AR-10 size rifles run-down, experts give us the run-down

[Float Pilot]

OK,, a last couple questions before this thread dies a natural death.

1.
I see the DPMS and ArmaLite claim they use a different grade of aluminum for their large format AR type receivers. What is the deal with various manufactures metal grades and does it really matter?

2.
As far as the Armalite modified M-14 mags.... can the mod be done at home or does it involve buying new parts?
I have a fair supply of M14 mags.

 

[Z-Michigan]

1) Armalite is using better aluminum for its forged receivers. Wikipedia has good info on the various common Al alloys for you to look up. The type used by Armalite is somewhat better on both strength and fatigue resistance.

Having said that - I have not heard of any failures with the DPMS receivers, and their upper is thicker (which also means bulkier and heavier).

2) The two mods are drilling a hole in the side and changing the follower. You can drill the hole easily. The follower is really a new part, not a modification to the existing follower. I believe the M14 mags will work with their stock follower if you file down the M14 catch bump, but they wouldn't lock the bolt back in either an AR or an M14 at that point.

 

[mini14gb]

I went with Armalite and haven't looked back. Mine is an AR-10T carbine and its slight under MOA accurate. Don't fret over magazines I bought 5 factory 20 round mags plus the one 10 and 20 that came with the rifle. If the world falls apart and you need mags you can convert M-14/M1A mags at home EASY!!! I've made 3 of them and they work awesome the bolt just doesn't stay open on the last shot. M14 mags now those are easy to come by. Go with the Armalite for a lifetime supply of mags.

 

[Float Pilot]

Wow, The thread from beyond the grave.....
I have not been able to buy anything yet... to replace my shorty M1A.. Which is not all that accurate (1.5 to 2 moa) The couple rifles I was selling did not sell and rebuilding my plane this winter was super, mega, horribly ,,, expensive.
I had a bunch of float flying clients who claimed they were coming so I poured all sorts of money out... So far none of those scheduled for June have showed up..... Everybody is holding on to whatever cash they have left.

 

[madcratebuilder]

Holy dead thread batman!

I see the arguments have not changed one bit in the past year.

I'll add this for Float Pilot, ArmaLite has lowered the price on mags in the past month, you can by individual mags at the package price. To use a M1A mag you can hold it in the AR10 with the sling or cut a square window in the side of the mag for the mag catch. There's a finger on the AR10 follower for the bolt stop that is not on the M1A mag. You asked about different grades of aluminum on the receivers. The DPMS uses extruded 6061 for the upper and ArmaLite uses forged 7075.

I have shot ArmaLite, Noveske, DPMS and RRA, all are very nice. IMHO the barrel is the heart of accuracy and I chose to go with Noveske, very glad I did.

In this configuration the weight is manageable.


It's heavy in this configuration, more suited for bench or prone shooting.

 

[JohnMc]

Thread blast from the past!

On the mags; the DPMS LR types (and associated companies, like Rem), the M-110, Knight Armament, POF, and others used or will fit the original Fairchild Armalite AR-10 pattern mags ("waffle mags").

 

[Zak Smith]

3. M110 flash hider and a pinned gas block that support the best QD reflex silencer on the market

I have heard many military users of the KAC silencer report that it's junk, the zero wanders, it leaks gas, etc. That type of feedback does not support "best QD reflex silencer on the market."

 

[Zak Smith]

Based on what I've seen, I would buy an OBR. I have owned and/or shot most of the others in discussion (other than the Knights). The JP LRP07 would also be on the short list.