AR 10 what to look for what to buy

I now many have jumped in to the AR10 platforms over the past couple of years.. Now it's my turn..

My questions are...

1 What were your top 2 or 3 other choices before you bought S&W? Why did you choose S&W over them?

1. Is it true there s no Mil spec AR 10 like an AR 15 so building one from parts isn't really possible?

2. Is the Ruger SR762 something worth considering? The design seems sound. What would be the draw back?

Thanks... future AR10 owner

Whatever AR10 platform you decide to go with, make sure it's a LR308/SR25 compatible model. There is more parts out there for them than any other form factor.

I chose the S&W M&P10 over the Armalite AR10 for that reason. Price wise, they were about the same. I also was looking at an M1A but there was something about it I didn't like but couldn't put my finger on what it was. Again, same price as the other two.

OK I see this sub forum gets lots of viewers
I am seriously considering the Ruger SR762..
Someone talk me out of it.. why not?
And talk me into the S&W.. why?

As you can see I am a big SW fan.. but these $1500- $2000 rifles require scrutiny and a good reason to buy them before shelling out the Benjamin's.

Having had both-

mbliss57 said:

OK I see this sub forum gets lots of viewers
I am seriously considering the Ruger SR762..
Someone talk me out of it.. why not?
And talk me into the S&W.. why?

As you can see I am a big SW fan.. but these $1500- $2000 rifles require scrutiny and a good reason to buy them before shelling out the Benjamin's.

Click to expand...

[S&W and AERO M-5] Buy an AERO M-5 upper and lower and their BCG. Then you can put what you want on it and be happy sooner than later

You are correct in your assertion that the AR10 is not mil spec. Down the road that may change since the military has adopted the AR10 style and designated it as the Mk110.

Basically, you have two varieties that I can isolate, the DPMS pattern and the AR10/SR25 pattern. You can build an AR10 from parts, but you have to choose which pattern you want to follow, and maybe kick yourself in the back side when a new twist comes along, and it doesn't fit the pattern you chose.

I have 4 AR15s, and toying with building a fifth, but at this point in time, I wouldn't make a move on an AR10. For 308s, I will stick with my Remington 700 Varmints, my M1MkII, or my M1A.

If you are looking at a gas semi-auto 308, I would first consider an M1A, followed by building an M1MkII! The M1A can easily mount a scope, if tuned properly, and can be extremely accurate, and it has a tremendous intimidation factor. The downside to the M1A and the M1MkII, is that the bedding has to be maintained by skimming at the minimum, or redone after a while. Additionally, to replace the barrel on an M1A or M1MkII, you need a competent gunsmith with the proper tools and access to a lathe, which increases maintenance costs and turn around time.

Before you either jump in over your head, or turn your back on an AR10 pattern rifle, you need to decide exactly what you want it for, and what level of performance you are expecting from it.

lrrifleman said:

You are correct in your assertion that the AR10 is not mil spec. Down the road that may change since the military has adopted the AR10 style and designated it as the Mk110.

Basically, you have two varieties that I can isolate, the DPMS pattern and the AR10/SR25 pattern. You can build an AR10 from parts, but you have to choose which pattern you want to follow, and maybe kick yourself in the back side when a new twist comes along, and it doesn't fit the pattern you chose.

I have 4 AR15s, and toying with building a fifth, but at this point in time, I wouldn't make a move on an AR10. For 308s, I will stick with my Remington 700 Varmints, my M1MkII, or my M1A.

If you are looking at a gas semi-auto 308, I would first consider an M1A, followed by building an M1MkII! The M1A can easily mount a scope, if tuned properly, and can be extremely accurate, and it has a tremendous intimidation factor. The downside to the M1A and the M1MkII, is that the bedding has to be maintained by skimming at the minimum, or redone after a while. Additionally, to replace the barrel on an M1A or M1MkII, you need a competent gunsmith with the proper tools and access to a lathe, which increases maintenance costs and turn around time.

Before you either jump in over your head, or turn your back on an AR10 pattern rifle, you need to decide exactly what you want it for, and what level of performance you are expecting from it.

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The M1A is an intimidating semi auto in 308. I like the fact that's it's at least in some way derived from the the M1A & M14. I would use this for long range plinking/ fun. It's not a bad gun to have if civilization goes sideways...although it certainly not why I want one. I just like guns and having lots of them of various shapes and sizes is something I like to do. I have AR 15s and I built my 1st one from parts last year. It was a lot of fun. Now it's time to look at the big brother from the 5.56 x 45 to ..the 7.62 x 51. I also have some Ak 47s, shot guns, hunting rifles and a lot of handguns that are used for fun, and for SD. many. many are just for fun/ enjoyment. I dabble at gun smithing/ trigger enhancement. So when you ask what my purpose is for a semi auto 308..basically because I want one and will have fun with it. I like the Ruger only because they built a rifle that was not just an AR 15 on steroids. They did some unique engineering to it. But I am not sold on buying one. The M1A is a little expensive for plinking/ enjoyment but it would be very cool to have. I would prefer to build my own.. and probably will eventually...but will buy a brand name gun as first. I bought AR15s 1st before finally building one. Which brings me back to my original question. Thanks for the input on the 2 main platform types. I will pursue the AR10/SR25 pattern
A SW or a Ruger? Your response was neither..and I can appreciate that. I personally don't think S&Ws strong suit is rifles but everyone is making AR15s.. theirs is not a bad variant. .I have a lot...as in many many SW handguns...so I am not a SW basher.
Anyway one last question.. the M1MKII..I searched for that and couldn't find it in any searches..just what is it? Made by ??
I may have talked myself into the M1A as I am typing this and looking at it some more...
Mike

