|
Mega-Pistonr Review Part I: The Polycarbonates |
|
|
|
Written by Jay
|
|
Tuesday, 09 November 2004 |
|
Page 17 of 17 Conclusions Piston weight vs Rate of Fire vs Muzzle Velocity
It is clear from the test results that piston weight bears a strong correlation with rate of fire, as is to be expected. What isn't expected was that there is no significant correlation between piston weight and muzzle velocity, at least in our test platform. This suggests that piston selection has very little to do with muzzle velocity and much more to do with desired rate of fire and desired durability
Piston Durability
Unfortunately, it is hard to draw much meaningful conclusion from the results of this first Mega-Piston Review with reguard to durability, aside from the fact that most of the reviewed pistons performed quite well for at least 1000 rounds. There is clearly the need to continue the stress tests on these pistons, as well as the need to rectify some issues. The issue of premature sector gear tooth engagement with the 2nd piston tooth is an important factor that must be addressed, and will be compensated for in the next 1000 cycle stress test. For each piston that displays interference, the 2nd tooth will be shaved to half height, allowing proper engagement of the sector gear teeth. Additionally, both the Prometheus piston and the Systema red piston will be discarded and retested using a brand new unit. Hopefully, the next round of tests will more clearly distinguish between the candidates and help you all in making a purchasing decision. In the mean time, it is very clear that the Deepfire, Guarder, and G&P pistons performed exceptionally well despite the lack of any special consideration during installation. If you are looking for a plug and play solution that easily withstood our stress tests, these pistons are certainly a good investment to that end. In the end it may have come down to their superior toughness which enabled the 2nd tooth to tolerate some abuse without total failure, as in the case of the Systema and Prometheus pistons.
What Now? Clearly this review has left more questions than answers, and let there be no doubt that I am as unsatisfied as you are. Look forward to another round of stress tests on these pistons, and if necessary, even more rounds after that until we can draw meaningful conclusions as to just which piston is the most durable.
|
