AR10 vs AR15: Which Rifle Is Better?
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The AR-15 and AR-10 are two of the most popular rifles in history. The AR-10 was developed by former marine and Armalite ordinance technician, Eugene Stoner. Though it wasn’t adopted by the U.S. military, it birthed the AR-15 which was a lightweight and short-barreled variation. It was therefore perfect for paratroopers. All guns are great for serving a particular purpose. 9mm pistols for example are affordable and versatile which makes them the go-to pistol caliber for anyone. We’re therefore going to compare the AR-10 and AR-15 rifles to help determine which is perfect for you.
Quick Overview
These two rifles are nearly identical. They both use a rotating bolt design and a direct impingement gas system. The AR-10 fires 7.62×51 ammo while the AR-15 fires .223/5.56 ammo. The AR-10 rifle is, therefore, bigger, and more powerful which allows shooters to carry more rounds of ammo.
Why Choose the AR-10?
The AR-10 would be your best bet if you’re looking for power at long distances combined with the best accuracy. The .308 caliber bullet packs a punch and therefore the rifle is also good for hunting. It can drop most game animals maybe except large bears.
The AR-10 is ideal for long-distance shooting and has an effective range of between 600 to 1000 yards. This long-range capability is what makes the AR-10 a favorite for snipers in law enforcement agencies. If you want to make those long shots or you’re hunting dangerous game up close, then pick the AR-10.
Why Choose the AR-15?
The AR-15 is a shorter-range rifle. It is extremely effective for shooting between 300 to 500 yards. When you don’t need that much stopping power or extra range, then the AR-15 is the rifle for you. The AR-15 is popular because it is fun to shoot and inexpensive. This popularity means that its ammunition and spare parts are affordable and available in most local gun stores. You can therefore do almost anything with your rifle. For example, you could reconfigure your rifle with minimal tools.
Using .223 rounds, you can still hunt white-tailed deer at a close range. In jurisdictions where it is prohibited to hunt deer with calibers under .24 inches, AR-15 rifles are still used to hunt varmints and predators.
Though the AR-15 lacks power and range, it has excellent shootability. It is less awkward especially in close quarters due to its lightweight and less recoil. With a large 30-round magazine, you will be able to shoot faster and more efficiently than the AR-10. Therefore, the AR-15 is a great rifle for law enforcement, military, and home defense applications.
Choosing between the AR-10 and AR-15 is easier said than done. Both rifles are great but depending on the application one would be slightly better than the other. The AR-10 is great if you want to engage in long-range shooting or need stopping power to hunt big game. On the other hand, the AR-15 is affordable, easier to handle, and great for shooting targets under 500 yards. Though it lacks that extra bang, you can consistently hit targets that are at closer range.
Author Bio
After doing her BA from ASU, Marcie Young held various jobs in different industries. She is now passionate about growing her blog where she writes about various topics related to gun safety, firearms ownership, and self-defense. She is a strong advocate of the 2nd amendment after a horrible experience she has had on the streets.