Need Help Armalite AR10 Project/Purchase (GOT IT!)

[HOGTOOTH5R]

Hi guys, I've done some Searching and Reading up on this Rifle. But still would like some inputs in my case. There's a slightly used (Less Than 200rds) Armalite AR10 at a local gun shop. The shop owner is asking $899 for it. It's the Basic A4 Model (I think), with 20" Barrel, regular plastic forearm, Fixed Stock (Green), and basic Grip.

I've been looking to build a Semi Auto .308 and currently has a project lined up. I have a completed DPMS .308 Lower with a work in progress CMMG Upper.

My questions are:

1. Is this rifle a Good Deal to purchase? Seems like brand new they're around $1,500? It's in great shape, the previous owner took good care of it.

2. I understand you can't use the DPMS or PMAG .308 mags for these. Only Armalite/M1A mags. But can I put the Armalite Upper on my DPMS Lower to use the more popular magazines???

3. I've currently invested about $500 to in my DPMS lower, and the upper I'm wanting to build is going to run about $1,000 when all finished. But now I have this chance to buy a Whole Entire Rifle for half the price. Should I just give up on my project and buy this rifle instead? Then sell off what I currently have to make some money back?

What kind of accuracy can I expect from this Basic AR10? I know it's a lot of questions, but I do appreciate very much everyone's help and support here. Thank you all very much for your kind help!

 

[ORD]

Re: Need Help on a Armalite AR10 Project/Purchase

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: HOGTOOTH5R</div><div class="ubbcode-body">My questions are:

1. Is this rifle a Good Deal to purchase? Seems like brand new they're around $1,500? It's in great shape, the previous owner took good care of it. <span style="color: #FF0000">I can't see the rifle or judge it in person or from pics, but $899 doesn't sound like a bad deal at all assuming your description is correct/accurate. You couldn't build one for anywhere near that and the best I've seen for NIB models in the same configuration is around $1350 with used still running around the $1k mark or higher.</span>

2. I understand you can't use the DPMS or PMAG .308 mags for these. Only Armalite/M1A mags. But can I put the Armalite Upper on my DPMS Lower to use the more popular magazines??? <span style="color: #FF0000">NEGATIVE!! DPMS/KAC pattern uppers/lowers are NOT COMPATIBLE/INTERCHANGEABLE with Armalite pattern uppers/lowers.</span>

3. I've currently invested about $500 to in my DPMS lower, and the upper I'm wanting to build is going to run about $1,000 when all finished. But now I have this chance to buy a Whole Entire Rifle for half the price. Should I just give up on my project and buy this rifle instead? Then sell off what I currently have to make some money back? <span style="color: #FF0000">It all depends on what you want/need from the rifle and what your total budget is/was. The platforms (DPMS vs. Armalite) have their advantages/disadvantages based almost exclusively on the magazine compatibility which really isn't much of an issue. Only YOU can determine what YOU want. That said, I'm guessing that you won't be satisfied with a standard A4 Armalite if the upper you want to build out for your DPMS is budgeted at around $1k. At what point are you just exchanging one budget crisis for another?

</span>

What kind of accuracy can I expect from this Basic AR10? I know it's a lot of questions, but I do appreciate very much everyone's help and support here. Thank you all very much for your kind help! <span style="color: #FF0000">Armalite guarantees their factory AR-10A4 standard/rack grade rifles at 1.5-2MOA. In my experience, they generally UNDER VALUE their rifles when placed in the hands of an experienced shooter with proper ammo, etc. YMMV. </span></div></div>

 

[Tx_Flyboy]

Re: Need Help on a Armalite AR10 Project/Purchase

Hogtooth,

$899 is a great price for any 308AR...If the rifle comes configured like you want.

If you know you will have to change things on it (trigger, handguard, stock, etc) then it's probably better to go ahead and build your own.

Having said that, if you are planning to spend $1,000 on the upper, then its likely you may end up spending a lot of money on the Armalite to get it the way you want.

