If you could only have one rifle, which one would you choose? It’s a tough question. With so many outstanding options to choose from, it’s hard to settle on just one. The go-to rifle for many is the AR-15, as its modularity makes it adaptable for many applications. However, its use of smaller calibers limits its effectiveness for certain purposes, like hunting and other long-distance shooting applications.
For these reasons, many enthusiasts favor the AR-10. Essentially, the AR-15’s big brother, the AR-10 offers similar versatility and is adaptable to fit a multitude of scenarios while having a robust parts aftermarket. All of this makes the AR-10 an incredible rifle platform, but is it sufficient to be an all-purpose rifle?
What is an AR-10
So, what exactly is an AR-10? The AR-10 is a rifle that was developed by Armalite in the 1950s, that’s since become one of the most popular rifle options available today. It’s capable of chambering full-power rifle cartridges, and like the AR-15, it’s highly adaptable, allowing enthusiasts to kit out their rifles to suit their preferences. However, not every large frame AR is a true AR-10.
The designation “AR-10” is a trademarked name that only Armalite can apply to their rifles. So, although there are multiple rifles that feature similar designs, features, and caliber chamberings, they’re often designated as something else. Today, there are three main distinctions of the AR-10, the Armalite, DPMS, and SR-25 pattern rifles.
Of the three, the most common options available on the civilian market are the Armalite and DPMS patterns. Each of these rifle patterns has a similar look and feel, but they each have their own distinctions and specific components that separate them. Both patterns have their own sub-variations as well, such as the Armalite Type A and B, and the DPMS High and Low upper receiver designs.
It can get confusing when comparing the different .308 AR options, but our guide on the AR-10 vs. LR-308 goes more in-depth on the distinctions of each.
One Gun for All Needs: Is the AR-10 Versatile Enough?
Several factors need to be carefully considered when deciding if the AR-10 is your ideal rifle. Factors such as caliber, barrel length, and maneuverability are crucial in figuring out whether the AR-10 is right for you.
Caliber Options
Starting with the rifle’s caliber, AR-10 rifles are primarily chambered in either .308/7.62 NATO or 6.5 Creedmoor. Both are powerful cartridges capable of maintaining accuracy beyond 1,000 yards, depending on your setup, and they’re popular among hunters and precision shooting enthusiasts for their ballistic performance.
Due to their higher ballistic power, they can pose some concern for applications like home defense, but we’ll focus on that in-depth later in this article.
Barrel Length Options
AR-10 barrels are available in all lengths, but they’re most commonly found within the range of 16 to 22 inches long. Just like with any rifle, barrel length plays a direct role in overall ballistic performance. Longer barrels provide greater muzzle velocities than shorter ones, allowing the propellant, or gunpowder, to burn more efficiently, getting the projectile up to speed quicker so it can keep a flatter trajectory for longer periods of time.
Longer barrels, like your 20- and 22-inch options, are going to be much better suited for long-distance applications. While useful in that regard, they have diminishing returns when you consider that your AR-10 build is going to be used as a “do-all” rifle. For instance, maneuvering in and around close quarters is going to be exceedingly difficult. So, for a do-all rifle, it’s paramount to use a barrel length that offers the right balance of maneuverability and accuracy.
This is where the shorter 16- to 18-inch barrels come in. Though shorter, they still offer the accuracy needed to be suitable for hunting and other long-distance applications while granting you a greater degree of maneuverability. Keep in mind that you will have some diminished ability when shooting at distance, but with a high-quality barrel and the right ammunition, you’ll still be able to maintain accuracy at long ranges. Our guide on DMR platforms goes more in-depth on the long-range capabilities of the AR-10.
AR-10 Parts and Customization
Like the AR-15, the AR-10 can be built from parts, and many of their components are interchangeable. The trigger, safety selector, grip, buttstock, and mag release are all interchangeable, but other parts like the handguard, BCG, and charging handle aren’t. Still, you have greater control of your rifle’s components when you build a rifle.
