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.

Here at GrabAGun, we are looking to match the right gun with our customers needs, including an assortment of the best AR 10s, AR 15s, bulk ammo, AR-10 magazines, and AR-15 magazines available! Get your favorite guns for sale online at GrabAGun!

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

TypeAR-10
SKUGAG_DB1032C001-141091
ManufacturerDiamondback
ModelDB10
Caliber.308 Win
Barrel Length18”
Capacity20-Rounds
Weight8.73 lbs
PriceMore Expensive
ApplicationHunting, Long Range Shooting
AR-15
SKUGAG_AS-8500R
ManufacturerRuger
ModelAR 556
Caliber.223 Rem/5.56 NATO
Barrel Length16.1”
Capacity30-Rounds
Weight6.5 lbs
PriceMore Affordable
ApplicationHome 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

Best Of: AR-15 Lowers

Whether you are a beginner or an experienced gun builder, picking the right AR lower is important for your rifle build. Not sure what exactly you are looking for? GrabAGun has you covered! Our online store offers stripped and fully assembled lower receivers made of high quality materials from the best in the business. Shop online at GrabAGun today and receive the best deals on your AR-15 lowers and AR-15 parts kits

What is a Lower Receiver?

Shopping for a lower and other AR-15 accessories can either be a fun or a daunting process depending on your experience level. Even though there are many lowers to choose from, each shooter can individualize their rifle with a lower that features designs and accessories that reflect their personality. An AR lower receiver, or lower, is the bottom half of your AR rifle build. You can choose to buy a stripped lower and then complete it with your choice of parts kit, stock, grip, trigger, and receiver extension, or you might prefer to purchase a complete lower that is fully assembled and ready to go! With the addition of a complete upper, you will be ready to add sights or your optic of choice, and then shoot your new rifle. It is important to note that the AR lower receiver is serialized and is subject to regulation.

Lowers come in different colors, finishes, and materials that can change the look and feel of your entire gun. Some lowers even have eye-catching designs etched into them that will make your AR the most unique rifle at the range! Depending on how you plan to use your AR-15, you want to make sure you get the correct lower that fits your needs. There are typically three types of lower receivers: 

Forged Billet Polymer
Forged aluminum receivers are the most popular type of lower. Superheated and hammered into the shape of a lower, these receivers are typically lighter than Billet receivers and are the strongest. However, the lower has to be chiseled down after forging to take off any excess aluminum. This can lead to imperfections in the fit and finish if too little or too much aluminum is taken off. Billet receivers are usually milled out of a block of aluminum. Since these lowers are milled by machines, they are extremely precise and are highly customizable. However, they can be a bit heavier due to excess materials usually used for a design on the lower. They are technically less strong than a forged receiver since the aluminum isn’t hammer forged. The polymer receivers are cut from polymer instead of aluminum. These are still fairly new and are much weaker than the other two. While these are still catching on in popularity, these lowers are much cheaper and lighter. This makes them a great option for a shooter on a budget or for someone wanting a lightweight build.

In the end, it is up to you to decide which type of receiver fits your AR-15 build. Go to GrabAGun online to check out all types of AR-15 lowers and get the best deal today!

Top AR-15 Lowers

We have a variety of popular lowers that are fan favorites among GrabAGun customers. Listed below are some of the top rated lower receiver brands to date:

Spike’s Tactical

If you are planning a build or just collecting lowers for a rainy day, you can’t go wrong with Spike’s Tactical lower receivers. The Spike’s Tactical AR-15 Stripped Lower Receivers are lowers that feature precisely milled and machined dimensions, threads, and fire control group sockets. Capable of accepting any AR-15 style upper receiver, these lowers are an excellent option for building a rifle from the ground up! This lower has a MIL-A-8625F Type III Class 2 Hard Coat Anodized finish and is made out of 7075 T6 forged aluminum. The safety selector markings are engraved as universal bullet pictogram markings and the magazine well is emblazoned with the instantly recognizable Spike’s spider logo. Not only can you get the spider logo on your lower receiver, but Spike’s Tactical has many other logos such as a Jolly Roger skull and crossbones, the punisher logo, a Viking logo, and more!

Aero Precision

Not feeling like building your AR-15 pistol fully from scratch? You may want to think about getting an AR-15 Complete Lower Receiver! This Aero Precision AR15 Pistol Complete Lower Receiver is the perfect base while also coming completely attached with a billet trigger guard with the aero precision logo, an enhanced pistol receiver extension, and a standard lower parts kit. This receiver is machined from 7075-T6 forged aluminum and comes with the Magpul MOE grip for extra value. GrabAGun has many other complete lowers and AR accessories for your pistol build so shop online for the best gun deals today! 

Anderson

The Anderson AR-15 Complete Lower Receiver is the perfect receiver that  allows you to drop on an upper, push the pins, and head to the range! Made from a high-strength 7075 T6 aluminum, this complete lower is forged for reliable performance and outstanding durability. The hard anodized finish adds extra strength to the receiver walls and delivers superior abrasion resistance for rugged field use. Precision-machined to ensure drop-in installation of Mil-Spec aftermarket components, this complete lower utilizes the Anderson lower parts kit and is completed with a Magpul 6 position adjustable butt stock for ultimate maneuverability. It also includes a Magpul pistol grip which features removable and replaceable front and rear straps. This lower is the perfect platform for building the ultimate, mission-specific, AR-15 rifle or carbine.

Sharps Bros.

