Balance: AR-10 Clones vs FAL vs HK-91

[Anthony]

Hello Everyone,

I am attempting to make up my mind between several different military style rifles in .308 Winchester and was wanting some input on the balance of these models.

Do the AR-10 clones from Bushmaster and Armalite have the same balance?

How do the AR-10 clones and the HK-91 stack up balancewise compared to the FAL?

I've held the FAL and the Armalite AR-10, but cannot find the others for comparison.

Thanks for the input.

 

[444]

I don't understand what you mean by "balance".
I own all three rifles you mention. I can give you my opinion, but need clarification.

 

[ShootAndHunt]

I think what he means is whether this rifle feels "balanced" in the hand, or front heavy, or rear heavy.

 

[Anthony]

Yes, that is what I mean, ShootAndHunt.

For instances, when I shoulder the full length FAL or M-1A they both feel like extensions of my body and are easy to handle and pivot with. They have excellent balance. Other rifles are muzzle heavy and have a ponderous feel to them.

Does that help you, 444?

 

[NMshooter]

The AR-10 with the new light barrel feels like an M-16A2, you hardly notice the extra weight.

Very well balanced.

The FAL is a bit front heavy, but not in a bad way.

The HK-91 is heavy, period.

Any heavy barreled AR-10 type rifle is of course noticeably muzzle heavy.

Hope this helps.

 

[hartzpad]

My 16" barrel DPMS AP4 .308 is very well balanced, my HK G3 clone that I had was very muzzle heavy. Most FAL's I've handled feel pretty well balaced for a 21" barrel, I've got a 16" barrel FAL coming in the mail next week, so I'll let you know how it balances as well.

 

[Feanaro]

An HK91 clone is muzzle heavy. I imagine a PTR, with that honkin' barrel, would be even more so. I can't provide a good comparison between it and the other two.

I like the muzzle heavy feel myself. But it can tire the arms out a little.

 

[444]

I'm sorry, I lied (actually I misread your post). I don't own all three. I don't own an AR10.
My HK is not a commercial PTR91. It is a real HK parts kit assembled on a PTR receiver by Investment Grade Firearms. The barrel is a pretty slim barrel with a birdcage flash suppressor. It feels a lot better in my hands than my STG58.
I have never handled an AR10, but I have to assume the controls are as ergonomic. Whoever laid out the design of that rifle really put some thought into it. That, to me, would be a major factor in deciding which I was buying.
You have your work cut out from you. The two I own are both fantastic rifles. I like the M1A over the FAL or G3.

 

[MachIVshooter]

Do the AR-10 clones from Bushmaster and Armalite have the same balance?

Just to clear it up, the Armalite AR-10 is not a clone. Armalite built the original AR-10. Eugene Stoner was the designer and fairchild aircraft was the parent company.

On to your question, the AR-10A2 is the lightest of the bunch and, IMO, the best balanced. I have the A2 carbine, as well as a G3. If I had to choose one to hump around all day, it would definitely be the AR. If I had to I could fire one-handed, albeit with no accuracy. At ~12 pounds, the G-3 is nearly impossible to hold out on an extended arm.

 

[Anthony]

So here is a question for the Armalite AR-10 owners.

Since the AR-10 is designed to use standard AR-15 A-2 type forends will the AR-10 use the dedicated forend weaponlights from Surefire built for the AR-15?