AR-10T to SASS conversion

[RedBull6]

Anxiously awaiting a new to me AR-10T with 30 rounds down the tube. it the 24 inch version. Not even in my hands yet, and I am having SASS envy. I would like to run it suppressed with my Thunderbeast so I feel that this helps justify the conversion. Anyone been in my shoes? Any input on the conversion for those that have done it? Will I be satisfied with the AR-10T and should I get this SASS nonsense out of my head? Decisions, decisions.....

 

[ORD]

Before you do ANYTHING, get the rifle in hand and shoot it first. Then you can decide if it is as it was promised to you (barely used with ~30 rounds down the pipe) and will measure up to Armalite's accuracy guarantee of 1MOA with match ammo (that is one of the BIGGEST under-guarantees in the industry as I have yet to find one that wasn't easily sub-MOA capable, including some less under 3/4MOA, with proper ammo/shooter). If it meets your expectations, then you can consider getting the barrel properly threaded for your can, as well as any additional updates you might want/need at that time. Out of curiosity, is it by chance one of the Lothar Walther (LW) barrel models? Those are getting few and far between and are quite nice even by Armalite standards!

I wouldn't say that you HAVE TO HAVE the SASS conversion for shooting suppressed, but at a minimum, you'll likely want an adjustable gas block to tune things up for both suppressed and unsuppressed fire. Plenty of quality blocks like those from SLR Rifleworks as one great example that will serve you extremely well for ~$100, plus the cost of a straight gas tube at ~$20. You can go from completely off to wide open to ~15 click adjustments in between those ends with the SLR and in my experience, they are truly excellent products. You'll need the DA8 Clamp model for your 10T...see here: DA8-C Clamp On Adjustable Gas Block

Where you go from there in terms of optics, buttstock swaps, grips, etc., etc. is purely a matter of personal preference.

Good luck and congrats on the new Armalite!

 

[GhostFace]

IMHO every AR-10 I have seen has been over gassed and when you add a can just adds to it. I don't blame them from making them over gassed, it insures the rifle will run with a wide range of ammo. I would do as ORD says, shoot it some more but there is nothing wroing with adding an adjustable gas block, especially if you reload. I like the truely adjustable ones like PRI, it allows you to fine tune to each load whereas the postional ones like Armalite is genreally a two position setting. That may or may not be enough adjustment. Also in my experience the postional ones are prone to freeze up due to carbon built up. Another advantage to to making your version of the SASS is you can use a mono rail like the SWS rail over the dated lock ring version of Armalite. This will allow you to mount your optics futher forward, a big deal for telestocks, armor and clothing. Armalite makes a shooter for sure...

 

[RedBull6]

It is supposed to be a Lothar Walther barrel. Hope to have it in my hands in a few days.

Before you do ANYTHING, get the rifle in hand and shoot it first. Then you can decide if it is as it was promised to you (barely used with ~30 rounds down the pipe) and will measure up to Armalite's accuracy guarantee of 1MOA with match ammo (that is one of the BIGGEST under-guarantees in the industry as I have yet to find one that wasn't easily sub-MOA capable, including some less under 3/4MOA, with proper ammo/shooter). If it meets your expectations, then you can consider getting the barrel properly threaded for your can, as well as any additional updates you might want/need at that time. Out of curiosity, is it by chance one of the Lothar Walther (LW) barrel models? Those are getting few and far between and are quite nice even by Armalite standards!

I wouldn't say that you HAVE TO HAVE the SASS conversion for shooting suppressed, but at a minimum, you'll likely want an adjustable gas block to tune things up for both suppressed and unsuppressed fire. Plenty of quality blocks like those from SLR Rifleworks as one great example that will serve you extremely well for ~$100, plus the cost of a straight gas tube at ~$20. You can go from completely off to wide open to ~15 click adjustments in between those ends with the SLR and in my experience, they are truly excellent products. You'll need the DA8 Clamp model for your 10T...see here: DA8-C Clamp On Adjustable Gas Block

Where you go from there in terms of optics, buttstock swaps, grips, etc., etc. is purely a matter of personal preference.

Good luck and congrats on the new Armalite!