550 or 551, If you want it done right, you need the Swiss to build it right. My SIG550-1 prints consistant small groups all the time using the diopter sights and is 100% reliable. Someday I'll get the Hensoldt 6x42 betalight sighted in.
 
Re: Which piston, LWRCI, POF, Sig556, FN 16S, ACR, LMT

Just to throw you a curve ball, take a look at the Adams Arms uppers. You can mount them on any existing lower receiver and they don't cost nearly as much as some of the other ones. I have two retrofit kits that run great on an 11.5" and 16" Sabre uppers. Speaking of Sabre, they use the Adams kit on their factory piston guns and so does Smith and Wesson.
 
Re: Which piston, LWRCI, POF, Sig556, FN 16S, ACR, LMT

I have had nothing but good experience with my Bushmaster ORC with a Osprey piston kit. Has never failed to function with good ammo. The only problem I did have was when using some Wolff ammo. Changed ammo and problems went away. Not really a fan of the SCAR. Kind of bulky looking and did not feel right to me when handling. My buddy let me use is Sig 5.56. That was a nice rifle and has also had good reliability.
 
Re: Which piston, LWRCI, POF, Sig556, FN 16S, ACR, LMT

I have two LWRCi's and couldn't be happier with them. Mine are M6A1 and M6A2. I have handled and shot the M6A3 as well, and that is a fantastic piece too. Especially if you want to shoot it suppressed because of the purpose designed and adjustable gas regulator.

I have also seen a bushmaster kit and cmmg kit and both ran like a rocket.

Can't speak to the others as I have no experience with them, but I would buy another LWRC without hesitation.

--Fargo007
 
Re: Which piston, LWRCI, POF, Sig556, FN 16S, ACR, LMT

My Sig has run like a top through 5K or so rounds in everything from dust to clay mud. The 1:7 barrel has a strong preference for heavier bullets. It's not a sub-MOA rifle by any stretch but it's plenty accurate for gun games. Not the best ergonomics as others have said; definitely on the front-heavy side. I got a great deal on mine when they first came out; you can do much better now elsewhere for what they're asking these days IMO.