PWS MK111 Pro Pistol: An Affordable, Piston-Driven Pistol in .223 Wylde

AR pistols are amongst my favorite guns to shoot. Unfortunately, they are kind of becoming a dime a dozen, and many manufacturers are not putting a whole lot of thought and innovation into them anymore. The cost keeps rising and the features stay the same. Well, PWS had a much different idea when it decided to come out with the MK1 Pro line of ARs. Primary Weapon Systems always had some very innovative features but they normally came with a hefty price tag. This is not the case anymore. The MK1 PRO Line comes standard with most of the high-end features and custom components found on the more expensive PWS models, at a much more affordable price. I got to go hands on with the MK111 Pro at the recent Athlon Outdoors Rendezvous and was definitely impressed.

PWS MK111 Pro Pistol Details

The PWS MK111 PRO AR pistol features an upper and forged lower receiver for fantastic durability. It includes a gas piston system with easy adjustment when running suppressed and an easy-to-use Radian ambidextrous Raptor charging handle. The very thought-out 11.85-inch 416R steel barrel comes with an A2 muzzle device for reduced flash. The gun also comes with a Bravo Company grip and an enhanced trigger. It definitely was not a huge surprise to see the ever-so-popular SB Tactical SBA3 brace on the backend. That SB Tactical SBA3 is kind of becoming the industry standard now.

All of the aforementioned features come standard in this budget friendly package. You are probably asking yourself how is this possible? The savings comes from the aesthetics in the upper receiver. Basically, PWS cut its costs on machine time. The MK1 PRO has a very plain look to it without all the attractive lines and cuts found on the regular MK1. Let’s face it though, the true beauty lies within the function of the firearm. A fancy looking gun that doesn’t perform is nothing more than wall art.

The Primary Weapons Systems MK111 PRO boasts top performance. PWS designed it for efficient, easy use. At only six pounds this pistol would definitely make for a good grab-and-go AR pistol that is definitely battle ready.

Range Testing

I got to put some rounds downrange through both the MK111 Pro as well as the MK111 Mod 2. One right after another. In fact, I kept switching with every magazine just to try to see if I could find a difference. Other than aesthetics and the addition of ambi controls on the Mod 2, the pistols functioned and felt exactly the same. The MK111 pro was easy to handle and easy to customize. I love the three-position easy-to-adjust gas block. If you are at the range and decide to throw a can on it, you can adjust the gas block with ease using the little adjuster and number system cut right out of the handguard.

The MK1 PRO Line is available in the MK116 PRO Rifle with a 16.5-inch barrel and in the MK 111 PRO Pistol with 11.85-inch barrel.

The gun is chambered in .223 Wylde, making it extremely accurate. I was consistently smashing steel at 50 yards, so I decided to reach out to 100 yards. I smoked the 100-yard target with ease on my first shot. Just because the range was set up for so many different distances and ammo was free, I figured why not try for the 250-yard target on the top of the hill. First try at 250 I was just low. Second shot was dead center. First try was shooter error for sure. This AR Pistol just works, and it works well.

I kept looking at the MK111 pro and wishing I could afford one for my personal collection. Then I had to keep reminding myself that I actually could. The MK1 PRO Line is available in the MK116 PRO Rifle with a 16.5-inch barrel and in the MK 111 PRO Pistol with 11.85-inch barrel. Each retail for only $1,045. For more information, visit primaryweapons.com.

PWS MK111 PRO Specs

Operating System: PWS Long Stroke Piston System, 3 setting Adjustable Gas Regulator
Caliber: .223 Wylde
Barrel Length: 11.85 inches
Gas System Length: Carbine
Barrel Twist Rate: 1:8
Muzzle Velocity: 2,741 fps
Muzzle Device: A2 Flash Hider
Upper Receiver: PWS Proprietary Piston Upper, 6061 extrusion, Anodized
Handguard: PWS M-Lok 11.0-inch Handguard
Charging Handle: Radian Raptor Ambidextrous Charging Handle
Lower Receiver: PWS MK1 MOD 1-M Multi-Caliber Lower, T6 7075 Forged, Anodized, AR-15 Compatible
Trigger: Mil-Spec Enhanced, PTFE Coated.
Trigger Pull Weight: 5.5 – 6.5 pounds
Buffer Tube: PWS Enhanced Buffer Tube with ratchet lock castle nut and end plate set with built-in QD mount
Buffer: PWS Enhanced H2 Steel Body Buffer
Furniture: SB Tactical SBA3, Bravo Company USA Pistol Grip
$1,045.95