Opinion on an AR-10 or AR-15?

[Nomad101bc]

I was thinking about purchasing an AR-10 .30 caliber. I am leaning towards an armalite. But I am unsure about how its reliability matches up to that of its cousin the AR-15. I also wonder about the cost in ammo difference. I mostly want the AR-10 instead because it has alot more stopping power and would likely be able to travel further distances. But i was interested in anyone who has fire both or just one of the two firearms mentioned and what they think of reliability and such.

 

[BigRobT]

IF I had to pick between the two, I'd go with the .308 (AR-10) It's a legal hunting round in most states and has a lot better penetration, trajectory, etc. Overall, a more versatile rifle. The ammo WILL be more expensive, but any of it is expensive any more due to metal prices and the War. I've argued this battle in my mind for seven years now.

 

[Nomad101bc]

With the right rounds what do think the maximum size game I would be able to take down? Also are the rounds just like 2$ more per 50 in price or is it a significant difference?

 

[High Planes Drifter]

With the right rounds what do think the maximum size game I would be able to take down? Also are the rounds just like 2$ more per 50 in price or is it a significant difference?

7.62 Nato is the same as a .308 , which in turn is just about equivalant (maybe 90%) to a .30-06. So a .308 is plenty enough for most North American game. I have been told there is no difference in reliability between the 2(AR10 vs. AR15), tho I've never owned an AR10. Cost of ammo- IMO both are outrageous at the moment.

 

[Geno]

The AR-10 does not feel as-solid-as the DPMS .308, and in fact, there is a massive difference. I first looked at the AR-10, and the salesperson showed me the DPMS. I was hooked. In terms of choosing between AR15 and AR10, I would ask major intended use? Short to intermediate target and light hunting, AR15. Long-range target and heavier hunting, AR-10.

Although, I still suggest looking at the DPMS.

 

[Titan6]

Both are fine weapons. Get both? You did not say what you wanted it for so it is kind of hard to make a suggestion....

 

[Crunker1337]

I say get the Panther (DPMS) .308. It's pretty much the same of an AR-10, though I have no idea about accessory compatibility.

 

[Nomad101bc]

I wanted an AR-10 for hunting, home defense, SHTF, and because I am going into the army in four years its a good idea for me to familarize myself with the M-16 family. Also for recreational target shooting.

 

[stevek]

We have an Armalite AR-10 and a Bushmaster AR-15. Both have been totally dependable and reliable. Have an EOTech on the AR-15, and Leupold glass on the AR-10. I'm still waiting on a new flat top carbine upper for the AR-10 which will also sport an EOTech. Hornady TAP is $19.49/20 in .223, and $28.99/20 in .308. Winchester White box is $7.49/20 in .223 and $14.29/20 in .308. Prices are from Midway. Good luck in the search.

 

[Zak Smith]

There have been many threads about AR-10 / long-action AR reliability here on THR. Please try a search.

 

[Nomad101bc]

Awsome thanks looks like i may purchase an AR-10 in the near future. The ammo prices arent all that different from what it cost for a box of 50 .40 cal rounds. I would probably just buy a crate of 1000 seems the most cost effective and sensible.

 

[Stinger]

Good luck finding any opinions about any AR platform on this forum. It is a subject that rarely comes up, and most people simply don't want to talk about AR's.

 

[Whitman31]

Not speaking from personal experience, but I've heard a lot of complaints about reliability with the AR-10. Mostly due to a overly finicky gas system. Also, parts are going to be significantly more expensive...Just my 2 cents...

 

[texas_wizard]

i second the DPMS 308 (mines a lr308t). i got a laser for close work, and a 4-14 leupold for medium to long. and its very accurate and dependable. i've shot my dads mini14 and my bros bushmaster ar-15 and they just feel like a 22 to me (read: not powerful enuf). ive seen the FMJ ammo at academy as cheap as $5/20 for .223 and $8/20 on the 308. soft/hollow point moves to $7 and $11 respectively.

my humble opinon,
andrew

 

[Titan6]

Wizard- Which Academy Sports has .308 for $8/box? Inquiring minds want to know....

But yes the DPMS LR-308 is virtually the same as the AR-10 - only better. IMO it is also superior to the AR-15 in almost every way. Good luck in BCT Nomad!

 

[texas_wizard]

titan: the one in plano has monarch FMJ for 7.95! and wally world has federal soft point at $11 something (if its actually in stock). i buy 4-5 at a time if its there. havent shot the monarch yet, but i can get sub MOA with the federal.

 

[Titan6]

I bought some Federal SP last week at Wally World for $10.55 a box. IIRC Monarch is super cheap but Academy had none in stock. How does the Monarch shoot?

 

[benEzra]

Another option that I'm not sure if you've considered would be an AR-15 in 6.8mm Remington. Not quite as powerful as a .308, but would be a good deer cartridge, in a somewhat smaller and lighter package.

 

[Nomad101bc]

The DPMS seems very promising. How does it feel for wieght and what sized mags can i get for it?

 

[Titan6]

The DPMS AR-10 version uses proprietary mags that currently run about $35 each. These are down from $55 last year and the price should continue to drop. They can be had in 3, 5, 10, 19 and 20 round sizes.

The DPMS AR-15 uses regular AR-15 mags. These can be had in any size that AR-15 mags come in.

The 6.8 is an excellent catridge but does not have all of the capability of .308.

 

[jaydee1156]

I Shot a buds DPMS 308 and it was a tack driver,
'Nother good thing was that and recoil and muzzle rise was alot less than I expected
Sweet weapon!

 

[Nomad101bc]

All right when i get back from college in a week I will ask my local dealer about ordering me a DPMS AR-10 since apparently they are alot better than the Armalite ones. Can i get a price estimate on the AR15 dpms and the AR-10 dpms?

 

[CajunTim]

What is the warranty difference between Armalite and DPMS?
Armalite now has 25 round mags so in a SHTF situation you wont be changing mags as often, granted they are pricey.

 

[Nomad101bc]

ehh anything beyond 20 gets too heavy and makes the wieght awkward. My only concern is how heavy the AR-10 is but apparently DPMS makes a lighter wieght one with a retractable stock.

 

[Titan6]

The LR-308 AP4 is the one with the retractable stock. Comes with the M16 A2 Sights which are very good but also has a flat top weaver rail for whatever kind of optics or red dot sight you would like to install.

I opted for a quad rail on mine. With a handle on the bottom it gives it better balance and fruther reduces recoil. You could also put a bipod on there instead.

If you are buying it to practice shooting military rifles I find it a good choice. Keep the clunky factory trigger and you won't be able to tell the difference other than the recoil which is higher (obviously) with the much higher power .308. The recoil is not ''that'' much more though for the power boost.

Base retail model for AP4 is about $1100. This drops a lot if you can go factory direct. The DPMS web site allows you to build a gun with whatever options you want.

Last year when I bought mine factory orders were running 26 weeks delivery time. So you might want to check on that instead of waiting till the last minute unless you know for sure someone has them in stock.