Originally Posted By: stchman
Why are piston driven ARs more expensive, I have ZERO idea. Because the people that make piston driven ARs want to make a LOT of money.
The AK, SKS, Mini-14, FAL, M1A, etc. are all piston driven rifles. I have 5 SKSs, an AK, and a Mini-14(all piston driven) and they run very well.
The AK and Mini-14 are both fixed piston and therefore fewer moving parts, the SKS is a movable piston and more complex.
After 50+ years I am sure the AR makers have gotten DI down pat.
Huh?
Both are long stroke systems, but the AK has a moving piston/stationary cylinder where the Mini has a stationary piston and moving cylinder.
The AK was designed to be robust, simple to use and maintain, and easy to manufacture using common technology (and lots of hand fitting) while using no strategic materials like aluminum or high alloy steels*.
Labor was a low cost when AKs were being cranked out so hand fitting was't a problem.
BSW
*The Sov wanted to save aluminum and the good steel for missiles and airplanes.