Please help

[fariagaurd]

New member, please help.

I’ve decided I need more horsepower and an AR10 is in my future. The premium piston versions like POF, PWS, LWRC, Sig 716, and premium impingement versions like Daniel Defense etc. are out of my price range. I’ve decided on the middle of the talent pool direct impingement systems as they seem to be well made too.

For example: DPMS, PSA aka Palmetto State Armory, Armalite, Colt, Fulton Armory and Windham Weaponry. I like RRA but they don’t accept PMAG’s which is a deal breaker for me. I’m leaning towards Windham and Fulton. Do you have feedback on any of these brands? Any I have not listed that you would recommend?

Some say the Ruger and S&W are ‘budget’ rifles and are not for heavy use. Any thoughts?

I’ve read if it’s not MILSPEC don’t buy it for heavy use. Is this true? What are the specs for “MILSPEC” and why is it needed? Any related links? How do I get this info from the mfgr’s because it does not appear to be available from some?

What is hpt/mp bolt & bolt carrier testing? Is it necessary for heavy use? My understanding is it detects surface defects on the metal that’s it. I realize if it’s tested and fails it was still tested. The price for this is low so why not?

Money is expensive and I want this purchase to be the last of its kind. I do understand in this category you get what you pay for. Looking forward to learning from all of you!

 

[Panzerschwein]

I don't believe there is a such thing as milspec standards for an AR-10.

In fact, there are no industry standards for AR-10s in general. The term "milspec" is an overused marketing term in civilian parlance. There are many commercial options that while technically not milspec, are easily superior in design or durability.

If you've ever spent much time in the armed forces, you would have learned that "milspec" items can often be total crap.

Also, what kind of use are you going to put the rifle through? And no, Ruger and S&W both will hold up just fine. You might be the type who jumps out of helicopters and does a torture test each weekend for fun, but I don't think you'll find them to fail. Those that put down the lower priced AR-10s are called "elitists" and they are just trying to justify dropping thousands of dollars on a gun.

 

[Bobson]

Those that put down the lower priced AR-10s are called "elitists" and they are just trying to justify dropping thousands of dollars on a gun.

Just for the sake of this thread, one can say the same when comparing a Hi Point, a Glock, and an Ed Brown 1911. At what point does a preference for quality become elitism?

The point I'm trying to make is that you can't look at price alone and determine arbitrarily that anything above X dollars simply isn't "worth it." Do your homework. This might be a good start, depending on the responses that come after mine. You've gotten nothing worth making a decision on so far, imho. No offense to Cooldill. That said, I believe he's 100% correct in that there's no such thing as a mil-spec AR10.

You get what you pay for with everything, even if someone sells you a $100,000 turd. You got it, and you paid for it - you got what you paid for. Like most, if not all products, diminishing returns exists somewhere. For me, the most attractive part of the AR15 platform is the fact that it's the Lego of guns. Almost every part by every manufacturer is completely interchangeable. That isn't the case with AR10s, and it would be enough to send me looking at other platforms. I'll leave it at that unless/until you ask for more information.

 

[fariagaurd]

Thanks for the feedback and no I have not served in the military, that's why I'm asking for help. The use will be at least 500 rounds per month training and entering long range competition. 500-800 yards is long for me. Most casual shooters don't use 500 rounds per year. I want a platform that will last for years with good maintenance.

 

[Bobson]

That long range competition bit is important. Specifically, what type of accuracy are you going to be expecting from this rifle?

 

[fariagaurd]

My goal is to get hits on a 10"gong at those ranges. What manufactures do you recommend? What do you think of the ones I've listed?

 

[fariagaurd]

Thanks for the feedback! What manufactures do you recommend? My goal is hits on a 10" gong at the listed ranges.

 

[Bobson]

I won't recommend anything, since I don't have enough experience with the platform to give you sound advice. I would think most AR10s will be capable of 10" groups at 500 yards, but perhaps not all will do it at 800. Having your expectations laid out clearly will help others give you the information you need.

 

[GAF]

Thanks for the feedback! What manufactures do you recommend? My goal is hits on a 10" gong at the listed ranges.

My thoughts are do a lot of research and buy once.

 

[hso]

"Milspec" doesn't apply to AR 10 rifles so don't concern yourself with the term.

Your issuse depend upon precision, fit and design required for how you want to apply the rifle.

 

[Steel Horse Rider]

If you want to accurately shoot at things from 500 to 800 yards then you need to look for the models with longer barrels rather than the shorter carbine length. I thought I wanted an AR 10 a few years ago but decided my Springfield M1A did everything I wanted to do with the AR so I saved my money.

 

[RainDodger]

There is a new magazine being made by Moses Machine Works (mosesmag.com) specifically for the RRA LAR-8. I have 5 of them and they're just as good if not better than PMags. They're truly great mags and no, I don't have any affiliation with them. On top of that, the RRA is designed to use FAL magazines - you can find literally billions of them out there, all different qualities and prices. I have even found some for $7 each, brand new. I have never had a magazine problem with my RRA. If you have stock in the PMag company or something, I understand your requirement for them, but other than that I don't.

Just saying, don't discount the RRA. Mine is an incredible shooter - I have the Varmint model with a long, long heavy barrel. It's primarily a bench rifle though, and it's absolutely great at that. The RRA National Match trigger is also quite good right out of the box.

 

[joem1945]

I have 2 DPMS AR10's. Excellent quality and as god as any on the market.