Examination of piston accuracy (6.5 Grendel)

[Variable]

After years of 2nd, 3rd and lowest cost firearms use, I spent the money for this superior round, and have my first 'high class' AR. at a cost of 1500 for the upper alone it should be hahaha.

So If I understand correctly: you ran very cheap or poorly/not maintained DI uppers and they weren't reliable. Then when you spent $1500 on a piston upper it ran well. Ever consider that a quality DI upper would have also? The same goes for ammo if that wasn't addressed.

FWIW: Without even counting my own experiences-- I witness piles of quality DI guns run very well every time I go to qualify at work. Perhaps they were different from what you were using.