Building an AR-10 doesn’t have to be a part-by-part ordeal. Most manufacturers produce complete AR-10 lower receivers that are already fully assembled. Depending on the brand, they come with upgraded components like performance triggers, ergonomic grips, and ambidextrous safeties, providing you with a similar degree of control for what goes into your rifle. In the same vein, you can also opt for a complete AR-10 upper receiver as well. Like with lowers, uppers can vary depending on the manufacturer, with them having differing barrel lengths and handguard options. You can either opt for an assembled upper that has the handguard and barrel installed, or you can go for a complete one, which comes with a BCG and charging handle included.
There’s a lot to consider before you build an AR-10, so we recommend checking out our guide on building vs. buying an AR-10. It goes more in-depth on all the intricacies of the AR-10, as well as the core factors to consider before making a final decision.
Practical Considerations
Weight
The AR-10 can be quite heavy depending on how it’s set up. Without a magazine or accessories, AR-10s usually weigh anywhere from 7 to 9 pounds on average, though this varies. While this may sound light, once you include a loaded magazine, optic, and other accessories, its weight can drastically increase.
Managing this higher weight can make using an AR-10 difficult at times. For long range applications and hunting, where you’re typically stationary, weight isn’t really an issue, however for close range engagements where you need to quickly move from target to target, the excess weight can slow you down.
If you’re building an AR-10, you can drastically reduce the weight of your rifle by carefully selecting the components. Shorter barrels with thinner profiles, lightweight handguards, and minimal accessories can make your rifle much lighter without sacrificing too much on performance.
Recoil and Ballistics
As we mentioned earlier, the two most common calibers for the AR-10 are .308 and 6.5CM, which are large rifle calibers. Both cartridges offer superior ballistic energy down range compared to something like 5.56, but this increase in kinetic energy comes with the caveat of having higher recoil. For first-time owners, or those who just aren’t used to running larger caliber rifles, this can pose a challenge.
Recoil mitigation is key for any functional rifle build. Having the proper stance and grip can change the way your rifle feels entirely. Additionally, adding a muzzle device, like a muzzle brake, will further reduce recoil by diverting the gas out the sides of the muzzle rather than directly out the front. Likewise, when you’re shooting from a stationary position, accessories like a bipod provide better stabilization, helping you stay on target.
Ammo Availability
Between .308 and 6.5CM, .308 is by far the more common and affordable round. Comparatively, .308 has been used in some capacity by civilians, Military, and Law Enforcement groups since its initial development in the 1950s. As such, it’s been mass produced by numerous ammo manufacturers, so there’s ample variety for different applications, and the cost per round is generally less too.
6.5CM is still a relatively young cartridge, having been designed in 2007. While immensely popular, it isn’t as available on the same scale as .308. 6.5CM still has exceptional variety, but compared to .308, there isn’t as much. This isn’t to say that 6.5CM is a bad cartridge. As we mentioned before, it offers much flatter trajectories and is better for long-range applications.
Optics
Variable power rifle scopes are usually the first optic to come to mind when enthusiasts think of the AR-10, since these rifles are primarily used for long-distance shooting. Variable power optics are available in many magnification levels, such as 2.5-20x and 5-25x. While useful, they aren’t really conducive to shooting at close range.
This is where optics like LPVOs (low power variable optics) come into play. Coming with 1-6x, 1-8x, and 1-10x magnification ranges, they pair well with builds that put an emphasis on both precision and speed. At their 1x setting, they offer fast target acquisition, and though they don’t offer as much magnification as medium to high-power optic options, LPVOs often have reticles with BDC stadia that can reach out to 750+ yards.
For greater magnification you, you can maximize the versatility of your rifle by running a riflescope with an offset mini-reflex sight. Offset optics allow you to retain your long-range capabilities while also having the ability to quickly switch to a dot sight for close range use. Keep in mind that it’s going to take some practice to get used to transitioning from your main optic to your offset dot, but once you get the mechanics down, it’ll become easier.
Our AR-10 rifle scope guide goes more in-depth on the different optic variants available, as well as some notable makes and models to help you get started in your search.