 

[HOGTOOTH5R]

Re: Need Help on a Armalite AR10 Project/Purchase

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ORD</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: HOGTOOTH5R</div><div class="ubbcode-body">My questions are:

1. Is this rifle a Good Deal to purchase? Seems like brand new they're around $1,500? It's in great shape, the previous owner took good care of it. <span style="color: #FF0000">I can't see the rifle or judge it in person or from pics, but $899 doesn't sound like a bad deal at all assuming your description is correct/accurate. You couldn't build one for anywhere near that and the best I've seen for NIB models in the same configuration is around $1350 with used still running around the $1k mark or higher.</span>

2. I understand you can't use the DPMS or PMAG .308 mags for these. Only Armalite/M1A mags. But can I put the Armalite Upper on my DPMS Lower to use the more popular magazines??? <span style="color: #FF0000">NEGATIVE!! DPMS/KAC pattern uppers/lowers are NOT COMPATIBLE/INTERCHANGEABLE with Armalite pattern uppers/lowers.</span>

3. I've currently invested about $500 to in my DPMS lower, and the upper I'm wanting to build is going to run about $1,000 when all finished. But now I have this chance to buy a Whole Entire Rifle for half the price. Should I just give up on my project and buy this rifle instead? Then sell off what I currently have to make some money back? <span style="color: #FF0000">It all depends on what you want/need from the rifle and what your total budget is/was. The platforms (DPMS vs. Armalite) have their advantages/disadvantages based almost exclusively on the magazine compatibility which really isn't much of an issue. Only YOU can determine what YOU want. That said, I'm guessing that you won't be satisfied with a standard A4 Armalite if the upper you want to build out for your DPMS is budgeted at around $1k. At what point are you just exchanging one budget crisis for another?

</span>

What kind of accuracy can I expect from this Basic AR10? I know it's a lot of questions, but I do appreciate very much everyone's help and support here. Thank you all very much for your kind help! <span style="color: #FF0000">Armalite guarantees their factory AR-10A4 standard/rack grade rifles at 1.5-2MOA. In my experience, they generally UNDER VALUE their rifles when placed in the hands of an experienced shooter with proper ammo, etc. YMMV. </span></div></div></div></div>

Thank you So Much for such a Detailed response! It's a Great Help! My current upper is still a project in progress. I've had the Lower for 2 years now. I'm finally deciding to tackle this project after many distractions and other projects (in sig). The $1,000 mark is just a estimate, but so far haven't ordered anything serious yet. Still time/chance to turn back without losing too much $$$. I consider myself a Bolt Gun Guy, but it's just nice to have a Semi Auto in this kind of political storms. I'm think the AR10 route will be a much faster and cheaper way to go than continuing with my custom build. With the way things are and me being so scatter minded who knows how long it'll take me to get this project done. Sigh...

Either way, appreciate Very Much for your kind input!!!

 

[HOGTOOTH5R]

Re: Need Help on a Armalite AR10 Project/Purchase

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Tx_Flyboy</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Hogtooth,

$899 is a great price for any 308AR...If the rifle comes configured like you want.

If you know you will have to change things on it (trigger, handguard, stock, etc) then it's probably better to go ahead and build your own.

Having said that, if you are planning to spend $1,000 on the upper, then its likely you may end up spending a lot of money on the Armalite to get it the way you want.
</div></div>

I thought it was a pretty good deal too. I don't think I'm going to change too much on it if I do buy it. One thing though, I really Like the Trigger on this Gun. It's not a Fancy Match Trigger, but it's kind of a Two Stage Setup with a very light and crisp break. It's pretty darn good for a factory trigger if I do say so myself.

I don't really depend on it to be a LR Match gun, I have my Bolts for that purpose. I just want something with Dependable Mid Range Accuracy with Semi Auto Capabilities. Maybe I should reconsider my $1,000 Budget on a custom upper and give this one a second look. After all, I don't even know How I will like a Semi Auto Precision Rifle yet. Haven't even actually shot one in person so I can't say if it's even worth the investment. Although I've seen many Fantastic Looking Semi Autos on this Forum though.

Thank you for the kind input!!!