Are you looking for something a bit more unique than just your regular receiver? Then Sharps Bros. may be the brand for you! Their specialty is the AR-15 Stripped Lower Receivers that have designs carved and shaped into the magazine well with great detail, such as a warthog or a pirate-like skull. Milled from strong 7075-T6 aluminum, it has bullet pictogram selector markings on both sides and is ready for your .223/5.56, 6.5 Grendel, or .300 AAC Blackout build. This lower features a heavily flared magwell with an oversized integrated trigger guard and accepts any standard AR-15 pattern magazine, including GI and PMAGS. Fully compatible with all mil-spec internal parts and aftermarket mil-spec upper receivers, you won’t have any trouble building the ultimate, ultra-reliable lower receiver. This amazing looking base platform for your next rifle is finished in an extremely durable mil-spec hardcoat anodized black finish. If you are looking for a unique AR-15 lower receiver, GrabAGun has you covered!

Seekin’s Precision

Every exceptional AR-15 rifle begins with an excellent lower receiver, such as the Seekin’s Precision SP223 Gen 2 Billet Lower. Precision machined from a solid billet of 7075-T6 aluminum to accept mil-spec components, this Seekin’s Precision lower is the perfect platform to begin your next AR build! It has a Seekins Precision Enhanced Bolt Catch, a receiver tensioning screw, an oversized trigger guard, and includes an ambi-bolt stop assembly. Custom screw in dowel pins are used for assembly to eliminate the need for roll pins, hammers, and punches. A quick access mag release and a beveled mag well provides for rapid mag changes and it works with almost all AR-15 magazines. It’s engineered to exceed military specifications with features not found on your standard run-of-the-mill lower receiver!

Ruger

Ruger’s AR-556 Lower Elite is the lower that you have been looking for! It has a six-position telescoping Magpul MOE carbine buttstock and Mil-Spec buffer tube which allows the rifle to be properly sized for different shooters. The ergonomic pistol grip features an extended trigger reach for more precise trigger control. This model also has a two-stage Ruger Elite 452 AR-Trigger with a smooth, crisp trigger pull. Pick up the best Ruger AR-15 lower receiver for sale available on the GrabAGun site now! 

AR Lowers at GrabAGun

GrabAGun has many lowers to choose from and has other gun parts such as uppers, AR parts kits, and triggers! Want to know about more deals on various items in our store? Sign up for our newsletter, The Freedom Team, today and get product notifications, sales updates, and more! You can check out more of our blog posts to get the best of various brands throughout the year. Go to GrabAGun today and check out all of our AR-15 accessories for the best deal.

–Destinee Norman

Seven Things You Need to Know before Buying an AR

One of the most common rifles on the market needs no introduction. The AR, short for ArmaLite, has been a staple of rifles around the world for decades. Though initially considered to be a flop, a lot has changed since its inception. It is now popular internationally, and for good reason.

Because of this popularity, the AR10 and AR15 have numerous myths and facts that surround them. Sometimes, it is hard to differentiate between what is true and what is not. So to help keep you focused on what is important (or interesting) and also true about an AR, here are seven things you need to know before buying one.

1. ARs are completely customizable.

One of the most exciting aspects of owning an AR is the ability to outfit your weapon to your precise specifications. The barrel, stock, grip, receiver, and handguard can all be replaced to make your rifle unique. To add another layer of customization, the receiver is often split into an upper and lower section to allow for even more ways to adjust your AR to your personal taste.

2. They make excellent hunting rifles.

Think about some aspects of a weapon you would like to have when hunting. Light so it does not slow you down. Rugged and durable so it can endure harsh conditions. Most importantly, accuracy, so you will go home with the prize more often than not. ARs are ideal for hunting small game like coyotes and other feral animals.

3. Law enforcement utilizes their defensive capabilities.

Police use some of the most advanced weaponry available to help keep our communities safe. The AR continually makes the list of arms that officers carry. Weapons that are used for that level of defense and security should be optimal for home defense weaponry as well.

4. They come in a range of calibers.

The range of calibers for an AR are numerous. Because of the different sizes of barrels, the functions of the weapon are even more diverse. Sport shooting, home defense, and a wide variety of hunting can all be performed with an AR and its generous range of calibers. This also means that different types of bullets will be used, depending on the caliber of your weapon.

5. The AR is a semi-automatic version of the M16.

The M16 has been one of the most common weapons used by U.S. armed forces since its inception. The M16 is a fully automatic weapon that keeps soldiers of the United States military safe. The AR is modelled off of the M16 as a rifle to help private citizens feel safe and protected.

6. Sport/target shooting is a common pastime with an AR.

Sport shooting often requires your weapon to be accurate and lightweight; two characteristics that the AR offers. For rifle competitions, the AR is more often than not the weapon of choice and typically the rifle that wins the event. Most marksmen would agree that it is a vital weapon for anyone wanting to get involved with sport shooting.

7. There are multiple versions of the AR

The two most common are the AR10 and the AR15. Each have variations in their capabilities, and both are useful and versatile rifles. Analyzing your needs will help determine which type of AR will best work for you. Consider how you want to use your next rifle then gauge the pros and cons of the ARs that fit those needs.

With the extreme versatility of the AR, it is an ideal rifle to purchase for all types of gun owners. It still sits atop the list of modern sporting rifles due to its extreme flexibility as a weapon. This list gives you an introduction to why the AR-10 or AR-15 are so popular. It also gives you an understanding of how the AR can be utilized in your arsenal. Continue to research your state’s laws and the different types of ARs available, and you will be able to find the rifle that works best for you. Can’t decide between the AR 10 and the AR 15? Make sure to check out our blog post to decide which one is best for you!