Why is Armalite so unpopular?

AssJack

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Nov 3, 2010
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I honestly dont understand why the Armalite design is looked down upon. Is it really all because of the magazine? Or is there something I am missing? Why is there no aftermarket support for the AR-10 platform? Where is the JP and Larue for Armalite? Please educate me why this company is frowned upon in the 308 world.
 
Re: Why is Armalite so unpopular?

Don't know where you're getting your information from, but there is plenty of aftermarket support for the Armalite AR-10. Larue Tactical and JP Rifles make handguards for the Armalite rifles as well as many other companies. What you don't see is any aftermarket support for the magazines. Once the 1994 assault weapon ban sunset in 2004, DPMS and most other companies went with the KAC SR-25 pattern mag. There is no standardization within the 308 AR world. The original AR-10 was never adopted by the US military therefore there is no military specification for the rifle. Every company building a 308 AR is doing their own thing.
 
Re: Why is Armalite so unpopular?

I can only speak for myself, but I've had several AR10's. A 24" AR10t and a 16" AR10t. Both had EXTREMELY tight chambers. So much so, that if I went to the range, I had to bring a strong rod to bang out stuck cases. I got rid of both, even though thy were capable of very very good accuracy with just about any factory ammo I used to try and break in the chamber.

I've since parted with any idea of a semi auto precision rifle for the reliability issue. Well, except for my custom M1A. Fortunately, my modified AR10 mags will work perfectly in the M1a.

I'm tempted to try out a REPR or similar rifle, but NY sucks and I can't get 20rnd mags.
 
Re: Why is Armalite so unpopular?

I owned a DPMS and bought an armalite. I sold the DPMS and never regretted it. the Armalite is more accurate and built with a much tighter fit and finish.

The magazines are a little more expensive and no one is making a poly mag yet, but the armalite gen 2 mags function great. I have yet to have any problems with then 8 factory armalite 20 round mags I use regularly.
 
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Re: Why is Armalite so unpopular?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: HKTackDriver</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I can only speak for myself, but I've had several AR10's. A 24" AR10t and a 16" AR10t. Both had EXTREMELY tight chambers. So much so, that if I went to the range, I had to bring a strong rod to bang out stuck cases. I got rid of both, even though thy were capable of very very good accuracy with just about any factory ammo I used to try and break in the chamber.

I've since parted with any idea of a semi auto precision rifle for the reliability issue. Well, except for my custom M1A. Fortunately, my modified AR10 mags will work perfectly in the M1a.

I'm tempted to try out a REPR or similar rifle, but NY sucks and I can't get 20rnd mags.</div></div>

I make 10/20 LR20s that would work with the REPR and only hold 10 rounds so you don't run afoul of the law.
 
Re: Why is Armalite so unpopular?

Problem with the REPR is unless LWRC makes a NY compliant version with either a welded on muzzle brake in place of the A2 flash hider or a plain muzzle, the rifle is probably not legal for civilians in NYS.
 
Re: Why is Armalite so unpopular?

I was wondering the same. I was looking at the M-15 SPR MOD 1 Midlengh Carbine that was shown at SHOT. I was curious as to any reviews/likes/dislikes.
 
Re: Why is Armalite so unpopular?

When I mentioned JP and Larue, I was talking about BCGs, upper receivers, side folding receivers, that kind of aftermarket support. Armalite gets so bitchy when people use a "10" to describe their ARs. I thought Fulton Armory used to use Armalite, but now use the SR-25 pattern. Noveske's stuff is made by Armalite, well the receivers anyway. Im looking for more third party manuf's like MEGA and JP for the receivers. Thats what I was meaning by no aftermarket support, you HAVE to use Armalite BCGs, uppers, mags, etc. For the SR-25 pattern, there is almost as much aftermarket stuff as there is in the AR15 world.

My AR10 has functioned just fine. I have not tested its accuracy, but I can hold 5-8MOA with Irons, so thats good enough for me. I have never had a malfunction, somewhere around 600rds now. Im just bitching because no one makes good upgrades for the AR10. What I would like is something similar to JPs low mass BCGs. Maybe some ambi operating controls, like bolt and mag catches, that kind of stuff is what I would like to see for the AR10 platform.
 
Re: Why is Armalite so unpopular?

http://www.ironridgeguns.com/ira-x-complete-lowers/ People have been using BCG's between the Armalite and other brands although it's not recommended by any of the manufactures. As said, none of these 308 AR's are standardized. Uppers and lowers do not interchange between all makes of SR-25 mag based 308 AR's either. Armalite has the registered trademark on the AR-10 name, that's why no other company can use it. For that matter AR-15 is registered to Colt which is why all other companies use some sort of variation when model designating their rifles. AR-15 has become synonymous with the 5.56 family of AR rifles just the same way AR-10 is with 7.62 AR rifles. If you want aftermarket support for the Armalite or any of these guns, you have to start searching the internet and verify with the manufacturer as to what rifle the accessories will work with.
 
Re: Why is Armalite so unpopular?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Ram4X4</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I honestly dont understand why the Armalite design is looked down upon.</div></div>

I am not sure where you are getting the impression that the design is looked down upon.

The only repeat complaint I hear is the cost of the magazines.

I had no problem sourcing parts when I built my AR10. It has functioned flawlessly. I just have to work on my skill at optimizing the platform.
 
Re: Why is Armalite so unpopular?

