M&P15 Piston System...worthwhile?

[M&PVolk]

Anyone have any experience with a piston driven AR? I have an opportunity at an M&P15 PS for a very reasonable price and am quite interested. It seems to eliminate most of the original design's flaws, while introducing some potentially new issues of it's own. Still, the machine work on this particular gun was impressive, and it appears that some steps have been taken by S&W to prevent buffer tube failures (the greatest weakness I could see). It certainly seems that it would be a more reliable unit overall, and backed by S&W's lifetime is really making me consider it seriously.

I know there is a debate over the usefulness of the piston system, but I am really interested in hands on experience with plus and minus.

 

[BamAlmighty]

I still haven't had a chance to break one down, but I do know S&W uses a modified Adam Arms system.

Only drawback I have seen so far buying a S&W piston over another is they don't come with sights.

 

[Mags]

If it is nothing more than a conversion don't waste your dough. Now if it is a new design including a redesign of the lower to prevent carrier tilt it would be worth looking into.

 

[M&PVolk]

My understanding is that the M&P uses a custom build Adam's Arms kit manufactured by S&W. The lower looks like a standard lower, but the BCG has a special slanted protrusion from the rear of the unit to help compensate for carrier tilt. I don't know how well that corrects the carrier tilt issue, but it is a difference in design. I have to say, the BCG is machined beautifully...very nice.