 

[ORD]

Re: Need Help on a Armalite AR10 Project/Purchase

The nice thing about the AR-based semi-autos is the ease with which you can upgrade/alter/completely swap out configurations on a particular rifle.

If I were in your position, I'd likely jump on the Armalite with both feet and not look back. The price is right (better than right) and it will give you the ability, almost instantly after you mount optics or irons, to determine whether you even like the 7.62/.308 semi-auto niche. Sell off the components from your other build and use that money toward optics/mounts or rings/etc. for the Armalite.

If you get behind the trigger and find it to your liking, you can always keep the basic 20" A4 complete upper for plinking, etc., and then build up more of a precision upper at your leisure and as time/money permits.

 

[Tx_Flyboy]

Re: Need Help on a Armalite AR10 Project/Purchase

Hogstooth,

I would honestly just pick up the Armalite. At $899, you are not too exposed financially, and I dare say that you will find yourself shooting your bolt guns less.

You will be spoiled rotten by accuracy that exceeds your expectations, fast follow-up shots, and SIGNIFICANTLY reduced recoil.

It does take a while to get used to a semi-auto rifle, and as long as you stay with it, and make a honest effort, there is no reason you won't love it.

Take the plunge, the water's warm

 

[HOGTOOTH5R]

Re: Need Help on a Armalite AR10 Project/Purchase

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ORD</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The nice thing about the AR-based semi-autos is the ease with which you can upgrade/alter/completely swap out configurations on a particular rifle.

If I were in your position, I'd likely jump on the Armalite with both feet and not look back. The price is right (better than right) and it will give you the ability, almost instantly after you mount optics or irons, to determine whether you even like the 7.62/.308 semi-auto niche. Sell off the components from your other build and use that money toward optics/mounts or rings/etc. for the Armalite.

If you get behind the trigger and find it to your liking, you can always keep the basic 20" A4 complete upper for plinking, etc., and then build up more of a precision upper at your leisure and as time/money permits.</div></div>

Thanks so much for the kind advise! The more I read you guys' feedback the More I'm wanting to go with the AR10 Route. Not to mention Armalite has pretty extensive reputations with .308 Semi Auto Setup. I'll go back to that shop tomorrow and give it a second look. I guess I'll have a complete .308 DPMS lower for sell here shortly if anyone is interested. Much Thanks for all the inputs bro!

 

[HOGTOOTH5R]

Re: Need Help on a Armalite AR10 Project/Purchase

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Tx_Flyboy</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Hogstooth,

I would honestly just pick up the Armalite. At $899, you are not too exposed financially, and I dare say that you will find yourself shooting your bolt guns less.

You will be spoiled rotten by accuracy that exceeds your expectations, fast follow-up shots, and SIGNIFICANTLY reduced recoil.

It does take a while to get used to a semi-auto rifle, and as long as you stay with it, and make a honest effort, there is no reason you won't love it.

Take the plunge, the water's warm

</div></div>

Yes, definitely a plus to have that kind of Fire Power with Precision Accuracy! Ever since the Army went with the M110 setup I started to really wanting one of these. I guess a turn key .308 at this price point will be a fairly safe way to see if I l'd like it or not. I'm sure even if I don't, I won't lose too much Money selling it to someone else or on the Hide here. Thanks for the kind input!

 

[BCP]

Re: Need Help on a Armalite AR10 Project/Purchase

Good deal at that price. Junk the handguards for a quad rail or float tube, put a scope on it and it will (hopefully) surprise you.

 

[Badshot308]

Re: Need Help on a Armalite AR10 Project/Purchase

1. Sounds like a good deal if it is indeed in good shape.

2. Nope, not compatible.

3. If the upper you're planning on getting for the DPMS is a heavy barrel, match garde, free float, you'll most likely get better accuracy.

My basic 20" non-floated AR-10, gets about 1.5 MOA or slightly less.

