Why the AR-10 deserves a spot in your rack

[Handyman]

I've been checking out Armalite AR-10s lately, and man, these rifles pack serious punch. Chambered in .308, they're perfect for long-range hunting or precision shooting. Ergonomics feel familiar if you know AR-15s, and the build quality is super great. Is anyone here running one? How's it handling follow-up shots and maintenance?

 

[Brundy]

How's the recoil management compared to your AR-15? I've been eyeing the AR-10 platform too but wondering if that .308 kick gets old during longer range sessions. And are you running it stock or did you swap out the trigger already?

 

[Godzilla]

I ran an Armalite AR 10 in .308 for a couple seasons and it handled like a purpose built long range rifle. Follow up shots are slower than an AR 15 because of the bigger cartridge but with a good muzzle brake and the right gas tune you can get surprisingly quick, controllable follow ups. Maintenance is straightforward if you treat it like any other direct impingement rifle... clean the bolt carrier, scrub carbon from the gas key and barrel, and keep the gas rings and lube in good shape. The controls and balance felt familiar coming from an AR 15 so I was on target fast, and the groups held at distance with consistent ammo

 

[Handyman]

How's the recoil management compared to your AR-15? I've been eyeing the AR-10 platform too but wondering if that .308 kick gets old during longer range sessions. And are you running it stock or did you swap out the trigger already?

Recoil’s noticeably heavier than an AR-15, but a good brake and adjustable stock tame it , follow-ups stay quick. I swapped the trigger for a smoother pull..

 

[Handyman]

I ran an Armalite AR 10 in .308 for a couple seasons and it handled like a purpose built long range rifle. Follow up shots are slower than an AR 15 because of the bigger cartridge but with a good muzzle brake and the right gas tune you can get surprisingly quick, controllable follow ups. Maintenance is straightforward if you treat it like any other direct impingement rifle... clean the bolt carrier, scrub carbon from the gas key and barrel, and keep the gas rings and lube in good shape. The controls and balance felt familiar coming from an AR 15 so I was on target fast, and the groups held at distance with consistent ammo

Great rundown, exactly my experience. Good brake and gas tuning make follow-ups much better. I appreciate the maintenance tips, treating it like any DI rifle keeps it running sweet and consistent.

 

[Alan]

I've been checking out Armalite AR-10s lately, and man, these rifles pack serious punch. Chambered in .308, they're perfect for long-range hunting or precision shooting. Ergonomics feel familiar if you know AR-15s, and the build quality is super great. Is anyone here running one? How's it handling follow-up shots and maintenance?

What kind of long-range shooting are you planning to do with it?