AR-10 Build: data base compile

[inyo82]

Ok so there is a ton of info on AR-15 builds but not much an AR-10's

First which AR-10 builder has the most readily available parts and best results?

DPMS

Armalite

RRA

Trying to make an up to date build from this??

http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=3&f=62&t=378850

[C.G.]

Armalite is the only one that builds an AR-10; they have a trademark on it. The others are AR-308s.

You will notice in my sig line that I own an AR-10, so I am a little prejudiced. In my opinion, it is the best of the .308 available to civvies. Armalite has been in the game the longest, have good support (although sometimes they do run out of stuff) and are way past teething stage. The nay sayers will say that mags are more expensive and no P-mags. I don't like Pmags even for my AR-15, so not an issue for me and if one is spending couple thousand on a rifle than one shouldn't moan about a few more dollars for mags.

DPMS style is a newer version, takes DPMS/KAC style mags and time will tell if there are problems to be worked out.

RRA is little different, takes Fal mags. Used to be manufactured under license by Bushmaster, but Bushmaster had a problem with bolts breaking and gave up the license.

AR-10 and .308 variants are not standardized as the AR-15, so basically you become dependent, parts wise, on the platform you chose.
A

[motorwerks]

I cant wait for AR10 to be like kleenex, or getting a coke. I understand the difference but it drives me nuts to have to say "My AR10 isn't an AR10 its really an AR .308, or a Big ass AR, or a DPMS patterned .308 AR.

[crazychinaman]

Armalite and DPMS have the most parts available and in stock most of the time.A lot of people like that DPMS format because of the P-mags.Factory DPMS mags are hit and miss.Even with CP mags.Armalite mags all work ,as long as they are factory not aftermarket mags.RRA rifle looks good but not many out there yet to see how they work with the FAL mags. I prefer the Armalite format becuase I have four AW AR-10's and four dozen 20 round mags for them.

[wash]

I believe Armalite is a company that bought the name, not the old Armalite that developed the AR-10 with Stoner.

The closest you can get is probably the KAC but that isn't happening in CA.

Once you get past the pedigree which really doesn't matter much, DPMS style LR-308 shares more parts in common with the AR15 and has Pmags.

.308s that take G3 mags use a different mag release which might complicate bullet buttons if you want to go featured. FAL mag .308s might have the same issue, I haven't looked.

For me, I don't see a good reason to go with the "AR-10" platform over the DPMS.

The biggest problem I see with .308 ARs is weight and the lightest upper you can buy is DPMS style (ITS-12).

[motorwerks]

The biggest problem I see with .308 ARs is weight and the lightest upper you can buy is DPMS style (ITS-12).

My 18 inch .308 with Irons is a hair under 9lbs, my 20inch .223 service rifle (HBAR) is a hair over 9lbs with its sling. It will be closer to 10lbs once I get the float tube for under the handguard. If 10lbs gets to heavy I'll go to the gym.

[wash]

An 18" ITS-12 can weigh under 8 lbs without resorting to a pencil barrel. It gives you .308 ballistics in a package only slightly heavier than an AR15.

That extra 1-2 lbs will get heavy if you have to carry it very far.

At the very least, lighter weight let's you carry more ammo.

[motorwerks]

My .308 is damn near HBAR. and its still a hair under 9lbs. 1lbs isnt much to me really when I have .308. Its not like I'm exactly a hunter that packs everything in though.

[BigNick]

My 308 is at 11.5 pounds with scope.

[motorwerks]

My 308 is at 11.5 pounds with scope.

Mines a Tad under 11 and thats with the Scope but I have HEAVY steel rings (what can I say its what I had already).

[tiger222]

There is no standardized "AR10" set up. Parts compatability is like trying to heard cats. Armalite is very good, and shoot better than they should, but are not state of the art, but a great value. LMT is probably the best we can get here in CA, save the KAC M110, and pending HK MR762's.

Not crazy about the design or quality of the DPMS AR308's, they reek of commerical cheapness, sorry.

Oh, forgot about Hesse HAR25's. Hit and miss. If you find a good one, congrats.

[thrillhouse700]

Mine is a touch over 12lbs with scope and scope mount. Its slightly front heavy but I'm ok with it as it is a bench whore for now. If I decide to hunt with it and its too heavy then I will go buy a bolt gun or a 6.8spc.

[inyo82]

Ok old timers and gurus what do you think of this deal? Is it too cheap to be quality or can you build it for less?

Armalite AR-10 for $1395 when ordered in 2 peaces at

http://www.762sass.com/product.php?p=450&cid=1&session=b6105df493730410afbbce8276e5144c

http://www.762sass.com/product.php?p=721&cid=5&session=b6105df493730410afbbce8276e5144c

Ok next what is this Bushmaster and is it better then the Armalite?

http://www.bushmaster.com/catalog-BCVMS-3080F-hunter.asp

only 8.5 lbs

and found this on their FAQ board

Bushmaster no longer has upper receivers for the .308 rifles. A DPMS or Armalite upper will not fit or function.
Rock River Arms now owns the rights to that design and manufactures them.

What do you think?

[inyo82]

[inyo82]

looks like you can build a RRA AR-808 for about the same $1330 But they only work with their parts or LAR-8. What is an LAR-8?

When I add up parts list it is cheaper to buy complete uppers and a complete lowers then build one is that normal?

http://www.rockriverarms.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=category.display&category_id=409

http://www.rockriverarms.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=category.display&category_id=498