Here's a link to a bunch of AR-10 info http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_3_62/378850_AR10_FAQ_and_information_Small_Update_2012.html

 

[HOGTOOTH5R]

Re: Need Help on a Armalite AR10 Project/Purchase

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BCP</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Good deal at that price. Junk the handguards for a quad rail or float tube, put a scope on it and it will (hopefully) surprise you.</div></div>

Me Too! I've been reading up a lot on it and so far it seems like this rifle is a very capable and reliable Semiauto. It's dam near perfect for what I wanted to do and build upon. I'm sure I will enjoy it very much as it evolves!

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Badshot308</div><div class="ubbcode-body">1. Sounds like a good deal if it is indeed in good shape.

2. Nope, not compatible.

3. If the upper you're planning on getting for the DPMS is a heavy barrel, match garde, free float, you'll most likely get better accuracy.

My basic 20" non-floated AR-10, gets about 1.5 MOA or slightly less.

Here's a link to a bunch of AR-10 info http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_3_62/378850_AR10_FAQ_and_information_Small_Update_2012.html</div></div>

WOW!!! That is a WHOOOOLE LOT of Information on this Rifle! Thanks so much for sharing that link bro!

 

[HOGTOOTH5R]

Re: Need Help on a Armalite AR10 Project/Purchase

Well Guys, Thanks for all the Help with this purchase! After getting the info and help from you guys I went ahead and pull the trigger on the purchase!

Furthermore, not only was it a Good Deal but there was more surprises to come! When I was buying the rifle the person who took in this rifle at the Shop says the previous owner was like 60 yrs old. He bought the AR-10 online Brand New for $1500ish. Kept it in his safe for like 3 months, then finally took it out to the range. Shot 40 rounds out of it and decided it kick way too much for him. So he took it in to the shop and Traded it for a Bushmaster AR-15 which was like a $600-$700 rifle.

I checked the Hammer and Bolt Carrier. It barely had any wear marks at all. I mean I'd beleive it if they tell me it was only test fired at the Factory. That's how good of a condition the rifle was in. The Barrel is also Chrome Lined 20" Heavy Profile. On top of that, the previous owner had a 2 Stage Match Trigger installed at the same shop before he even shot it cause the factory one was too heavy for him! Last but not least, when I finalized the purchase the gun store guy brought out another 20rd Magazine AND a set of Leupold 30mm Rings said that Came with the Rifle!!! The second magazine was never even taken out of the original package!!! Needless to say I got a Steal of a deal and definitely a Mint Condition Rifle! Below are some first pictures of this rifle. Now time for me to sell off the other DPMS Lower and Start Fresh with this.

My plans are: Magpul PRS Stock (FDE), Magpul MOE Grip (FDE), Armalite Free Float Fore end (Need Help Finding one), Harris S BiPod, Still deciding on the Scope for it (Any Suggestions?). Then it'll be my "Budget SASS .308". Thanks for everybody that helped with the inputs and suggestions!

 

[ORD]

Re: Need Help on a Armalite AR10 Project/Purchase

Ok...I now regret offering you any help whatsoever and wish I'd have just asked you for the name/phone number of the gunshop in question instead!!!

That has seriously got to be one of the nicest snags I have seen in a while once you factor in the upgraded trigger (a $100 option) and other extras. VERY NICE BUY!!

As for needed items/parts/accessories...be sure to pick up some additional magazines first off. The mag in the rifle, if it is fully seated in the picture, is likely a 25-round mag based on the length is extends below the grip. Again, its hard to tell from the pic, but the second also appears to be the longer, 25-rounder. Armalite is an excellent place for quantity deals on mags. They offer singles for $35/mag for 5, 10, 15, and 20 round mags and 25 for $43/mag. They have a 5-pack special for the 5, 10, 15, and 20 round mags at 5 for $150 and the 25-rounders at 5 for $200. While the 25 round mags are great, they SUCK for shooting prone and from the bench as they stick out of the rifle waaay too far in my experience. I picked my last mags up from the Equipment Exchange on AR15.com (the link Badshot provided you above). I think I got 5, 20-round, Gen II mags for $125 shipped. There is a dedicated AR-10 section in the Equipment Exchange for all things .308 semi-auto related from parts/accessories to complete uppers, etc. Here's a direct link to it:

http://www.ar15.com/forums/f_7/120_AR10.html

Other places for AR-10 stuff including:

http://www.rainierarms.com/

http://www.762sass.com/catalog.php

http://dsgarms.com/

AND...last but not least...our own PX here on the Hide generally has a lot of AR-10 stuff floating around at any given time. There are some Hide Vendors that offer Magpul products (again...see the PX for more details).

