Anyone using a piston for there .300?

[jservis17]

Im new to this and reloading but want to build a whisper? Wanted to know if this was a feasable option for adjusting the gas system for use with sub, and supersonic loads and evenually a suppressor.

Thanks in advance
jservis

[cav_scout_tj]

I know MartyTW at http://www.teppojutsu.com/ tried one of the AR piston kits, and it didnt work very well. I thought about it, not worth $300+ to find out.

Most of the dirty stuff from a suppressor comes right down the barrel, so a piston is no help.

[PFDD]

I thought about it since I run the LMT MRP piston upper with a 12 in barrel which is normally supressed, but figured there were already too many variables with subsonic 300 Whisper to mess with on my first build. In addition, given the MRP uses proprietary barrels, I would have required a custom barrel from an experienced entity like TP555. That was doable but I wanted to see if I was committed to the Whisper first and settle out the other details.

A conversion unit like the Adams Arms might be viable, but I'm not planning on high volume fire with the Whisper and the piston uppers shine with short barrels, full auto or primarily suppressed fire because they do cut back on the crap deposited back in the chamber and in your face. The volume of fire I intend is directed towards feral hogs and play so not enough volume to make a compelling argument for piston over direct impingment in my case.

[shooter McGavin]

Most of the dirty stuff from a suppressor comes right down the barrel, so a piston is no help.

While the dirty stuff does come down the barrel, it's the extra pressure cycling the bolt too soon and extracting the case early that allows the carbon and gases to blow back onto the bolt instead of exiting the barrel. Normally the round stays sealed long enough for the pressures to drop to safe levels before ejecting the spent cartridge. When you add the suppressor you increase the pressure on the gas impingement and cycle the bolt allowing the gases to exist from the breech. Here is a full explanation that I just finished reading so I don't take credit for my post :smile:

http://www.noveskerifleworks.com/switchblock/

I have a FAL which uses a piston but more importantly has a 9 position gas dial to fine tune loads as well as an on off knob. This would be nice on a subsonic gun. It doesn't add more complexity, but more adjustment for tuning IMO.

[Medic650]

I looked at a retrofit piston system a gunshow today that a dealer had on his personal gun. I don't know if it will work on a whisper but I may get a pistol system to try on my upper. Alan from Machine Gun Tours swore by it.
Adams Arms piston system. 3 position gas block, standard, suppressed, and off. http://adamsarms.net

[TerroristHunter]

I have a piston retro kit on my 16" carbine and it's turning out to be a challenge. Have performed many mods to barrel and action and still have function issues...