AR-10 Applications
Home Defense
An AR-10 can indeed be used for home defense, however, there are many crucial factors that you need to consider. We mentioned earlier that .308 and 6.5CM are the most common calibers for the platform. Both calibers boast incredible ballistic performance, making over-penetration a critical concern. On average, .308 and 6.5CM have a muzzle velocity of 2650+ and 2900+ feet per second, respectively. There is specialized close-quarter ammunition, like Hornady TAP, available for .308; these rounds fragment quickly and minimize the risk the over-penetration, but it doesn’t eliminate it. There’s only so much that can be done to reign in a full power rifle cartridge.
Also, whenever you’re firing a rifle within close quarters, the reverberation of the sound poses a severe risk to your hearing. This is precisely the reason many enthusiasts opt for a suppressor on their home-defense rifles, but even when suppressed, .308 and 6.5CM can have an intense sound signature.
Hunting
Applications like hunting are where the AR-10 really shines. Their modularity and accuracy make them a top choice compared to other rifle platforms. Being a semi-automatic rifle, they allow for quick follow-up shots when needed, and as mentioned before, the ballistic performance of its primary calibers is more-than-adequate for hunting large game like deer and elk.
Competition
In terms of competitive applications, the AR-10 excels in long-range shooting disciplines. But for other disciplines, they don’t offer the same degree of agility as smaller platforms. While it’s not impossible to use an AR-10 for fast-paced competitive use, they aren’t the go-to option for enthusiasts. We discussed that the AR-10 lacks the same agility found on platforms like the AR-15. Because of this, using one can put you at a disadvantage unless the competition league you’re in specifies the need for a battle rifle or DMR setup.
That said, you’ll likely find the best use for your AR-10 in long range competitions. DMR and PRS configurations will perform best, but a shorter AR-10 with a 16- to 18-inch barrel can still be sufficient.
Other Platforms to Consider
While the AR-10 is versatile, it may not be the best choice for everyone. The AR-15, for example, is a solid option. Being a smaller rifle, it’s much better suited for defense and other applications where agility is needed. AR-15s are also most chambered in 5.56, which is one of the most widely produced cartridges in the industry. There’s also a substantially wider parts aftermarket available for the AR-15 too, allowing you to extensively optimize your rifle.
Alternatively, platforms like the SCAR-17 offer similar controls, but they come with some added features. For instance, they utilize piston-driven gas systems instead of a direct impingement one, have folding stocks, and are incredibly lightweight because of the polymer and aluminum construction. Due to their popularity and comparison, there’s a lot to go over when comparing both platforms, so we recommend checking out our AR-10 vs. SCAR article to get a better idea of their differences.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, the AR-10 is by far one of the most formidable rifle platforms around, offering a sizeable number of benefits. However, if you could only pick one rifle, is it good enough? Realistically, you could, but this doesn’t mean that it’s the ultimate rifle package.
While rifles like the AR-10 can serve well for multiple roles, using one for such purposes comes with significant trade-offs. Multi-role rifle setups can be a practical solution for minimalist enthusiasts with only one rifle, however, its performance won’t be on par with a rifle that’s been purpose-built for one application. Take hunting, for instance. If the same rifle you plan to use for home defense is also going to be your dedicated hunting rifle, it may be usable for both purposes, but it won’t necessarily be ideally optimized for either one.
So, while you can use an AR-10 as a do-all rifle, we highly recommend opting for a rifle that’s been purpose-built for one application. For home-defense, something like an AR-15 and other comparable rifle platforms are much better suited for the job. Their lighter weight, smaller size, and enhanced modularity make it a more than adequate rifle for this task, which is why most enthusiasts own them for such purposes. For hunting and other long-range scenarios requiring power and extended range, the AR-10 is the way to go.
Regardless of which rifle you end up going with, it’s paramount that you research all the options available to you. In addition to the many rifles that are available, there are a lot of optic and accessory options available too, creating a vast array of potential rifle setups. If you’re on the fence about whether you should opt for an AR-15 or AR-10, check out our functionality breakdown on both platforms to get a better idea of which one can fit your needs best.