Congrats again and be sure to PM or post with any questions as you get going on this project!!

 

[DavidAR10]

Re: Need Help on a Armalite AR10 Project/Purchase

OP,

I've never met an ARMALITE AR-10A4 mid-weight pipe NOT
to be able to shoot under 0.75" @ 100yds with fodder that
it liked.

And that is from the tailgate of a truck and not a concrete bench.

Congrats.

 

[HOGTOOTH5R]

Re: Need Help on a Armalite AR10 Project/Purchase

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ORD</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Ok...I now regret offering you any help whatsoever and wish I'd have just asked you for the name/phone number of the gunshop in question instead!!!

That has seriously got to be one of the nicest snags I have seen in a while once you factor in the upgraded trigger (a $100 option) and other extras. VERY NICE BUY!!

As for needed items/parts/accessories...be sure to pick up some additional magazines first off. The mag in the rifle, if it is fully seated in the picture, is likely a 25-round mag based on the length is extends below the grip. Again, its hard to tell from the pic, but the second also appears to be the longer, 25-rounder. Armalite is an excellent place for quantity deals on mags. They offer singles for $35/mag for 5, 10, 15, and 20 round mags and 25 for $43/mag. They have a 5-pack special for the 5, 10, 15, and 20 round mags at 5 for $150 and the 25-rounders at 5 for $200. While the 25 round mags are great, they SUCK for shooting prone and from the bench as they stick out of the rifle waaay too far in my experience. I picked my last mags up from the Equipment Exchange on AR15.com (the link Badshot provided you above). I think I got 5, 20-round, Gen II mags for $125 shipped. There is a dedicated AR-10 section in the Equipment Exchange for all things .308 semi-auto related from parts/accessories to complete uppers, etc. Here's a direct link to it:

http://www.ar15.com/forums/f_7/120_AR10.html

Other places for AR-10 stuff including:

http://www.rainierarms.com/

http://www.762sass.com/catalog.php

http://dsgarms.com/

AND...last but not least...our own PX here on the Hide generally has a lot of AR-10 stuff floating around at any given time. There are some Hide Vendors that offer Magpul products (again...see the PX for more details).

Congrats again and be sure to PM or post with any questions as you get going on this project!!</div></div>

LOL...I tell you what bro, you guys are such a great source of help! I couldn't have aquired this "One of the nicest snags" without you guys' help and input! I thought about it if I should've posted the end result of what I got on the Hide, but I was so excited and glad on this purchase that I had to share it with you all. For what it's worth, I'll definitely keep everyone posted on this project, and if you guys ever in town I'd love to hit the range and let you give her a test run!

Thanks so much for all the Links and Sources ORD! I'll definitely keep an eye on these places for anything interesting that might pop up! Thanks again for everything!

 

[HOGTOOTH5R]

Re: Need Help on a Armalite AR10 Project/Purchase

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DavidAR10</div><div class="ubbcode-body">OP,

I've never met an ARMALITE AR-10A4 mid-weight pipe NOT
to be able to shoot under 0.75" @ 100yds with fodder that
it liked.

And that is from the tailgate of a truck and not a concrete bench.

Congrats.</div></div>

You have No Idea How Glad I am to hear that! Thanks!

 

[HOGTOOTH5R]

Re: Need Help on a Armalite AR10 Project/Purchase

HOLY CRAP!!! Just Checked the Magazines and BOTH of these are 25 Round Mags!!! The mags are unmarked so I didn't know until I loaded it, and long and behold it fitted 25 rounds! LOL! These will come pretty handy in SHTF situations!