D.I. versus Piston AR

[Abraham]

TAM,

Yes, I've considered the effort of cleaning a DI is probably not THAT bad, but as I age I find convenience more and more appealing, i.e., I no longer wash and wax my truck, I pay the to have it done.

I've hired a house cleaner when once I did that work myself too.

That's not the entire list of things I no longer do, but pay to have done, so either I'm affected by age or maybe increasing laziness...and of course you're right in how much am I going to be shooting anyway? Therefore how much cleaning is there really going to be in the overall perspective? Still, I would like to know the model/brand recommendation of a good piston AR and weigh the difference between it and a Colt 6920.

I'll shoot whatever I end up with to remain proficient, but that really won't amount to all that much. I want an AR primarily as something to defend me and mine should civil unrest break out. (read some sort of post apocalyptic event taking place)

My neighbors are all equipped with ARs and we've talked some about how we'd look after each other if push ever comes to shove. I need an AR to hold up my end of things beyond what I currently shoot. And, if I have an AR we'll be able to help each other with things like ammo and maybe even parts, should the necessity of such arrive...

[Abraham]

Oh, if you're wondering why don't I talk to my neighbors about ARs, well, I have.

They aren't really gun guys.

They just ended with what they have from simply listening to their sporting goods counter guys and buying upon their recommendations.

I hope by asking here to get better knowledge and opinions.

So far, I'm convinced that for a DI AR, I'll go with a Colt 6920 and I'm looking into Beirutys recommendation and hope to hear about other piston ARs, most especially from those that own them.

[Dadtodabone]

Commonality, ease of use, ease of training, track record, maintenance, cost.
You spoke of sharing parts, etc. with your neighbors in the event of need. You should know that the Bolt Carrier Group, Bolt, Extractor, Firing Pin and assorted springs, pins and clips are going to be interchangeable with your neighbors rifles. These are the parts that are most commonly going to fail. I've saved several shooting excursions for other party members by having a variety of spares tucked into the range bag.
Is it easy to gain proficiency in the use of the rifle? The DI AR platform has a reputation as an easy rifle to shoot well with. The piston platforms add weight and complexity.
The manual of arms for both action styles is very simple and should provide little trouble for you.
As GigAg 04 intimated there have been hiccups in the reliability/engineering of the piston platform rifles. As there were in the original DI system, 50 years ago . The current mil spec DI rifles have an enviable reputation for reliability and shooting performance.
Maintenance is the clarion call for those who prefer the piston systems, they are cool and clean, until the op rod breaks. DIs are dirty, I also pay for someone to wrench on my vehicles and wash and wax them, The additional cleaning effort after 200 rounds in my rifles may amount to 10 minutes of work on the BCG, not a deal breaker for me.
Finally cost, I can buy a lot of tw25b and gunsmith/club cleaning time for the 400-700 difference in price between a first quality DI rifle like a LE6920 and a comparable quality piston rifle.

[Beiruty]

It is the US version of modern AK. It would shoot anything but cheapest Russian garbage. If you are anywhere near DFW I would like to invite to shoot it. You can have your judgment of first hand experience.

[Pawpaw]

The most difficult part of cleaning a DI AR-15 is the bolt and bolt carrier. If you like it squeaky clean, these two tools cost a lot less than a piston system and make the job a snap:

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/933512 ... ng-scraper

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/516729 ... d-polisher

[The Annoyed Man]

The most difficult part of cleaning a DI AR-15 is the bolt and bolt carrier. If you like it squeaky clean, these two tools cost a lot less than a piston system and make the job a snap:

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/933512 ... ng-scraper

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/516729 ... d-polisher

I have one of these: http://www.leatherman.com/product/MUT. It's a multi-tool specifically designed for AR15 maintenance.

[Abraham]

Please forgive my confusion: Do the Midway tools both do the same job, but one is more versatile or does the job with less effort than the other or if I can afford both, (I can) having them both is the way to go?

Thanks!

Also, after spending some time researching yesterday, I've gone all the way back to wanting the Colt 6920.

Next question: What is the rough cost of buying spares to include a Bolt Carrier Group, Bolt, Extractor, Firing Pin and assorted springs, pins and clips that are going to be interchangeable?
$250.00 or far more/less...?

Or do most folks never buy spares and rarely live to regret it?

I'm still learning.

And thanks, Beiruty , for your very kind offer, but I'm almost never in your part of the world.

Thanks to all for your help!

[The Annoyed Man]

I bought a spare bolt and two bolt repair kits just before the barnyard waste hit the rotating oscillating ventilation device. The DPMS bolt was in the vicinity of $39.95 or so (at the time), and the DPMS bolt repair kits were on the order of $21.95 or so, if I recall correctly. I bought both from Midway. I put the new bolt in my gun, and used one of the repair kits to rebuild my old bolt. So I now have the new bolt in the gun (haven't actually fired it yet with the new bolt), the rebuilt bolt as a backup, and a kit to repair either of those bolts. The new bolt dropped right in and needed no fitting.

Bolt: http://www.midwayusa.com/product/303086 ... r-15-matte

Bolt Rebuild Kit: http://www.midwayusa.com/product/713263 ... -kit-ar-15

Those parts are still hard to find these days, but it is worth buying them if you can find them.

[Pawpaw]

Please forgive my confusion: Do the Midway tools both do the same job, but one is more versatile or does the job with less effort than the other or if I can afford both, (I can) having them both is the way to go?

They each do different jobs.

This one cleans the recess in the bolt carrier. You get carbon buildup inside there that gets compacted every time the bolt closes. It's also the hardest place to get into to clean. When you read of people using a screwdriver to scrape the carbon out, this is where they're talking about.

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/933512 ... ng-scraper

This one cleans the bolt tail... the part that goes into the recess in the bolt carrier.

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/516729 ... d-polisher

[Abraham]

Once again, great information.

Thanks TAM and Pawpaw.

[jtran987]

i like piston based systems better, i can spend more time shooting than cleaning