Anybody get play with one of these? If so what was your thoughts?
I don't.
I personally probably wouldn't, cause I don't have concerns about the direct gas system as the AR was originally designed. And, I do have concerns about the torque a gas piston system places on the bolt carrier that is not present in the direct gas system. Just my feelings.
In addition, I am a build it myself kinda guy. I have six stripped AR-15 lowers in my safe right now, with three more on the way, along with a PA-10 lower at the FFL now and two more TN Arms 308 lowers as soon as they ship. I definitely gotta get started building some guns.
All that said, the Ruger AR pattern rifles have good reviews and marks. If you are looking for an off the shelf AR pattern gas piston gun in 308, this would be at the top of my list.
I don't have any experience with any Ruger rifles. I did have a Sig P716 Patrol rifle with 16" barrel. It was very heavy and still had a hefty recoil. I sold that rifle. It was accurate and reliable. I just didn't like the heavy weight with heavy recoil. I have an FNH Scar 17 and love this rifle. It is light weight, 16" barrel, and recoils like a .243 instead of a .308. I also have a PTR 91 .308 rifle with 16" barrel. It is heavy like the Sig and the recoil is noticeable also. Not as accurate as the FNH SCAR 17, but, neither was the Sig P716. I have one AR15 and I prefer my gas piston operated rifles to the AR15's DI system. The piston rifles generally operate much cleaner which reduces my cleaning time and any time you reduce the amount of carbon build up on your bolt carrier group the better with the lees chances of weapon failure due to fouling of the upper.
I have his and hers SR556's, we love them absolutely 0 complaints. That said my match AR's are all DI. Unless a 7.62 is strictly a "battle rifle" I would not want a piston. I have a 7.62 I built that is a 1/2moa DI rifle, I did not think I could do with a piston. Just my .02 fwiw.
May I join this discussion? I love the looks of the SR7.62. but it is pricey. I have a ruger minithirty ( 7.62X39) which offers 30 caliber performance in shorter distances. And I have an AR-15 M4 also in 7.62X39. I still desire a 7.62 NATO but haven't pulled the trigger yet. I just wanted to add the option of slightly less power.