For me I was down to either the Ruger or the S&W. I ended up going with the S&W because I wanted the 18" barrel and the lighter weight. But the Ruger is a very good choice. If you're ok with or even prefer the 16" barrel, or if you want a piston driven gun then I'd say go with the Ruger. If you'd prefer direct gas impingement, lighter weight and a longer barrel then the S&W is the better choice.

I know this isn't much help, but honestly I don't think you can go wrong with either rifle. They're both quality products. Good luck with your decision. You'll enjoy the hell out of either rifle, I have no doubt!

@ Mike,

When I asked what you wanted your AR10 type for, I was meaning what type of mission you want it to fulfill. In my instance, the primary mission for all of my rifles is: long range precision competition (i.e.: 1000 yard matches), secondary mission being hunting (where legal), and tertiary being a SHTF go to rifle. For my desire, I would require (at a minimum) a 24" barrel, preferably a 26". Different missions require different characteristics. For example: I have my Colt HBAR as a NRA Service Rifle, my 24" AR was built as an NRA Match Rifle for NMC matches, my 26" barrel AR is the basis for a 1000 yard rifle, and my 18" AR is for plinking, introducing my children to the AR, and for CQB home defense.

An M1MkII is a converted M1 Garand. In the late '50s and early '60s, while the USMC had adopted the M14, the Navy had mounds of M80 and M118, plus a burgeoning supply of M1 Garands. The Navy inserted an adapter disk into 30M1 barrels, allowing the Garands to fire the 7.62 NATO round. These Garands were designated M1MkII, and were inventoried aboard ships, mostly subs. The downside to the Navy modification is that the adapter disk would sometimes eject with a fired round, going back to 30M1. The Navy Marksmanship Unit capitalized on the conceptual idea, and built their National Match Service Rifles out of M1 Garands rebarreled with match grade barrels with true 308/7.62 NATO match chambers. (I have two Garands, an early Springfield still in 30M1, and a Korean War vintage Harrington and Richardson converted to 308. I find that the 308 Garand is easier to fire in rapid fire stages than the 30M1 Garand.)

The conversion to an M1MkII is actually easy and cost effective. For the first few years that I shot my M1MkII, I never had the mag well block, so all it took was the cost of a Kreiger M1 barrel, and having the chamber cut with a 308 reamer.

I didn't offer a suggestion either way between a Ruger or a S&W for two reasons. First, I am not familiar with either specific product, and second, neither offers a variant that comes close to meeting my personal mission parameters.

Hello,
To begin with I have had my MP10 for a couple months now and have come to love it. Couple issues out of the box but no problems since.
I was looking for one gun to check all the boxes:
>the ability to shoot 600m
>the ability to take elk
>cartridge availability
>ability to upgrade
>ease of maintenance
The above can be done with most any weapon with enough mods, patience and money. I wanted ease.
After much thought .308 was the proper cartridge for my needs. As I was looking for distance and punch anything shorter than 18" was excluded. That dropped the Ruger out (and I have heard a few times the trigger is garbage).
I have never owned an AR platform and have often found them a bit Cliché. So I looked at the M1A Scout Squad. I have actually fired these before and have always thought they would be a cool "other gun". I do not like the mag interface. Slow and clunky. I also don't like the fact that I would have dumped a ton of cash in upgrades to get where I wanted. Also, the action, while proven seems a bit overly complicated with a lot of moving parts. Besides, would the military have made the switch if there were no shortcomings?
I looked at the FNAR but the limited aftermarket and weight shut that down. Also too many moving parts that may be hard to come by in a worst case situation. Another cool "other gun".
In the end I succumbed to the AR platform. I read reviews, watched videos, fondled a few at shops and at the end of the day, dollar for dollar and all my boxes checked the M&P10 was the way to go. And I am really glad I did.
I have made some mods. Milspec stock (quieter and no slop), Houge rubber grip, Scope and I did a trigger job on it. The trigger was great out of the box but I wanted to tinker (how I get to know things) and it made a huge difference. No creep, no crunch, just a nice clean snap.
So as other posters have said, it really is up to you and your needs. What checks the boxes?
As to Ruger, I have quite a few, and like them all, but the reports of the trigger (replaceable) and cost cooled me off. I also really don't get a .308/762 with anything less than an 18" barrel. Kinda defeats the purpose of the round.
Hope that helps a bit.

