The AR-10 is a popular semi-automatic rifle that is renowned for its accuracy, durability, and versatility. It's a favorite among hunters, competitive shooters, and gun enthusiasts alike. If you own an AR-10, plan to build one, or want to gift it to someone, you should know the different parts that make up the rifle. Here is a comprehensive list of AR-10 parts you should know.

Upper Receiver

The upper receiver is the uppermost part of the rifle. It houses the bolt carrier group (BCG) and the barrel. The upper receiver is usually made of aluminum, and it attaches to the lower receiver.

Lower Receiver

The lower receiver is the lowermost part of the rifle. It houses the trigger mechanism, magazine well, and buffer assembly. The lower receiver is also made of aluminum and attaches to the upper receiver.

Barrel

The barrel is an essential part of the AR-10. It's responsible for accuracy and range. The AR-10 barrel comes in different lengths, and it's made of different materials. The length of the barrel you choose will depend on your intended use. Longer barrels are best for long-range shooting, while shorter barrels are more suitable for close-range shooting.

Bolt Carrier Group (BCG)

This is the heart of the AR-10. It's responsible for chambering, extracting, and ejecting the cartridge. The BCG is made up of the bolt, carrier, firing pin, and cam pin. The BCG is responsible for the rifle's reliability, so it's crucial to get a high-quality BCG.

Charging Handle

This part is responsible for cycling the BCG. It's located on the upper receiver's right-hand side and is used to pull the BCG back to chamber a round.

Gas Block

It regulates the gas that operates the rifle. It's located at the end of the barrel and is attached to the gas tube. The gas block comes in two types: adjustable and non-adjustable. An adjustable gas block allows you to adjust the gas flow, which can improve accuracy and reduce recoil.

Gas Tube

The gas tube connects the gas block to the upper receiver. It's responsible for transporting the gas that operates the rifle.

Handguard

This is the part of the rifle that you hold onto. It's located on the top, bottom, and sides of the barrel. The handguard protects your hands from the heat of the barrel and allows you to attach accessories such as lights, lasers, and foregrips.

Muzzle Device

The muzzle device is located at the end of the barrel and is responsible for reducing recoil and flash. The most common types of muzzle devices are flash hiders, compensators, and muzzle brakes.

Trigger

The trigger is responsible for firing the rifle. The AR-10 trigger comes in two types: single-stage and two-stage. A single-stage trigger has a consistent trigger pull, while a two-stage trigger has a two-stage pull. A two-stage trigger is best for precision shooting.

Buffer Assembly

The buffer assembly is located in the lower receiver and is responsible for reducing recoil. The buffer assembly is made up of the buffer, buffer spring, and buffer tube.

Magazine

The magazine is where you load the rounds. The AR-10 magazine comes in different capacities, and it's essential to get a reliable magazine.

Stock

The stock is the part of the rifle that you shoulder. The AR-10 stock comes in different types, including fixed, collapsible, and adjustable. The type of stock you choose will depend on your intended use.

Understanding the different parts that make up an AR-10 rifle is essential for any gun enthusiast or owner. From the upper receiver and barrel to the bolt carrier group and trigger, each part plays a critical role in the performance and functionality of the firearm. By familiarizing oneself with these components, one can better maintain and customize their AR-10 to suit their specific needs and preferences. Whether for hunting, target shooting, or personal defense, a well-maintained and properly configured AR-10 is a reliable and versatile rifle.