Ok the match up is… KAC vs PWS. Most know that both use
proprietary systems, and both are very different in their
designs. Both are fantastic rifles IMO. I would be really
interested to hear which one people would prefer and for
what reasons. Maybe one system beneficial to certain conditions
or situations.
I’m really liking the pws as blasphemous as that
Sounds to alot of KAC fans. Pws for ease of maintenance
and just the top notch quality (which KAC has as well).
This is all of course if you HAD to choice a proprietary
system. Thanks in advance for all responses.
I have 5 KAC rifles, and plan on getting 2 more.
As far as cleaning after 1,000 rounds it takes me 15 to do a quick clean. Twice a year I clean for about 30 minutes
I feel the piston is not for me based on more parts that might break and unnecessary weight.
All firearms use proprietary parts, even the AR FOW. You can’t take a FCG from a Model 700 and use it in an AR or take an AR barrel and use it on a Savage 110- at least not without a couple of appointments with Dr. Sawzall & Nurse Bighammers.
The “proprietary parts” thing is over-blown, especially in this case. If a KAC bolt were to crack or a PWS piston rod were to break, no big deal. Shelve the entire upper and install a standard replacement. Push pull, click click. Back up and running that quick.
It’s not the use of proprietary parts we should be concerned with, it’s parts availability
While PWS does make one of the nicer Piston driven systems, the ease of maintenance part could be seen as a misnomer by some. That point is mostly dependent upon ammo, suppressor use or not, and intervals of routine cleaning and maintenance. I have handled the PWS guns, never owned one, and they are quality made but I don’t think many or any can best the quality put out by Knight’s. They have the sheer size and funding to put thought into about every aspect of their product and it shows. I would take a Knight’s gun over a PWS every day of the week.
Good feedback. The thing is though is that my PWS is super light
weight. It’s actually lighter than my DD. I wouldn’t have
believed it until I actually got my hands on one.
Im a dealer for both and both are great rifles. However my go to rifle is an sr15. When you stack up the features out of the box the KAC is just the better value. Better trigger, better sights, better stock, ambi features, and smoother shooting. Proprietary parts dont bother me much.
I am a fan of the PWS rifles, as far as piston rifles it is imo the best option out there.
We are comparing two similar yet different platforms, the KAC DI guns vs. the PWS piston system. KAC is the king of the DI world for me they set out to make the premier AR15 out there and to innovate and tweak the rifle. Cost isn’t an obstacle when looking at a KAC. I am of the opinion that PWS currently makes the best piston rifle out there and their DI guns will be on par with or better than DD. There are some areas that I’d like to see changed such as going to an ambi-lower. I have a PWS Mk114 Mod1 now and am slowly putting the cash aside for a KAC SR15 EWS Mod2.
I don’t mind the proprietary parts as we can pop the uppers off and swap to something else if they go down.
I can care less about the stocks, sights and grips that come from the factory as I’ll likely change them the day I pick up the gun.
For no longer than pws has been building rifles they have come a very long way.
Mod1 it’s the best parts of ak and ar together.
Runs clean and takes very little lube. The cost it’s higher over most di guns to acquire. I really like my mod 1. The more I shoot it the more ok like it.
The kac , is one of the best. Mod 2 is going to be a great system.
Ask if you want piston or di first. That guides your decision from there.
Both weapons will serve well.
Edit: I would buy another pws without any reservations. But the kac does come with a better trigger.
I ended up buying the sr15 and couldnt be happier with my decision.Im not really a piston guy which probably played into the decision,but I have been tossing around purchasing the mk107 sbr for a range toy.
at the end of the day everyone always assumes during a worst case scenario youll be shooting a million rounds and youll need tons or replacement parts.Im not sure about you but id prefer to shoot as little as possible given the fact you likely wont be getting new ammo if this happens lol.Keep the obvious wear items for your particular rifle on hand and you should never have an issue.
I dont think anyone has ever broken a kac bolt and I doubt anyone with a semi auto AR has burned out many gas tubes.Buy which rifle you like more and dont worry about the parts
I know very little about the KAC system. But I do have a decent amount of experience with various PWS guns. I am a big fan of PWS guns (and some of their other products). Their piston system makes sense and is very well executed. If you look closely, you will see that their design is very good and the quality of the finished product is very high. I could point out examples and details, but I will probably sound like a shill for the company.
I agree with others who have said that proprietary parts/parts commonality issue is overblown. It’s something to be aware of. But it’s not nearly as big of a deal as most people think.
To me their ‘proprietary systems’ address two different things. KAC has focused on the bolt, my impression is the PWS uses a mil spec style bolt. PWS has focused on the gas system, KAC while using an odd length gas system, still uses direct impingement and the gas tube is the only non standard part.