In the world of firearms, two of the most popular operating systems are direct impingement (DI) and gas piston (GP). Although they are both designed to serve the same purpose — to cycle the action of the gun — they do it in different ways. In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of both systems and how they differ in 2023.

Direct Impingement (DI)

Direct impingement is the simpler of the two systems. It relies on gas tapped from the barrel of the gun to travel back into the action of the gun and cycle the action. The gas is tapped from the barrel via a small hole in the barrel extension and is then sent back directly into the action of the gun. This design is simpler, lighter, and less complex than a gas piston system.

The primary benefit of this system is that it is lightweight, reliable, and rarely needs maintenance. The light weight makes it easier to carry and handle, while the reliability ensures that it will fire when needed and be able to cycle the action. Lastly, the lack of complexity ensures that it will rarely need maintenance, saving time and money in the long run.

However, there are some drawbacks to the direct impingement system. Firstly, the gas tapped from the barrel is hot and can lead to wear and tear on the gun over time. Additionally, the system can be less accurate than a gas piston system due to the fact that the gas must travel through the action of the gun before reaching the barrel.

Gas Piston (GP)

Gas piston systems are more complex than direct impingement systems. This system relies on a piston to tap the gas from the barrel and send it back into the action of the gun to cycle the action. The piston is located in the action of the gun and is connected to the barrel via a small hole in the barrel extension.

The primary benefit of this system is that it is more accurate than direct impingement systems. This is due to the fact that the gas does not have to travel through the action of the gun before reaching the barrel. Additionally, the piston helps to absorb some of the heat from the gas, reducing wear and tear on the gun over time.

However, there are some drawbacks to the gas piston system. Firstly, the system is more complex and heavier than the direct impingement system. Additionally, the system requires more maintenance than the direct impingement system, as the piston needs to be lubricated and cleaned regularly to ensure it is functioning properly.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both direct impingement and gas piston systems have their own unique pros and cons. The direct impingement system is lighter, simpler, and requires less maintenance, while the gas piston system is more accurate and requires less wear and tear on the gun. Ultimately, the decision of which system to use depends on the individual shooter and their needs.