ARMALITE AR10

[CLASSIC12]

So about this rifle, it was for sale, I tried buying it, then seller decided to keep it, then he had a WTB ad for a 1911A1, I had a 1942 Colt I was willing to part with, and we finally agreed to an even exchange.

After a wait for the special full auto license, and some delays by the Swiss post, the rifle arrived yesterday. It seems to be in nice condition for its age with some wear and patina, character really.

I could say a lot about the rifle, but only about what I observed compared to the AR 15 / M16 I already own since I don’t know anything about it’s provenance, history or pedigree so I thought I’d better let the pictures do the talking

And after a quick check / lube, I rushed to the range to try it out, in semi auto only for now

Barrel was dirty and or corroded and pitted so I was afraid the bullets would come out sideways and keyhole

But it shot ok at 50 meters with nice round holes

One drawback though is the charging handle hitting me in the cheek so I had to back up my head farther from the handle and sight, which makes it harder to have a nice sight picture and shoot accurately. And it’s a very light rifle so it kicks noticeably with .308.

In any case I am elated to have acquired this piece of history. It complements nicely my trio (XM 177E2, M16A1, M16A2).

 

[colt_saa]

Congrtaulations,
Another absolutely breathtaking example of the Modern Arms of Man

I have always wanted and AR-10 and even with all the clones floating around that can be bought, to this day, I still want an original AR-10



I never got to meet Eugene Stoner, but I have made acquaintances with Reed Knight.

Eugene Stoner's office at Armalite has been rebuilt (with the original drafting table and furniture) in Reed Knight's museum.

The two times I have been through the museum I was in awe each time as to what these two gentlemen developed over the decades

If you have a copy of the "Black Book" there is a page with a photograph of the Armalite prototype AR15, serial number 0000002 and the caption reads something along the lines of serial number 0000001 is presumed destroyed. That book is sitting open to that page and it is mounted just below Armalite AR15 serial number 0000001. That display just always makes me smile

So what is the next addition?

A Stoner 63 perhaps?

 

[29aholic]

Those are a handful in FA mode.

 

[CLASSIC12]

Congrtaulations,
Another absolutely breathtaking example of the Modern Arms of Man

I have always wanted and AR-10 and even with all the clones floating around that can be bought, to this day, I still want an original AR-10



I never got to meet Eugene Stoner, but I have made acquaintances with Reed Knight.

Eugene Stoner's office at Armalite has been rebuilt (with the original drafting table and furniture) in Reed Knight's museum.

The two times I have been through the museum I was in awe each time as to what these two gentlemen developed over the decades

If you have a copy of the "Black Book" there is a page with a photograph of the Armalite prototype AR15, serial number 0000002 and the caption reads something along the lines of serial number 0000001 is presumed destroyed. That book is sitting open to that page and it is mounted just below Armalite AR15 serial number 0000001. That display just always makes me smile

So what is the next addition?

A Stoner 63 perhaps?

That’s a great anecdote

I think a nice M14 would be fitting too.

 

[torizus]

I would have been hard pressed to let go of a 42 colt but this is a trade that would do it.

Nice job.

 

[Mrnurse]

Classic 12... Here in America that would be a $75,000.00 USD rifle IF....IF you could locate one. You Swiss..... Im Envious, Beautiful Country, Great Food, Great Social Structure among its citizens.... Ill Trade Passports with you.

 

[biku324]

That's only different from the Colombian contract AR-10s in the furniture. Nice find!

 

[firefighterjohn]

Wow, thanks for sharing. Never saw one in that much detail. Almost every component you shown has that 'crown' stamp on it. I'll bet you'd have to hang on in auto mode.

 

[JayCeeNC]

An incredibly valuable "modern" classic rifle; the gun from which all AR style firearms descended.

Congrats on acquiring it.

 

[kmyers]

That is an addition I wish I had one like it.

 

[Igiveup]

Nice! Got any pictures?

 

[CLASSIC12]

I field stripped it again and took a look at the bolt and carrier. Obviously the firing pin is huge, the bolt is huge compared to the AR15. It’s also in a very good condition with hardly any carbon buildup.

I also checked the charging handle. There is an internal ball detent and a ridge in the upper that is supposed to keep the handle from riding the BCG and hitting me in the face. The spring seems strong, so I’m not sure what the problem is, maybe it’s the design, hence the modification to an external hook on the charging handle on the AR15.

On the good news, after firing 20 rounds and a good scrubbing and cleaning, the barrel condition is better than I expected.

 

[Qc Pistolero]

I used to have one in the '80s.Loved it and shot a few Ks and sold it before our crazy gunlaws in Canada would take it away.
While the fiberglass on yours is brown,mine was black.Now please take what is coming up with a grain of salt as it comes from the memories of a man who is getting old and I might be wrong.But if I remember correctly,the first two contracts for the AR10 were for Portugal(black ones)and Congo(brown ones)maybe not in that order.They gave such good service that U.S.military took note and asked Mr.Stoner to develop a similar one in 5.56.Like they say,the rest is history!