AR-15 or AR-10? (California)

[GunningPolMonkey]

I am in a pinch trying to decide which rifle to buy. I want an accurate, fairly powerful rifle that is relatively practical for ranged (100-300 yards) firing. I will not be hunting for small game, but may hunt for somewhat larger game. I recognize that an AR-15 is incredibly practical, portable, flexible, and cheap to operate. However, it appears to me, with limited observation, that an AR-10 may make up for its lack of flexibility with its stopping power. I am a novice with rifles and don't know the information well enough to make an educated decision. Also, I have a fairly limited budget that sticks me wanting to spend no more than $1200, preferably $1100. Unfortunately, I love in the PRK. Advice?

 

[weeniewawa]

can't answer that question but if you get one, you will want the other also

 

[loki.fish]

AR10 you'll be limited to 308, if you go AR15, you could go with different uppers in the future. 6.8SPC AR15 may be ideal for you, can do the range and still have some stopping power.

Like weenie said, you'll most likely want another AR rifle in the end.

 

[mljdeckard]

No. with an AR-10, you are limited to .338 Federal, .308, 7mm08, .260 Remington, and .243.

 

[Robert]

For $1100 you can get a solid AR15 and a decent optic or a case of ammo. Or for $1100 you can get just the AR10, maybe. But remember CA has goofy rules on what you can have so make sure whatever you buy is legal.

 

[mljdeckard]

I have no idea if or how you would make a pinned magazine in an AR-10.

 

[Carne Frio]

The AR 15 is cheaper to shoot, but a little to light for deer.
Are you up on the latest info on what's legal and/or available
in Ca ? Go here, for Ca specific info.
http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/index.php

 

[Tirod]

With uppers in alternate cartridges, the AR15 is entirely adequate. Most carry 1000 foot pounds out to 350m. Most whitetail are shot well under 350m because the sightlines in the broken edge and woodlands they live in restrict the view. Entirely why the 6.8 has become the #1 hunting cartridge for the AR15.

The AR15 will be much more versatile with different uppers, and parts much more readily available. The AR10 is currently divided into chassis camps, parts don't swap across readily, and it's a two pound heavier rifle kitted out equally.

I would look into the provisions of law, having a captive mag is just one solution to the combination of prohibitions. Drop other cosmetic features and choices get broader - the flash hider thing is way overrated. In a .308, dumping mags of ammo isn't feasible for what it does anyway. Check with Calguns. net and see what others in the state have come up with.

 

[Robert101]

I went with the AR-10 or DPMS LR308. I bought the DPMS upper 20" medium barrel and TM Lower (in CA you need a bullet button too). Great set up and just around $1,100. Then put a Nikon 6X18 40MM Bushmaster scope on it and POW - good basic all around rifle for not so much money. I love the 308 or 7.62x51MM round. I do handload so I shoot a variety of loads from 150 grain @ 2,850 fps to 168 grain @ 2,600 fps. The 30 caliber probably has the most varied range of bullets of any other caliber. Good for varmit through big game hunting and packs a good punch out and past 300 yards.

 

[TonyDedo]

Do you reload? If not, seriously consider ammo price.

I have AR platform rifles in .308, .223 and .22LR, and they get shot based on how much ammo costs. The .22LR never leaves my trunk, and gets taken to the range at least once a week. The .223 gets shot maybe once a month. I haven't shot the .308 in a year.