PWS MK216 MOD 2: New .308 Piston Rifle at SHOT Show 2026
Primary Weapons Systems unveils the PWS MK216 MOD 2 at SHOT Show 2026, a .308 piston rifle with a proprietary bore evacuator that vacuums gas forward when shooting suppressed. The platform combines AK-style long-stroke piston reliability with AR-10 ergonomics and precision.
Key Takeaways
- →Bore Evacuator: Unique barrel feature that vacuums excess gas out the front of the rifle, significantly reducing backpressure when suppressed
- →Long-Stroke Piston: AK-47 inspired operating system with tighter tolerances for improved accuracy and 3,000-4,000 round suppressed intervals between deep cleaning
- →User-Tunable Gas Block: Three settings plus a maintenance position for easy piston system access
- →Pricing & Availability: Expected MSRP around $2,700 with .308 models shipping late March, 6.5 Creedmoor to follow
Build Your Suppressor-Ready Platform
While the MK2 MOD 2 isn't available yet, configure your own suppressor-optimized setup with our interactive builder featuring compatibility checking and capability scoring.
The Bore Evacuator: PWS's Suppressor Innovation
The standout feature of the MK2 MOD 2 is the bore evacuator integrated into the barrel. This system creates a vacuum effect that pulls excess propellant gas forward and out the muzzle, rather than letting it blow back into the action and toward the shooter.
When shooting suppressed, backpressure is one of the primary challenges with gas-operated systems. The bore evacuator addresses this by actively directing gases away from the shooter, making the platform particularly well-suited for suppressor use. PWS describes this as something no other manufacturer is currently doing in the AR-10 space.
Long-Stroke Piston Operation
The MK2 MOD 2 uses PWS's proven long-stroke piston system, which draws inspiration from the AK-47's operating mechanism. Unlike the AK's looser tolerances, the PWS implementation maintains tighter machining standards to deliver AR-platform accuracy while retaining the reliability benefits of the long-stroke design.
One significant advantage of the piston system: reduced carbon buildup in the action. PWS states that users can fire 3,000-4,000 rounds suppressed before needing a thorough cleaning, compared to the more frequent maintenance intervals required by direct impingement systems.
Adjustable Gas Block
The MK2 MOD 2 features a user-adjustable gas block with multiple settings to optimize performance across different shooting conditions:
Gas Block Settings
- UnsuppressedStandard cycling without suppressor
- Suppressed (2 positions)Optimized for suppressor backpressure
- MaintenanceEasy access for piston system cleaning
The maintenance setting is a standout feature that allows users to quickly access the piston system for cleaning without tools, addressing one of the common complaints about piston AR platforms.
MK216 MOD 2 Specifications
MK216 MOD 2 Key Specifications
- Caliber.308 Winchester / 7.62x51 NATO
- Operating SystemLong-Stroke Piston
- Bore EvacuatorIntegrated barrel feature
- Gas BlockAdjustable (3 + maintenance)
- Buffer SystemA5
- ControlsFull Ambidextrous
- Expected MSRP~$2,700
- AvailabilityLate March 2026 (.308)
Full Ambidextrous Controls
The MK2 MOD 2 features fully ambidextrous controls with enlarged paddle sizes for improved operation under stress or while wearing gloves. The aesthetics carry over from the MOD 1 series while incorporating the A5 buffer tube system.
PWS emphasizes this is a "buy once, cry once" platform: a rifle built to last a lifetime with factory tuning that eliminates the need for aftermarket gas adjustments or modifications.
Suppressor-Ready Muzzle Devices
Planned Caliber Variants
PWS plans to expand the MK2 MOD 2 lineup beyond .308 Winchester:
Planned MK2 MOD 2 Variants
- .308 WinchesterLate March 2026
- 6.5 CreedmoorFollowing .308 release
The MK2 MOD 2 series will be available as complete rifle systems, standalone MOD 2 uppers, and full MOD 2 builds. PWS also offers unique anodized finishes including Kodiak Brown.
Stay Updated on PWS
Get notified when the MK2 MOD 2 hits dealers with final pricing and availability. We'll also send you exclusive coverage of SHOT Show 2026, new product launches, and hands-on reviews.
What This Means
The MK2 MOD 2 represents PWS doubling down on what they do best: building piston-driven AR platforms optimized for hard use. The bore evacuator is a genuinely novel feature in the AR-10 space, addressing one of the fundamental challenges of running .308 platforms suppressed.
At an expected $2,700 MSRP, the MK2 MOD 2 sits in premium territory alongside offerings from LMT, KAC, and SCAR. The value proposition centers on the combination of long-stroke piston reliability, factory suppressor optimization, and the bore evacuator technology that PWS claims no competitor currently offers.
For shooters running suppressed .308 setups, the extended maintenance intervals (3,000-4,000 rounds between deep cleaning) and reduced gas blowback could justify the premium over direct impingement alternatives.
Check our Platform Catalog as the MK2 MOD 2 becomes available, or use our Interactive Builder to configure your own suppressor-optimized setup with current platforms.
