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ArmaLite produced two of the most popular guns of all time.
The AR-10 and AR-15 are both lightweight carbines. After their release, these weapons exploded in popularity and became some of the most recognizable guns in the world.
To figure out which is right for you, we’ve put together a little comparison of the two.
What is an AR-15?
The AR-15 is a lightweight, select-fire, gas-operated carbine. It is one of the most popular and versatile guns in the world.
The AR-15 was designed by ArmaLite and released in 1959. They produced them exclusively for a brief period; however, they sold the rights to Colt’s Manufacturing Company shortly after the gun’s creation. As a result, AR-15s are now produced by Colt. These are semi-automatic rifles, rather than select-fire guns.
People love the AR-15 because of its reliability and its versatile platform. It is a highly customizable weapon and has consistently found a place in both civilian and military markets since its release.
How Many Bullets Can an AR-15 Hold?
The AR-15 has a stock magazine capacity of 20 rounds.
What is an AR-10?
The AR-10 was also produced by ArmaLite in the late 1950s. It is actually the basis for the AR-15, which was initially produced as a variant of the rifle. Like the AR-15, it is a lightweight short-barreled rifle. It is also the model for other popular guns, such as the M-16.
The original AR-10 was not widely produced. In fact, only around 10,000 AR-10s were made initially. It chambered a 7.63mm NATO round at the time and was shockingly lightweight at under 7lbs.
Is an AR-10 an Assault Rifle?
Assault rifle is a fairly vague term. Generally, the term assault rifle refers to a select-fire rifle with a detachable magazine and an intermediate cartridge. The AR-10 is generally considered to be a battle rifle, which means that it is capable of semi or fully automatic firing and uses a full rifle cartridge.
Is an AR-10 a Good Hunting Rifle?
The AR-10 is a solid hunting rifle but was designed for the battlefield. It is excellent for hunting certain game such as hog.
How Far Can an AR-10 Rifle Shoot?
The AR-10 has a long-range. It also remains accurate over the distance. It has a range of over 2500 feet. It fires at over 2700 fps.
What Caliber is an AR-10?
The AR-10 chambers a .308 round, typically. It was later modified for the .223 Remington, which lay the groundwork for the AR-15.
AR-15 vs AR-10 Similarities and Differences
Figuring out which weapon is right for you depends upon the way that you are likely to use it. Think about what you need from your weapon.
You know the basics of the two guns. But, you ask, how do they compare? Well, we’ve got you covered. Read on to find out which weapon is right for you.
AR-15 and AR-10 Similarities
The AR-10 is the original. The AR-15 was created as a variant so that it could be adapted for other purposes. However, most modern AR-10s are now actually bigger, buffer versions of the AR-15. This can be a little confusing.
It might be helpful to get some of the similarities out of the way. How are these guns related? What is the family resemblance between the two?
Lightweight
Both are lightweight, versatile weapons. They are designed for tactical use and small game hunting. They are easy to maneuver and very portable. The AR-10 weighs 7-9lbs and the AR-15 weighs around 6-8lbs, before modification.
Barrel Length
The AR-10 and AR-15 have similar barrel lengths. In fact, both range from 16” to about 22”, though the AR-10 can reach 24” in length.
Mechanism
Both guns use a rotating bolt mechanism. This is standard on most high powered firearms today.
Gas Operated
The AR-10 and AR-15 are both gas-operated guns. This means that their piston is activated with gas pressure. In order to expel the spent cartridge and replace it with a new one after firing, the guns expel gas through a tube along the barrels.
AR-10 vs AR-15 Differences
These two weapons clearly have a lot in common. You’re probably asking: What, then, are the major differences between the two?
Well, the AR-10 was downsized to create the AR-15. Specifically, it was redesigned to chamber a 5.56mm NATO round. The 5.56mm round is more powerful than the civilian .223 and lighter than the .308 chambered by the AR-10.
When the AR-15 was released, it was intended to replace the M1 Garand, the M1 Carbine, the Thompson “Tommy” Gun, the Browning automatic rifle, and the M3. When the military ended up pushing the AR aside for the M14, ArmaLite turned to the mass, civilian market.
Caliber
A major difference between the two guns is the caliber. The AR-10 chambers a .308 round, whereas the AR-15 chambers a .225 Remington or a 5.56 NATO. Variants of both can account for different calibers.
