What is ar 10?

AR-10: A Comprehensive Overview

The AR-10 is a 7.62×51mm NATO rifle designed by Eugene Stoner in the 1950s. It's notable as the predecessor to the widely used AR-15. Here's a breakdown of key aspects:

  • Design and History: The AR-10 was originally developed by ArmaLite (hence the "AR") as a select-fire rifle. It was intended to be a lightweight alternative to existing battle rifles. Initial prototypes had some issues, and ultimately, it was not adopted by the US military in its original form. You can find more information about its design and history.

  • Caliber and Cartridge: The standard chambering for the AR-10 is 7.62x51mm NATO (.308 Winchester). This cartridge offers more power and range compared to the 5.56x45mm NATO used in the AR-15. Read more on Caliber

  • Operating System: The AR-10 typically utilizes a direct impingement gas system, although some modern variants use piston-driven systems. Learn about operating%20system

  • Modern AR-10s: While the original AR-10 wasn't widely adopted, the design has been revived and refined by numerous manufacturers. Modern AR-10 style rifles are popular for hunting, sport shooting, and tactical applications.

  • Key Features: These rifles often feature modular designs, allowing for customization with various accessories like scopes, rails, and different stocks.

  • Comparison to AR-15: The AR-10 is generally larger and heavier than the AR-15 due to the larger cartridge it chambers. It also delivers significantly more recoil. Here you can see comparison to AR-15