The AR-10 and AR-15 are two popular firearms that are often compared against each other. While they have many similarities, there are several key differences between the two. In this post, we will discuss the major differences between the AR-10 and AR-15 in the form of points and elaborate on each point.

Size and Weight

The AR-10 and AR-15 are both semi-automatic rifles, but the AR-10 is larger and heavier than the AR-15. The AR-10 was designed to fire a larger caliber cartridge, which necessitated a larger and heavier frame. The AR-15, on the other hand, was designed to be lightweight and easy to handle.

Caliber

The caliber of a firearm refers to the diameter of the bullet that it fires. The AR-10 was designed to fire the 7.62x51mm NATO cartridge, which is a larger round than the .223 Remington cartridge that the AR-15 fires. The larger cartridge of the AR-10 provides greater stopping power, but it also generates more recoil.

Magazine Capacity

The AR-10 typically has a lower magazine capacity than the AR-15 due to the larger size of the 7.62x51mm NATO cartridge. The AR-10 usually has a magazine capacity of 10 rounds or less, while the AR-15 can have a magazine capacity of up to 30 rounds.

Recoil

The larger cartridge of the AR-10 generates more recoil than the .223 Remington cartridge of the AR-15. This makes the AR-10 less easy to shoot for some, especially beginner shooters.

Range

The larger cartridge of the AR-10 provides a greater range than the .223 Remington cartridge of the AR-15. The AR-10 is capable of accurately engaging targets at longer distances, making it a popular choice for long-range shooting and hunting.

Cost

The AR-10 is generally more expensive than the AR-15 due to its larger size and more complex design. The cost of ammunition for the AR-10 is also higher than the cost of ammunition for the AR-15.

Availability

The AR-15 is more widely available than the AR-10 due to its popularity and widespread use. This makes it easier to find replacement parts, magazines, and accessories for the AR-15.

Purpose

The AR-10 was designed as a battle rifle for military use, while the AR-15 was designed as a sporting rifle for civilian use. While both rifles can be used for hunting and target shooting, the AR-10 is better suited for military and law enforcement applications.

Compatibility

The AR-10 and AR-15 are not interchangeable in terms of parts and accessories. While some components may look similar, they are not interchangeable due to the different sizes and dimensions of the two rifles.

Legal Differences

In the United States, there are legal differences between the AR-10 and AR-15. The AR-15 is more widely available and can be purchased in most states without any additional licensing or paperwork. The AR-10, on the other hand, is considered a "restricted" firearm in some states and requires additional licensing and paperwork to purchase.

While the AR-10 and AR-15 share some similarities, they are different firearms that are designed for different purposes. The AR-10 is a larger, heavier, and more powerful rifle that is designed for military and law enforcement applications, while the AR-15 is a lightweight, versatile rifle that is designed for civilian use. Understanding the differences between the two rifles can help you choose the one that is best suited to your needs and preferences.