Effective Range
The AR-10 is a long-range gun. The AR-15 was designed for closer combat fighting and versatile mobility. Typically, the AR-10 can fire over 2500 feet without issue. The AR-15 has a typical firing range of 1300-1900 feet.
Platform
The AR-15 is one of the most customizable guns on the market. Its platform is able to support a huge range of modifications. If you’re interested in a “Swiss Army Gun,” the 15 has much more adaptability than the 10.
Length
The AR-10 is a longer gun. It has an overall length of about 42 inches. In contrast, the AR-15 has a length of 39 inches. While this difference might sound minimal, it is significant in operation and function.
Top Pick Between AR-15 and AR-10
We mentioned earlier that the right gun depends upon your needs. This has not changed. Both the AR-10 and the AR-15 are great, capable firearms. They have slightly different purposes.
The AR-15 is a more recent innovation and might, therefore, seem like the obvious choice. However, the AR-15 loses accuracy over distance. Its maximum range is not anywhere near that of the AR-10. The AR-10 is probably a wiser choice if you’re looking for a longer range rifle, either for hunting or target shooting. It is also, at the stock level, a more powerful gun.
The AR-15 is a highly versatile weapon. Its potential modifications mean that the gun is capable of fitting a wide range of optics, barrels, triggers, stocks, straps, etc. It is also much better for short-range, lightweight usage. It has a firing rate of about 60 rounds a minute, which is quite a bit higher than the AR-10’s 40rpm rate.
Overall, the AR-10 is a better option for snipers, target shooters, and long-range hunters. The AR-15 is a better option for the average buyer if they aren’t hoping to bag large game. It is cheaper, easier to use, and very versatile.
Conclusion
With the release of the AR-10 and AR-15, ArmaLite changed the game. The AR-15 exploded onto the scene in the late 50s and spread like wildfire. It hasn’t gone anywhere since. At the end of the day, both guns are excellent. If you’re a long-range shooter, take the 10. If you aren’t the 15 is likely a better choice.
People Also Ask
Now that the comparison is out of the way, here are a few of the most common FAQs. We’ve tackled the answers for you to make choosing the perfect AR as easy as possible.
Is a 300 Blackout an AR-15 or AR-10?
The 300 Blackout is a cartridge that is very popular with the AR-15. It was developed by Remington and the Advanced Armament Corporation for use by the US special forces.
How Expensive is AR-15 Ammo vs AR-10 Ammo?
AR-15 ammo is cheaper, in general than AR-10 ammo. The .223 is a common and affordable round. However, both guns can be adapted for different caliber usage, meaning that prices vary.
Which is More Accurate, AR-10 vs AR-15?
At a long-range, the AR-10 is a more accurate weapon. It has a range of 2500+ feet. Shorter range shooters prefer the AR-15, which has a shorter barrel and lower caliber cartridge.
Are AR-15 and AR-10 Triggers the Same?
These guns use different triggers at the stock level. However, they may be interchangeable. Both guns can be fitted with aftermarket triggers if you so choose.
Will an AR-15 Handguard Fit AR-10?
Yes, the handguard is typically compatible with either gun. The guard is one of the many interchangeable parts on these rifles.
What is the Difference Between an AR-10 vs AR-15 Buffer Tube?
The buffer tube is the same size in diameter but the AR-10 buffer tube is shorter. Sometimes buffer tubes are interchangeable, however, experts do not recommend swapping these pieces without professional insight.
What Parts Are Interchangeable on AR-15 and AR-10?
A wide range of parts are interchangeable. These include triggers, hammers, bolt catch roll pins, pivot springs, safety selectors, castle nuts, trigger guards, stocks, (sometimes) buffer tubes, pistol grips, and more.
Are AR-15 and AR-10 Lower Parts the Same?
The lower receiver on an AR-10 and AR-15 will be different. Generally, the AR-15 has a larger receiver to account for the caliber of the cartridges that it chambers. Some parts on the lower end of the gun are interchangeable.
Are AR-15 and AR-10 Charging Handles the Same?
Charging handles are generally not compatible between AR-15 and AR-10s. These handles are used to load the rifles.
AR-10 vs AR-15 Weight, Which is Heavier?
Though both are fairly light, the AR-10 is heavier. It usually weighs a pound or two more than its lightweight brother.
How Much Does an AR-10 Cost?
AR-10s range from $800-$2500. This is slightly more than the AR-15.
Is an AR-10 California Legal?
Typically speaking, the AR-10 is not legal in California. There are very rare exceptions to this rule.