This version of the AR-10 is the most basic, representing a 7.62 NATO version of the AR-15 H-Bar. The carry handle is integral to the upper receiver. Front sight is integral to the gas block. National Match sights are standard. A muzzle brake is installed in place of a flash hider.
Apart from a rough guard and extremely tight detent plunger for the winter trigger, fit and finish are as good or better than any other AR type that I have handled. Upper and lower receiver fit is not tight, but not sloppy. Upon initial disassembly and cleaning I found the carrier, bolt, pins and pivots were dry and required lubrication. The rear sight was also dry, but adjusted nicely once properly lubed.
The standard trigger is slightly better on this example than some AR types, though still heavy and creepy. A two-stage National Match trigger is available and is worthwhile.
Two magazines, a sling, and an operator's manual are provided. The
operator's manual is concise, clear, and well illustrated. Operation and
maintenance is typical of AR-15/M-16 types. It would be helpful if ArmaLite
would produce and include in the accessory package a cleaning kit designed for
this chambering that fits the in the buttstock assembly. Until then, I guess an
AR-15 kit with a 30 caliber bore brush will have to suffice.
With the bolt closed, a fully loaded magazine was inserted into the rifle and the charging handle operated to chamber a round. Compared to a standard AR, a bit more effort was required for this procedure due to the heavier action spring and the "no extra capacity" design of the magazine mandated by our friends at ATF.
One round was fired at 25 yards to determine if the rifle was zeroed.
Factory settings placed this shot squarely in the one inch black I used for this
test. The rifle was then completely disassembled, inspected, and cleaned.
NOTE: Armalite recommends a 100 round break-in procedure for their target barrels. The AR-10A2 comes with a standard 1in 12 twist chrome lined barrel and no break-in is required. Still, I feel that a break-in procedure will help to maximize the accuracy potential of any barrel. Thus, the break-in procedure was followed on this bore during the period of this test. Whether this had any effect on accuracy, I can only speculate.
Having on hand 50 rounds of Federal Classic 150 gr. softpoints, I decided to fire these first. Because I did not want lead from the softpoint smeared into the chamber and bore, each round was dropped into the chamber by hand and the bolt then released. The bore (only) was cleaned after each shot for the first 12 rounds. From 12 to 50 the bore was cleaned after every 3 rounds. The bore was cleaned every 10 rounds from 50 to 200.
This first series was fired over a period of one and a half days. About half were fired using the iron sights, and the others using a Weaver V10 (two to ten power) variable scope mounted by way of the B-Square mount for AR types which attaches to the carry handle.
Average 3 shot groups for iron sights was 2.5 inches at 100 yards, 1.5 inches with the scope. Cases were consistently ejected about eight feet to the right and forward . Measured velocity averaged 2795 fps with a standard deviation of 17.
The next test used Federal Premium 150 gr. Ballistic Tip ammunition. The supplied magazines were used. The first round from each magazine was loaded into the chamber via the charging handle. Ten rounds were then fired semi-auto for group, again about half with the scope and half with iron sights.
Ten shot groups with iron sights averaged 3 MOA, 1.5 MOA with the scope. Measured velocity averaged 2781 fps with a standard deviation of 14.8. I feel that this rifle is capable of better accuracy and would benefit from the installation of a match trigger and a quality scope.
Shooting at paper is informative, but practical shooting is more fun. The next test consisted of setting up my favorite reactive targets (water filled plastic gallon jugs) at 200 yards. Firing offhand and using the iron sights, I had no trouble at all hitting. The first shot resulted in a very loud bang immediately followed by a pleasing "WHOOMP" as the Nosler Ballistic Tip turned the jug into shredded plastic and water vapor. Subsequent shots at remaining targets were equally gratifying.
200 rounds were fired in this initial testing period. During the test only
the bore had been cleaned. The rifle was then completely disassembled,
inspected, and cleaned. Although the gas system had become quite dirty, no
malfunctions of any kind occurred during the testing process. No unusual wear
was detected, in fact, I feel the break in process is not yet complete. I did
notice that some of the Ballistic Tip ammo showed prominent marking of case
heads in the area of the ejector plunger, though no other signs of excessive
pressure were evident.
I like the AR-10A2 ! Accuracy is quite good for a battle rifle type. Functioning was perfect over the period of the test. Although making the .308 sound like a heavy magnum, the muzzle brake is quite effective in limiting muzzle rise, helping the shooter maintain the sight picture. Certain accessories designed for the AR-15 fit the AR-10, including the DPMS ambidextrous selector switch. Armalite offers 10 round or 20 round magazines for increased capacity. Those who like the ergonomics of the AR15 / M-16, but desire a more powerful and versatile chambering will appreciate Armalite's AR10 series.
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