The vast, overwhelming majority of AR rifles and other modern sporting platforms rely on a gas system to operate their actions.
As reliable and time-tested as a gas impingement action, or a gas piston action, can be, it is still important to recognize that this is not your only option. There are several alternatives, and one of the best of them is a roller-delayed blowback operation.
Now, it is important to recognize that roller delayed blowback operation is different from direct blowback because it allows the bore pressure to drop to safe levels before allowing the action to open and cycle.
As a result, roller delayed blowback platforms can be chambered in higher pressure rounds, like 5.56 (and others), and not just in pistol-caliber rounds.
That said, here are some of the best advantages of roller delayed blowback builds, all compiled in one place.
Smoother Shooting, Lower Recoil
This is more of an argument against direct blowback rather than against gas systems, but the truth remains that roller delayed builds are inherently smooth shooting and produce minimal recoil, especially if the alternative in question is overgassed, and many are from the factory.
Since the roller delayed system allows bore pressures to drop significantly before cycling, the end result is less violent cycling, resulting in smoother overall action operation and slightly lower recoil. Granted, adjustable gas systems can fix this, but otherwise, roller delayed actions are competitive with respect to recoil reduction.
Longer-Lasting Components
Gas systems may be reliable, but because of the simplicity and smoother operation of roller delayed systems, they have longer lasting components. Over time, you will need to replace your gas tube if the end gets deformed from constant use, or the bolt carrier group if the gas rings wear out. Overall, the components of a roller delayed rifle’s action should last longer.
No Buffer System
If you’re looking for an avenue to build a bufferless AR, this is the way to do it. Let alone the fact that a bufferless AR has a necessarily simpler action that is easier to maintain and service; taking out the buffer system is a great way to pare down the whole footprint of the platform.
That is, if you’re interested in making an AR pistol and need creative ways to shorten the whole thing, building a roller delayed AR pistol is a great option because it won’t have a buffer to begin with.
No Gas System to Clean
The lack of a gas system in a roller delayed AR-style platform means there is no gas system to clean; gas systems, specifically the gas tube, run dirty and get fouled pretty heavily; if the block or tube gets constricted or obstructed by fouling, which will happen over time regardless, it will hinder the operation of the action.
You’ll still deal with fouling in a roller delayed platform, but at least you won’t have a gas system that is expressly spraying all that fouling back into the action. This means roller delayed systems are not only inherently cleaner-running, but easier to clean.
Lower Maintenance Overall
The simplicity of the roller delayed action means that there is less overall maintenance you need to perform on the gun, not to mention that cleaning will necessarily be easier, as stated.
Roller Delayed Platforms Respond Better to Suppression
This falls in line with the fact that roller delayed platforms tend to be smoother shooting, but it’s also the case that roller delayed actions tend to respond better to suppression. Suppression is hard on a gas system and blasts a lot of fouling into the gas tube. It makes it harder to clean the rifle and will wear out your gas rings sooner.
You won’t have those problems with a roller delayed action and on top of the fact that it’ll be smoother shooting with a suppressor, you won’t get all that gassing in your face.
Better Performance with Subsonic Ammo
Gas systems can be finicky with subsonic ammo, especially when running a suppressed rifle. If the buffer weights are too heavy it can hinder ejection and cycling as well. That won’t happen with a roller delayed platform. They’re far more reliable with subsonic rounds than gas-driven rifles are.
The MRDS PlatformAccepts Some Standard AR Parts
On top of all these other advantages that our MRDS platform will have over an AR with a gas impingement or piston system, our platforms can accept standard AR magazines, grips and triggers, too, among some other standard parts. So you can still customize or accessorize the rifle the way you want.
Explore American-Made Roller Delayed Rifle Platforms Here
Our ZF-56 is a great option in a roller delayed rifle but we offer other roller delayed platforms here as well. Shop our American made roller-delayed firearms and get in touch with us if you have any questions.