Primary Weapons Systems

The Primary Weapons Systems MK116 Mod 2-M is a complete rifle upper receiver built around PWS's proven long-stroke piston platform—a no-compromise choice for shooters who demand reliability and shootability in a mid-length package. This is a true piston-driven upper, not the direct-impingement designs that dominate the market, which means cooler, cleaner operation and the inherent reliability that comes with the system. At 16.1 inches, the barrel length strikes a practical balance between velocity, maneuverability, and sight radius, making it equally at home on the range, in competition, or in a duty-grade build.
The upper receiver itself is fully forged from T6 7075 aluminum and hard-anodized for durability—you can see and feel the difference from MIM'd or cast alternatives. PWS engineered the MK116 Mod 2-M without a forward assist, paired with a flared magazine well and integrated trigger guard, choices that reflect modern rifle design and shooter preference. Charging is handled by a Radian Raptor ambidextrous charging handle, making the upper equally practical for right or left-handed shooters. The handguard system uses PWS's PicLok technology, which lets you mount both Picatinny rail and M-LOK accessories without proprietary adapters—genuine flexibility for optics, lights, and grips.
Topped with a PWS FSC 556 flash hider and chambered in 5.56 NATO with a .223 Wylde barrel, the MK116 is a versatile upper that pairs with any standard AR-15 lower receiver. The 1:8 twist rate and 2,980 fps velocity give you the ballistic flexibility to run anything from 55-grain varmint loads to heavier match and duty rounds. If you're building a precision carbine, a lightweight hunting rifle, or upgrading to a quality piston-driven platform, this upper delivers the engineering and function that sets PWS apart.
| Barrel Length | 16.1 inches |
| Barrel Twist Rate | 1:8 |
| Muzzle Velocity | 2,980 fps |
| Chambering | 5.56 NATO / .223 Wylde |
| Upper Receiver Material | T6 7075 Forged Aluminum, Hard-Anodized |
| Handguard | PWS PicLok, 15.05 inches |
| Charging Handle | Radian Raptor Ambidextrous |
| Muzzle Device | PWS FSC 556 |
| Operating System | PWS Long-Stroke Piston |
The MK116 Mod 2-M is a standard AR-15 upper receiver and will pair with any mil-spec AR-15 lower receiver. You're not locked into a proprietary platform.
Yes. The PWS PicLok system is designed to accept both Picatinny rail and M-LOK attachments directly, without requiring separate adapters or rail sections.
The forward assist is omitted by design. Many experienced shooters prefer the cleaner profile and find it unnecessary on a properly tuned, reliable piston-driven upper. If you prefer one, you'll want to confirm compatibility with your chosen lower receiver.
Yes. The .223 Wylde barrel, 1:8 twist, and quality forged construction make this upper capable across precision rifle, hunting, and competition applications. The piston system and integrated features prioritize reliability and shootability.
Primary Weapons Systems


The Primary Weapons Systems MK116 Mod 2-M is a complete rifle upper receiver built around PWS's proven long-stroke piston platform—a no-compromise choice for shooters who demand reliability and shootability in a mid-length package. This is a true piston-driven upper, not the direct-impingement designs that dominate the market, which means cooler, cleaner operation and the inherent reliability that comes with the system. At 16.1 inches, the barrel length strikes a practical balance between velocity, maneuverability, and sight radius, making it equally at home on the range, in competition, or in a duty-grade build.
The upper receiver itself is fully forged from T6 7075 aluminum and hard-anodized for durability—you can see and feel the difference from MIM'd or cast alternatives. PWS engineered the MK116 Mod 2-M without a forward assist, paired with a flared magazine well and integrated trigger guard, choices that reflect modern rifle design and shooter preference. Charging is handled by a Radian Raptor ambidextrous charging handle, making the upper equally practical for right or left-handed shooters. The handguard system uses PWS's PicLok technology, which lets you mount both Picatinny rail and M-LOK accessories without proprietary adapters—genuine flexibility for optics, lights, and grips.
Topped with a PWS FSC 556 flash hider and chambered in 5.56 NATO with a .223 Wylde barrel, the MK116 is a versatile upper that pairs with any standard AR-15 lower receiver. The 1:8 twist rate and 2,980 fps velocity give you the ballistic flexibility to run anything from 55-grain varmint loads to heavier match and duty rounds. If you're building a precision carbine, a lightweight hunting rifle, or upgrading to a quality piston-driven platform, this upper delivers the engineering and function that sets PWS apart.
| Barrel Length | 16.1 inches |
| Barrel Twist Rate | 1:8 |
| Muzzle Velocity | 2,980 fps |
| Chambering | 5.56 NATO / .223 Wylde |
| Upper Receiver Material | T6 7075 Forged Aluminum, Hard-Anodized |
| Handguard | PWS PicLok, 15.05 inches |
| Charging Handle | Radian Raptor Ambidextrous |
| Muzzle Device | PWS FSC 556 |
| Operating System | PWS Long-Stroke Piston |
The MK116 Mod 2-M is a standard AR-15 upper receiver and will pair with any mil-spec AR-15 lower receiver. You're not locked into a proprietary platform.
Yes. The PWS PicLok system is designed to accept both Picatinny rail and M-LOK attachments directly, without requiring separate adapters or rail sections.
The forward assist is omitted by design. Many experienced shooters prefer the cleaner profile and find it unnecessary on a properly tuned, reliable piston-driven upper. If you prefer one, you'll want to confirm compatibility with your chosen lower receiver.
Yes. The .223 Wylde barrel, 1:8 twist, and quality forged construction make this upper capable across precision rifle, hunting, and competition applications. The piston system and integrated features prioritize reliability and shootability.