Which is Better? AR-10 Vs. AR-15
“If you think the AR-15 is too much, get the AR-10. That is five fewer ARs”
As two of the most popular and successful guns on the market, the AR-10 and AR-15 have always been pitted against each other. There has been a long lasting debate on whether the AR-10 or AR-15 is “better”, with some saying the power and distance of the AR-10 outmatches the versatility and maneuverability of the AR-15 or vice versa. Let’s break down these ARs and see what the difference is between the two.
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History of The AR
Many people are under the impression that AR stands for “Assault Rifle”, but in reality it stands for “Armalite Rifle”, for the company at which it was founded. Armalite was established in 1954 when they built the AR-1, a weapon developed for paratroopers. After many variations of this rifle, including the popular AR-7 survival rifle, Armalite eventually built the infamous AR-10.
The AR-10 was created to compete with the AK-47s and M14s used during the Vietnam War. Not only was the AR-10 a smaller and lighter gun to carry, but it was more accurate than other rifles that used gas piston technology. The AR-10 used the direct impingement system which piped gas directly into the receiver, which then cycled into the bolt carrier. Chambered for the 7.62x51mm NATO cartridge, this rifle was a full pound lighter than other military rifles. The long-range capability actually makes the AR-10 a favorite for long-range shooters. Looking for AR 10 or AR 15 rifle deals? Go to GrabAGun.com and shop now!
The AR-10 had plenty of influence in new models of the AR. With the newly developed and lighter 5.56 NATO rounds, there was a request to use this new chambering in a new AR, and thus the AR-15 was born. The AR-15 was way lighter than the AR-10 and used lighter 5.56 NATO ammo. In 1959, Colt bought the rights to the AR-10 and AR-15 to start production for civilian use. The AR-15 has now become one of the most famous rifles in the US with almost 20 million AR-15 style rifles in circulation. Interested in an AR 10 or AR 15 rifle? Get an AR and bulk 5.56 ammo for sale online at GrabAGun!
The AR-10 and AR-15
While most people have a preference for either the AR-10 or the AR-15, both have similar internal functions and external styles. For example, they both have a rotating bolt design, use the same trigger group, are customizable, and many ARs have interchangeable parts. However, the significant difference between the two is the caliber, which leads to differences in things like rifling, weight, and ballistic performance. Today, these rifles are available in a variety of chamberings outside of their initial calibers which can lead to minimal differences even between different AR-10s or AR-15s.
Why Should You Buy The AR-10?
Looking at the differences between a .223 Rem/5.56 NATO AR-15 and the .308 Win AR-10, the AR-10 excels at long distance shooting. With heavier ammunition, the AR-10 has a longer effective range. So, this probably isn’t a great home defense weapon unless BigFoot is trying to steal your fridge. While the heavier ammo leads to longer range accuracy, this makes the rifle heavier and the capacity lower. When you shop for an AR-10, you are mostly going to find .308 Win magazines with 20-rounds or lower. AR-10s can also have more proprietary parts depending on the manufacturer, so more research may be required if you are building a rifle instead of buying a complete AR. If you are a hunter, a long range target shooter, and someone who doesn’t mind a heftier weapon, the AR-10 may be the better option for you! Get an AR 10 for sale from GrabAGun along with your bulk .308 Win ammo and spare magazines today!
Why Should You Buy The AR-15?
The AR-15 overall is more popular than the AR-10 and is one of the most popular firearm platforms in the US. The AR-15 is inexpensive as it is easy to shoot. The ammo is cheaper and it is a little easier to find spare parts and mags. There is great interchangeability between different manufacturer’s parts if you are building an AR-15 as well. With a lighter 5.56 NATO round, the AR-15 is usually lighter and you will be able to find higher capacity 30-round magazines. Even though it is considered a shorter range weapon than the AR-10, the AR-15 is still highly effective between 300 and 500 yards. The AR-15 is well equipped for predators and varmints, but isn’t the best for hunting deer or larger animals. It is also less awkward in close quarters, making it a great home defense weapon, and offers more accurate and faster shots. If you are a target shooter, are looking for a home defense weapon, or just need something lighter, the AR-15 could be the better option! Get your AR 15 for sale at GrabAGun today. We have everything you need for an AR 15 at the prices you’ll love!
Specs Breakdown
| Type | AR-10 |
| SKU | GAG_DB1032C001-141091 |
| Manufacturer | Diamondback |
| Model | DB10 |
| Caliber | .308 Win |
| Barrel Length | 18” |
| Capacity | 20-Rounds |
| Weight | 8.73 lbs |
| Price | More Expensive |
| Application | Hunting, Long Range Shooting |
| AR-15 | |
| SKU | GAG_AS-8500R |
| Manufacturer | Ruger |
| Model | AR 556 |
| Caliber | .223 Rem/5.56 NATO |
| Barrel Length | 16.1” |
| Capacity | 30-Rounds |
| Weight | 6.5 lbs |
| Price | More Affordable |
| Application | Home Defense, Plinking, Target Shooting |
Like the look of these two AR rifles? The Diamondback DB10 AR-10 style rifle from GrabAGun.com could be exactly what you are looking for! This rifle is chambered in .308 Win, has an M-LOK handguard, a Magpul CTR stock, and comes optic ready. For an AR-15 style rifle, get the Ruger AR 556. This AR-15 style rifle is chambered in .223 Rem/5.56 NATO, has a 6-position telescoping M4-style buttstock, a Ruger flash suppressor, and adjustable sights. Get the AR 15, AR 10, and bulk ammo in your caliber of choice from GrabAGun today!
Which is Better?
At the end of the day, both of these guns are great when performing the tasks that they are made for. For example, the AR-15 is amazing when you are walking long distances or maneuvering on rough terrain. However, the AR-10 is amazing when hunting bigger game or needing to shoot accurately at long distance. Do you enjoy hunting big game or are you looking for a more accurate weapon at 750 yards? The AR-10 is for you. Are you looking for a gun that is easier to shoot, cheaper, and has better maneuverability at ranges under 500 yards? Then definitely get the AR-15. You can go back and forth all day on the pros and cons of these rifles because they truly are two sides of the same coin. So, when it really comes down to it, it is completely up to you and what you are needing in a new rifle. If you still can’t decide which one to get, maybe ask yourself, “why not both?”
–Destinee Norman