Primary Weapons Systems (PWS)
Primary Weapons Systems (PWS) was established in Boise, Idaho in 2008 and began by assembling AK kits, which led it to design its own muzzle devices such as the JTAC 47 for AKs and the FSC compensator for AR-15s. After direct-impingement AR-15 demo rifles kept failing, the company developed its own long-stroke piston system, proving it in a 7-inch SBR called the Diablo, and brought manufacturing in-house.
In 2022 PWS was acquired by Georgia-based Vigilant Gear Holdings (owner of Lone Wolf Distributors) and continues to operate as a separate company in Boise. PWS says it makes more than 90 percent of its components in-house on CNC machines, and its current lineup covers AR-15 (MK1) and AR-10 (MK2) rifles, SBRs and uppers, the multi-caliber UXR rifle, and suppressors.
What sets Primary Weapons Systems apart:
- Proprietary long-stroke piston operating system where the operating rod and bolt carrier move together, described as minimizing carrier tilt and cam pin wear
- 3-setting adjustable gas system on current models, including a suppressor setting
- Suppressor-optimized design aimed at reducing back pressure and gas blowback
- SubMOA guarantee on all PWS uppers and complete rifles when using high-quality ammunition
- Limited lifetime warranty (PWS VOW) that is fully transferable
- MOD 2-M ambidextrous forged lower with no forward assist, flared magwell and built-in trigger guard
Cajun Gun And Gear in Lafayette is an authorized Primary Weapons Systems dealer. Below you will find every current Primary Weapons Systems model line with specs, base pricing where the maker publishes it, and answers to the questions we hear most. Any current model can be ordered even when it is not in stock.
Primary Weapons Systems Models at a Glance
| Model line | Category | Calibers | Maker base price |
|---|---|---|---|
| MK116 | Rifles | .223 Wylde (.223 Rem / 5.56 NATO), 7.62x39 | $800–$2,310 |
| MK114 | Rifles | .223 Wylde (.223 Rem / 5.56 NATO), 6mm ARC | $1,300–$2,310 |
| MK118 | Rifles | .223 Wylde (.223 Rem / 5.56 NATO), 6mm ARC | $1,300–$2,310 |
| MK111 | Short-Barreled Rifles | .223 Wylde (.223 Rem / 5.56 NATO), 7.62x39 | $1,300–$2,310 |
| MK109 | Short-Barreled Rifles | .300 Blackout | $1,300–$2,310 |
| MK107 | Short-Barreled Rifles | .300 Blackout | $2,800 |
| MK216 MOD 2-M | Rifles | .308 Win (7.62x51 NATO) | $2,600 |
| Alpha | Rifles | 5.56 NATO / .223 Rem, .223 Wylde | $1,350–$2,800 |
| UXR | Rifles | .223 Wylde (.223 Rem / 5.56 NATO), .300 Blackout, .308 Win | $650–$3,200 |
Base prices as published by the maker before options; confirm current pricing with us.
Primary Weapons Systems FAQ
Is Cajun Gun And Gear an authorized Primary Weapons Systems dealer?
Yes. Cajun Gun And Gear in Lafayette is an authorized Primary Weapons Systems dealer. Visit us at 108 Youngsville Hwy, Lafayette, LA 70508 or call 337.999.0373.
Where is Primary Weapons Systems located?
PWS is a federally licensed firearms manufacturer at 255 N. Steelhead Way, Boise, Idaho 83704.
When was PWS founded and who owns it?
PWS was established in 2008 in Boise, Idaho, with Dean Sylvester as founder. It was acquired in 2022 by Georgia-based Vigilant Gear Holdings and operates as a separate company.
What is a long-stroke piston AR?
On a PWS rifle, the operating rod connects to the bolt carrier and moves with it, instead of venting gas into the receiver like direct impingement. PWS says this minimizes carrier tilt and cam pin wear, and the design uses a forward-canted dwell chamber to reduce carbon buildup on the operating rod.
Are PWS rifles good for suppressors?
Yes. PWS describes its piston system as suppressor optimized to reduce back pressure and gas blowback, current models have a 3-setting adjustable gas system, and PWS FRC compensators are compatible with suppressor mounts such as Rearden Atlas or PWS PUB.
What does MK1 vs MK2 mean?
MK1 is PWS's AR-15-pattern line (5.56/.223 Wylde, 6mm ARC, 300 BLK, 7.62x39) and MK2 is its AR-10-pattern line (.308 Win), as shown in PWS's site categories.
What is the difference between MOD 1-M and MOD 2-M?
Per PWS's product history, MOD 1-M uppers have an M-LOK handguard and a forward assist, while MOD 2-M uses a PicLok handguard (Picatinny plus M-LOK), no forward assist and an ambidextrous lower with flared magwell and built-in trigger guard. Both replaced earlier versions in 2018.
What is a PWS Compound rifle?
The Compound combines a MOD 1 upper (forward assist and full M-LOK handguard) with the MOD 2 ambidextrous lower.
What is the PWS PRO line?
The MK1 PRO line uses a 6061 extruded upper as a more budget-friendly option while keeping the PWS long-stroke piston system. The MK116 PRO Rifle lists at $1,349.95.
What calibers does PWS make?
Current PWS rifles and uppers are listed in .223 Wylde (which fires .223 Rem and 5.56 NATO), 6mm ARC, .300 Blackout, 7.62x39 and .308 Win, plus 5.56 NATO on the MK110 Alpha.
What is the PWS UXR?
The UXR is a multi-caliber long-stroke piston rifle that changes caliber by swapping barrel, bolt and magwell with PWS's XChange system. It covers .223 Wylde, .300 Blackout and .308 Win, and complete ELITE rifles list at $3,199.99 with conversion kits at $649.95.
Do PWS rifles have an accuracy guarantee?
PWS offers a SubMOA guarantee on all of its uppers and complete rifles when using high-quality ammunition.
What warranty comes with a PWS rifle?
PWS offers a limited lifetime warranty (the PWS VOW) against manufacturer and design defects on products sold in the U.S. It is fully transferable, and PWS will repair or replace defective products at no charge. Reloaded ammo, unauthorized modifications, normal wear, finish wear and misuse are excluded.
Can I order a Primary Weapons Systems model you do not have in stock?
Yes. We can order any current Primary Weapons Systems model — call 337.999.0373, email us, or stop in.
Do you ship Primary Weapons Systems firearms out of state?
Yes. We ship to your local FFL dealer, who completes the transfer paperwork.
Buy Primary Weapons Systems in Louisiana
Cajun Gun And Gear is an authorized Primary Weapons Systems dealer in Lafayette, Louisiana. Our shop is at 108 Youngsville Hwy, Lafayette, LA 70508 (Mon–Fri 9–6, Sat 10–2). Stock comes and goes, and we can order any current model even when it is not on the shelf — call 337.999.0373, email us, or stop in. Out-of-state buyers: we ship to your local FFL dealer, who completes the transfer paperwork.