How is the Armalite AR-10?

[migkillertwo]

From what I understand, they make a great AR-15, but my Dad has had this irrational desire to get an AR-10, and for some reason feels the need to shell out 1500$ for a Rock River Arms LAR-8.

However I have recently found that CheaperThanDirt is selling an Armalite AR-10 with the features that my dad is looking for, a rifle-length barrel and gas system, and a chrome-lined barrel, for less than 1300$.

So how is the Armalite? is it reliable? accurate? What should I know before buying/recommending this firearm?

http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/58344-55.html

 

[navajo]

Ar 10

At one time I owned three of them. The full length rifle was the most accurate gas gun I have ever seen.

 

[madcratebuilder]

my Dad has had this irrational desire to get an AR-10, and for some reason feels the need to shell out 1500$ for a Rock River Arms LAR-8.

AR10 is a trade mark name for ArmaLite. Not all 7.62 platform AR style rifles are the same, uppers and lowers may not interchange, mags can be different. Tell your dad to look at the used market. There are quit a few ArmaLites and Noveskes on the used market for good prices.

I put this ArmaLite lower (unfired) and Noveske upper (20 rounds) together with 9 mags for well under 2k.

 

[migkillertwo]

Are the rock rivers even chrome-lined? I can't find anything on their website that says yes or no. They advertise that their barrels are cryogenically treated, but that's it.

 

[W L Johnson]

I have 5 Armalites of which two are AR-10's, a 20" and a 16" carbine. Both I've had about 2 1/2 years. First rate if you ask me. The 20" just got it's barrel free floated, new butt stock (Ace Skeleton), new two stage trigger, and a new muzzle brake and is heading out to the range to get re-sighted in today.

 

[Mags]

Had a RRA LAR-8, avoid it unless you already have a stockpile of FAL mags. The barrel is not chrome lined, but it is an accurate rifle. The majority of parts on the RRA are mostly unique to RRA, unlike the Armalite and DPMS designs where other manufacturers build rifles off the platform. So if you want parts for a LAR-8 you are going to have to deal directly with RRA.

The right choice would be between the Armalite and the DPMS pattern, I would not even consider a RRA.

My old LAR-8


My DPMS 308

 

[migkillertwo]

the RRA is NOT chrome lined? Well that's all I needed to hear, but it's also good to hear that there is much more parts-interchangeability than the RRA in case I ever want to free-float the barrel.

 

[DoubleTapDrew]

Doesn't chrome lining often make them less accurate? I like my 5.56 ARs and AKs chrome lined but for a mid-range 7.62 what is the advantage other than easier cleaning?

 

[OpelBlitz]

I would say nout enough for most people to notice. Getting a barrel that isn't chrome lined, IMO, isn't worth the ever so slight accuracy increase.

 

[Powerglide]

There's a few in the FOBs in Asia. Most like them well.The ones that don't are usually the ones that don't clean them much.

 

[GunTech]

Typically chrome lined barrels are less accurate. They wear longer and have better corrosion resistance - important if you are shooting corrosive primed ammo. I don't see any point to a chrome barrel in a precision rifle. If corrosion is a worry, look at SS.

You might post over at snipershide. There are quite a few folks competing with AR-10 type rifles over there.

 

[FMJMIKE]

I researched all the .308 ARs and got the Armalite AR-10. Haven't shot it much but am happy with it so far. Price is lower than many high end AR-15s. Mine was $1300. The Armalite also shoots .308 and 7.62 X 51. Some of the others don't. The chrome lined barrel of the Armalite sealed the deal for me.



Oh...........A lifetime warranty to original buyer is really good too......

 

[rbernie]

I bought into the Armalite AR10 platform back when 20rd mags were a scarcity and the ability to modify M1A mags to fit was A Big Honkin' Deal. Today, it's not as much of an issue and either Armalite or DPMS will serve most folk well.

I tend to believe that the Armalite offering is made from good stuff and with better QC than most, but I cannot quantify that in any real way. Armalite tends to do things (like chrome line the barrels) that the DPMS and its progeny do not ordinarily do.

 

[Kurt_D]

I like the fact that the Armalite AR10s use forged uppers and lowers. That makes them stronger than the billet ones you traditionally see now-a-days and also look cleaner as they can be thinner in some areas. I think it would also make them lighter, though I haven't weighted each and that wasn't a concern for me; only the strenght.

I like the fact the Armalites have chrome lined bolt carriers. I didn't care about chrome lined barrels since I planned to use a Noveske barrel shortly after starting the build anyway. The chrome option is nice to have though.

I like the quality of the Armalites over all. They just seem nicer than say a DPMS equivalent and the LaRues and KACs are just sky high in price (of course they're built for accuracy, no "rack grade" option).

The ONE gripe I have is the mags. The SR25/AR10 (orginal) pattern is the future, I wish they'd at least consider it.

 

[Dionysusigma]

So, let me get this straight--MagPul magazines won't work in Armalites?

 

[Frankl03]

Buds Gun Shop has good deals on Armalites: $1233.00

If you look around you can find deals. Also Armalite runs really good deals on there website from time to time including mag specials. I bought mine unfired from a private party for $1100.

 

[W L Johnson]

So, let me get this straight--MagPul magazines won't work in Armalites?

Nope, at least not yet. Unlike AR-15's, not all parts interchange with "AR-10 type" brands.
A lot of people complain about the prices for mags for AR-10s, they are pricely, but do go sale from time to time. Last batch I bought from Armalite they were going for $22.50 (20 & 25 rounders) when they were on sale.