Posted on 07/08/2016 9:24:59 AM PDT by w1n1
The AR-15 is arguably the most popular rifle platform ever. It has been around since the late 1950s when it was created by Armalite. AR actually stands for Armalite rifle, and I can only imagine that their designers, back in 1959, had no idea they would create a platform that would transcend the civilian gun market place.
When it first appeared it was chambered for .223/5.56, but today one can find calibers from .22LR all the way up to .50 Beowulf. With all of the options out there, building one’s own rifle has also become a popular pastime, because no matter how many cosmetic changes are made to an AR, the guts are often always the same (with the exception of piston-operated versions): all have the same boltcarrier group, firing pin, buffer tube, buffer and spring. But what if you simply wanted the best of the best?
Johnny Noveske started out as a gunsmith who tried to make a better chamber and barrel for the AR-15. He wanted more exacting standards, better accuracy and reliability. He didn’t realize it at the time but he was creating the Porsche equivalent for the AR platform, and is now known for creating just that – Noveske created some of the finest ARs on the market. Read the rest of the Noveske AR story here.
I would like to know what the FR gun community thinks about the piston driven AR rifles. Particularly in 5.56 and 7.62 platforms. I chose to hold off on buying on until they had been in use for 5 to 10 years so I could see how reliable they are long term. What has been your experience?
“...their designers?” How about designer, singular: Eugene Stoner.
Daniel Defense ARs are easily the equal of Noveske or any other manufacturer, and are well-designed and well-researched. Their 300 Blackout model with integral suppressor is a masterpiece.
And they are direct-impingement arms because of the noise produced by the piston-type actions.
I built three different ones, to test the functionality and convenience: Osprey Defense, CMMG, and Adams Arms. The most reliable and with least parts is the Osprey Defense. It uses a cup and kidney shaped piston. Darn thing is virtually self cleaning! The Next best was the Adams Arms. It has a dialable feature, so if shooting single shots you can turn the gas off (to collect your reload brass) or dial it down a touch for suppressor use. All three worked as advertised, but the spring in the gas port on the CMMG made it the least disireable ... very stiff. The Osprey version adds the least weight out front and their bolt carrier is showing no signs of wear on my gun.
Sig 556 SWAT Patrol rifle. Gas piston driven. AR lower, different style bolt. Zero fouling in the receiver area. Tack driver. No problems ever. Shoots any brand ammo, but leaves a dentist in the brass. I don’t reload so it’s not a problem for me.
***The AR-15 is arguably the most popular rifle platform ever.***
When it first went on the market, the AR-15 was denigrated, laughed at, condemned as inaccurate, Mattel Toy, too low power. They just were not a popular item except for people like me.
Then around 1976, Mel Tappan published his book on SURVIVAL GUNS, and wrote some SURVIVAL ARTICLES for GUNS AND AMMO magazine. Suddenly everyone wanted a .223 rifle.
Now the politicians have noticed and want to ban this common rifle.
Most popular platforms are:
AK 47 137,000,000
Remington Rolling Block 70,000,000
Thank you for correcting that, although if you define “platform” as a “modular” or configurable gun, then the AR almost certainly would rule.
the rolling block would come close. Barrel changes could be made pretty easily. They were built into the 1920s.
The rolling block was a beautiful design (they are still in production) and it has surprised me that they haven’t sold better as a single shot.
I would love to see one made by H&R if they decide to bring that company back into production. Very simple to make, they probably could be priced at about 400 or a bit more, like the Buffalo classic.
He’d have been surprised to know he introduced it in 5.56 mm.
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