The AR-10: Why You Should Consider Owning One

Feature | The AR-10: Why You Should Consider Owning One

The AR-10 is the lesser-known and used cousin to be AR-15, but it might be a good idea to get your hands on one before markets close and things get more serious across the country.

Tips on Owning an AR-10

What Is an AR-10 Used For?

Everything! This is a bit of an oversimplification, but, indeed, the AR-10 was originally developed to fulfill the need for a versatile rifle that can take care of both long-distance and medium-range tactical engagements.

It's essentially an update to the AR-15 platform, with a similar lightweight build and a gas operating system.

The AR 10 uses a pistol bolt carrier and rotary bolt locking mechanism. Its design allows its chamber .308 Winchester Rounds (or 7.62 NATO depending on what you like).

It looks very similar to the AR-15, but it can produce better accuracy at greater distances and provide even more stopping power. As a result, it’s recently seen a resurgence among military marksmen and civilians looking for excellent hunting or defensive weapons.

What’s the Difference Between an AR-10 and AR-15?

The biggest difference between the AR-10 and AR-15 is that the AR10 can use .308 Winchester Rounds, which are more expensive and powerful. AR-15s use lighter 5.56 NATO rounds and are much more customizable, featuring interchangeable magazines in a little more variability in their designs.

Furthermore, AR-15s are lighter and shorter than AR-10s. AR-15s are easier to use and are more commonplace while AR-10s are bulkier, bigger, and better at a distance or if you need to take down big game.

The AR10 also has a minor advantage over the AR-15 in that it controls recoil a little more effectively.

Where Can You Own an AR-10?

The AR-10 is classified as an assault weapon, meaning that any state that outlaws these types of weapons automatically outlaws the AR10 as a side effect.

The states in which you can own one are:

  • Alabama
  • Alaska
  • Arizona
  • Arkansas
  • Colorado
  • Delaware
  • Florida
  • Georgia
  • Hawaii
  • Idaho
  • Illinois
  • Indiana
  • Iowa
  • Kansas
  • Kentucky
  • Louisiana
  • Maine
  • Michigan
  • Minnesota to some extent
  • Mississippi
  • Missouri
  • Montana
  • Nebraska
  • Nevada
  • New Hampshire
  • New Mexico
  • North Carolina
  • Ohio
  • Oklahoma
  • Oregon
  • Pennsylvania
  • Rhode Island
  • South Carolina
  • South Dakota
  • Tennessee
  • Texas
  • Utah
  • Vermont
  • West Virginia
  • Wisconsin
  • Wyoming

Can you own an AR-10 in California? Not at this time, as California is one of the states that prohibits anyone from possessing an assault weapon with a few exceptions (like if you owned it before the date the AR10 was defined as an assault weapon).

These are the states in which you can’t own an AR-10:

  • California
  • Connecticut
  • Maryland
  • Massachusetts
  • New Jersey
  • New York
  • the District of Columbia
  • Virginia
  • Washington

Top AR-10 Recommendations

1. Wilson Combat AR-10 Recon Tactical

This is an excellent tactical rifle hand-built for match-grade ammunition. It can take .308 Winchester and 6.5 Creedmoor rounds and features a medium-weight stainless steel barrel. This allows you to sustain a high rate of fire and excellent accuracy.

It’s a fantastic weapon platform for tactical training or hard-core hunting. It’s also a great build if you want to add different accessories or attachments to it, like scopes or special stocks.

2. Wilson Combat AR-10 Super Sniper

As the name suggests, this is a fantastic sharpshooting rifle. It's a semiautomatic build with a precision button stainless steel barrel and a 1-10” twist that delivers excellent results up to 1000 yards.

It also features a free-floating rail that allows you to mount different accessories to the rifle depending on your preferences.

3. Wilson Combat AR10 Ranger

This 20+1 capacity AR-10 rifle is lightweight and very easy to handle. It has a tactical and ergonomic feel, plus a rapid trigger design so you can put bullets downrange quickly and accurately.

It’s an awesome self-defense or general target practice gun, with plenty of customization options thanks to the free-floating rail.

So if you're looking for a hunting gun that's better at shooting at long distances, you should definitely get the AR-10!

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Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on April 6, 2020, and has been updated for quality and relevancy.

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