AR10 vs AR15

Which is the Better?

We can all agree that the AR15 platform are not only reliable but are great at short ranges from 0 to 300 yards.
But what if you want to reach out further to 400 yards and beyond? For this larger cartridge, would the AR be able to deliver the same punch as its cousin the .308 or 6.5 Creedmoor? Obviously, the AR10 specifically the Aero Precision M5E1 comes to mind if you need a bigger caliber.
AR platforms have attracted many shooters from plinkers, hunters to long range competitive shooters. Even women are into AR’s due to its lightweight system.

Before making the decision to go with an AR10 or AR15, lets take a look at the comparisons and some questions surrounding the AR10 and AR15.
Are AR10 and AR15 stocks the same?
The AR15 and AR10 are quite similar in design, in handling, and in function. The main difference between the two is the size of the rifle.
Are AR15 and AR10 triggers interchangeable?
Most AR15 triggers will physically fit and function in a current AR-10 and 308AR rifle. However the reason AR-10 and 308 AR specific triggers exist is for one main reason, military primers. The primers in military ammo often require more energy to ignite the primer than .223/5.56 ammunition.
Can I use a 308 upper on an AR15 lower?
Similar in operation, AR-10s have a longer magazine well to fit the longer .308 cartridge, so a .308 upper would generally be too long to fit on a stock .223/5.56 lower.
Can I use AR15 buffer tube on AR10?
Yes, you will need to use either the carbine AR-15 carbine lower receiver extension (buffer tube) with an AR-10 spring and a shorter AR-10 buffer (to allow for the longer AR-10 bolt carrier group) or an AR-15 stock and the AR-10 buffer tube (but it will not collapse all the way).
What calibers fit in an AR10 lower?

• AR-10 calibers
• .220 Swift
• .22-250 Remington
• 6mm-250
• .243 Winchester – same bolt as 7.62×51 (worn-down barrels can be re-bored to take 6.5 Creedmoor or 7.62×51)
• 6MM Remington
• 6MM Creedmoor
• 257 Roberts
• 6.5×47mm Lapua

Can you use an AR15 lower with an AR10 Upper?
Not like the AR-15, some AR-10 parts are not interchangeable between brands. In today’s market, Armalite style and DPMS style are the two most popular specification that manufacturers use when making AR10s. These two AR-10 platforms are not the only .308 AR platforms available but they do dominate the market.
Are all AR15 barrels interchangeable?
Yes, you can swap out the barrel of your AR 15 for a new one. … If your firearm is “mil spec,” or military standard—as a majority of AR15s are—you should be able to swap out your existing barrel for another “mil spec” barrel.

AR-10
The AR10 rifle is an air-cooled lightweight rifle that is gas operated and comes with the 7.62mm (.308) barrel.
uses the standardized 7.62x51mm loads and has a standard 20-round detachable magazine box.
It weighs between 3.29kgs and 4.05kgs, without the magazine and ammo. The super-lightweight feature was as a result of the use of aluminum alloy. The metal parts were save for the steel bolt, barrel and bolt carrier group.

With its direct gas impingement mechanism where the propellant gas goes through the rifle’s cylinder that runs parallel with the gun barrel thereby impinging the bolt carrier mechanism.
This produces a high cyclic fire rate of about 700 rounds per minute with a 2,772 FPS/ 845 m/s muzzle velocity.

AR-15
This rifle employs the same “direct gas impingement” as the one used on AR10s.
Which results in 800 rounds per minute from this gun, with a muzzle velocity of 3200 FPS or 975 m/s being realized to a maximum effective range of about 600 yards.

Calibers
Whereas the AR10 features the .308 Win or 7.62x51mm NATO chamber, the AR15 features the .223 or 5.65 x 45mm chambers.
In the AR10 platform, it is unsafe to load the .308 in a 7.62x51mm chamber but the .308 chamber can accept the 7.62x51mm loads. Similarly, you can load .223 cartridges in a 5.65 x 45 chamber of the AR15 but not the inverse.

Interchangeable Parts
For those using both AR’s, here are some parts that are commonly interchangeable between the two:

• Buttstock Assembly
  The buffer tubes of AR-15 and AR-10 are usually the same in diameter.
  Having a quality buttstock allows comfort and can improve your shooting.
• Trigger Group
  Even with though the lowers on both AR’s are different sizes, the triggers
  are still interchangeable. The mechanism on both are the same.
• Buffer Detent and Spring
  These small parts holds the buffer of the weapon in place.
  Just a note the buffer itself is not interchangeable.
• Safety Selector
  Good thing its the same on both AR’s.
• Magazine Release Button and Spring
  Even though the catch is different, the release button and spring are same.
• Pistol Grip
  Same size pistol grip

Who’s the Winner?
This is a question that is nearly impossible and hard to answer.
The reason is that these are both quality rifles that gives the users many advantages when using the AR platform.
So determining which one is the clear winner would definitely have to factor in how good the user is.

They both are lightweight rifles that used advance gas impingement systems to increase their rate of fire and muzzle velocity.
Each one also has a variety of ways in which they can be configure. This allows them to be tailored to meet each individual shooters needs.

As far as hunting big game goes the AR-10 most definitely would have the advantage over the AR-15.
In a wide open shot situation its extra length would not be much of a factor.
It also has greater one shot stopping power than the AR 15 does. Its heavier bullets can travel long distances fairly accurately too.

In a tactical situation the AR-15 definitely will give you the edge. AR15 is lighter and more maneuverable than its AR 10 predecessor.
It’s deadly accurate over shorter distances. The high rate of fire and increased muzzle velocity will also allow you to put many rounds into a target at a faster rate.

In short neither of these weapons has any major drawbacks that would prevent you from using them for hunting, target shooting or in a personal defense situation.
They both are accurate and rapid shooting weapons that are extremely deadly in the hands of a skilled shooter.
That is why there is no clear winner to be found between the two AR’s.

Whats do you all think?