I'll be short. Had an M1 scout and a Ruger 762. Both are sold in favor of 2 DPMS G2's and an M&P 10. The gas guns are simpler and lighter. Haven't seen any better accuracy out any of them compared to the others. Comes down to price, weight and parts. I would rather have 3 AR-10s that are similar platform then the 2 different high priced guns. I've never had any problems with any of them.

If I were to do it all over again, I'd buy an Aero 7.62 Upper & lower and build from there. But, by no means am I getting rid of the M&P10.

Ok thanks for all your input. I will probably go 2 directions. An M1 or Ruger and an M&P 10 or other AR10 platform. Probably will do the AR10 platform 1st then maybe next year go for the M1. Chipper, I agree that for the AR platform..gas guns are simpler and lighter. but they are also less reliable under severe conditions just like the AR 15 is compared to the AK. They are technologically better, but for a war scenario not necessarily mpre reliable...meaning they have dirty gases impinging directly on the BCG. As long as there is time to keep clean its superior. JMO.. and I am not at war nor do I have plans to be.. so it's just an intellectual argument for my use personally. I digressed...alot Anyway I will do what I have done all my gun collecting life when I have a quandary like this.Get both... then sell the one I don't like IF that happens. Sometimes it does.. other times I still have both. A simple example would be a 10mm pistol vs a .45ACP.. I just bought them both and still like both and keep both. Again thanks for your input.. when I acquire one I will post pics.

Considering that you are in NE Ohio, I would suggest that you might make a run to Port Clinton and stop by the CMP store and look at their selection of Garands. You might also take a ride past the ranges. It is a great place to visit!

Mbliss57, your basic premise on the AK vs AR is pretty much correct. However, the M1 isn't as robust. It has a mud problem because of how the system is setup. The action jambs if mud gets into it.

Well just to circle back here guys I found a Ruger SR762 at a very good price $1625 delivered including shipping and transfer fees. My LGS that usually gives me decent pricing wanted almost $1900 OTD. That's when I went internet searching. I Plan to take it for a spin this weekend or next, week. Any optic that I should consider for shooting target out to 400-500 yards. 400 is there more probable based on real-estate.
Thanks for your help. Ammo is on its way. 168gr HPBT
Thanks.

Not a bad price. The 7.62/.308 ARs have pretty much stayed rock solid on the selling price. That is about what I paid for my M&P10.

As far as the scope, it depends. Opinions will vary on which one to get. I wouldn't go less than mid grade (Nikon, Weaver, Vortex). It also depends on whether you want a standard reticule, quick dial turrents, or a BDC. It's all going to be personal opinion and there are many of them out there. I went with the Nikon M-308 which is designed specifically for an AR shooting 168 grain .308 Winchester rounds.

I have to second sgtsandman's comments on the glass. Until my accident in '07 that left me disabled, I was an iron sight shooter. Things have now changed. I shoot F class matches, and scopes are the norm.

On my F Open 7mm Remington Magnum, I have mounted a Viper Vortex scope. On my AR F T/R, I have an older Weaver T10. On my 2 600 yard and under Remington 700s, I have a Weaver T10 and a Weaver T16. The biggest factor when it comes to glass, is what your wallet can handle.

AR10 is not a platform or a type. It is a registered trademark for an Armalite rifle. Using it as a generic for any MSR in .308 is a violation of Armalite's rights, and could lead to legal action.

Gamecock said:

AR10 is not a platform or a type. It is a registered trademark for an Armalite rifle. Using it as a generic for any MSR in .308 is a violation of Armalite's rights, and could lead to legal action.

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Same as using "Kleenex" for any facial tissue, but I'm pretty sure they're not suing anybody but people who make, market and sell tissue.

My AR10 is a DPMS Oracle ATAC, which I bought because my AR15 is a DPMS Oracle which I was very pleased with. The AR10 has performed equally well. No malfunctions to speak of, and the fit and finish is very nice. I'm not a long range shooter or a hunter, and I'm primarily interested in those rifles for their intended purpose, which is self and home defense. Can't go wrong with DPMS, IMHO . . .

To the OP, Gamecock is technically correct. In certain circles, a fight of some sort will break out similar to calling a magazine a clip.

The M&P10 is more of an LR308/SR25 format than an AR10. The problem is that most of these rifles made by the various companies have something proprietary about them and they do not follow a set format like the AR15 does. So calling it any of those names is technically incorrect but if you are going to use one the DPMS format or LR308 format would be the closest to correct. Also, when it comes to getting parts and accessories, the DPMS, LR308, SR25 format is what you'll be looking for. AR10 stuff, to the most part, will not fit. Even then, some stuff you will need to pay attention to. For example, the rail height on the M&P10 follows only one of the LR308 formats set by DPMS, low or high but off hand, I can't remember which one it is. One of the hand guard threads will answer that question.