I have seen the IRA lowers, they were called IRA-10, but Armalite bitched them out and they had to change it to IRA-X, which is still 10 just in a different numerical. That is ridiculous. The AR-15 originall stood for Armalite Model 15, until they sold the rights to Colt. On JP's website, it says their BCGs should not be used in Armalite AR10s. I thought all SR-25/DPMS pattern uppers and lowers were interchangeable? I would just like to see some companies support the AR10 the way Fulton, JP, Larue, etc, support the SR25. I also asked IRA when their uppers would be ready for the AR10s, no response as of yet. I guess Im just belly aching because I dont get all the goodies the SR25 guys get. It just seems the industry is against Armalite simply because the magazine issue, and the SR25 is in the military. I know the only one to blame is myself, I didnt realize the lack of standardized parts for the 308 ARs before I went shopping, and bought the one that felt and looked the best.

Heres another question, does anyone know of any ambi lower parts that will work on the AR10? Im sure I can find a safety selector, but what about mag and bolt catches?

Or, does anyone want to trade a SR25 upper for my complete AR10? Im sure the chances are non existent, but worth a shot.
 
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Re: Why is Armalite so unpopular?

When I said looked down upon, I was referring mainly to the aftermarket industry. Pretty much the only things I can find are handguards and stocks. I was mainly talking about the receivers, BCGs and magazines. Not the function or performance of the rifle.
 
Re: Why is Armalite so unpopular?

No matter how you define "unpopular" or "frowned upon" or "looked down upon" (your words...not mine)...the fact is that the Armalite pattern rifles are alive, well, and supported by the aftermarket with a variety of parts/accessories. As for the aftermarket support you seem to be referring to...WHY?

Receivers for Armalite AR-10 pattern rifles:

1) Armalite;
2) Eagle Arms (a division of Armalite);
3) Aero Precision;
4) Noveske N6 (the N6 is Noveske's beast now...not Armalite's with a different roll mark);
5) IRA.

In addition to the above, there are plenty of companies that offer major components for the AR-10 rifles, including the receivers listed above, barrels, etc. Many companies offer custom built rifles and uppers based on the AR-10 platform much the same way that they offer builds on the LR-308 platform. Any impressions that you have that the AR-10 is NOT being represented through aftermarket support is in error (at least where the support actually matters).

BCGs:

Well, lets see...if it ain't broke...! Seriously...why do you need an aftermarket BCG for an AR-10? (Just so you can "upgrade" if you want to?) Have you ever had an issue with a factory AR-10 BCG not working properly under any circumstances? I have run AR-10s from 12.5" SBRs to 26" target guns, both suppressed and non-suppressed, without a hiccup. They work 100% of the time, so I see no need for aftermarket crap to fix a problem that doesn't exist. Low-mass, high-speed...whatever! Do you buy everything that Mr. Marketing tells you to buy!?!?
crazy.gif


Mags:

Well, again, I can't explain why aftermarket companies haven't jumped on the AR-10 mag bandwagon, but there are plenty of different schools of thought. One of the reasons is that the DPMS/KAC platform has gained a good bit of momentum because of the adoption of the M110 which is a KAC pattern rifle. Because of this, the "market" for fieldable magazine alternatives has been greater with companies like Magpul jumping feet first into the fray with their LR20 PMAG offering (which is a great mag BTW) to support the military's choice of semi-auto .308 platform rifles. Additionally, as new companies have come along (like DPMS, Remington, POF, etc., etc.) they have opted for the KAC pattern mags, further driving the market in that direction for mag alternatives.

This whole bitch about Armalite mags costing more, etc. is just nonsense. I don't care one bit about paying $30/mag versus $20/mag AS LONG AS THE MAG FUNCTIONS 100% when I need it to (i.e. - I didn't buy/build a semi-auto rifle only to have it reduced to a single-shot because of a "cheaper" magazine). If people are honestly going to spend $2k+ (or significantly more) on rifles, then add on optics, plus mounts, plus bipods, plus __________, ___________, ___________, then what is the BFD about paying a few dollars more per mag. Unlike some of the factory and aftermarket offerings for the DPMS/KAC pattern rifles, the Armalite mags are reliable as hell. I have owned around 50 different AR-10 mags over the years from 25rnd to 5rnd and all just plain worked without issues. However, I have had bad runs of C-Products and DPMS factory mags not functioning properly in my POF and in other KAC/DPMS-pattern rifles. That said, why don't you compare the KAC factory mags with the Armalites...you wanna talk about EXPENSIVE mags ($100+ KAC mags as oppossed to $30 Armalite mags)! I guess if you HAVE TO HAVE options other than reliable factory mags, then the AR-10 isn't for you...buy something else.

As for parts interchangeability between platforms...you can use any AR-15 ambi-selector for an AR-10, LR-308, etc. build. The parts are the same. For example, I am running one of the new B.A.D.-A.S.S. user configurable selectors in my latest AR-10 carbine build. I don't know of any compatible ambi-bolt releases or mag releases off hand for the Armalite (or any other .308 pattern rifle other than those offered from the factory from companies like POF).

Armalite versus any other .308 Semi-auto rifle:

If you want an Armalite...buy or build an Armalite. If you want something else...you guessed it...BUY OR BUILD SOMETHING ELSE. If you want to make a decision about building or buying a weapons system based solely on the mags you can use or that they cost a few bucks less or the fact that you perceive there to be more aftermarket support for your choice...go for it. If you want to continue to gripe about what you perceive as deficiencies in the aftermarket sector for the AR-10, there are a $#!Tload of folks over on BARFCOM that will gladly continue to engage in this endless debate with you. Hell, there are some geniuses there that are trying to convince Armalite to start making KAC/DPMS pattern lowers to work with Armalite pattern uppers...go figure?!?!!!!!
 
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Re: Why is Armalite so unpopular?

Honestly, I just wanted to make my rifle, well MY rifle. Of those 5 you listed for receivers, only make lower receivers. Noveske may be making their own, but they are Armalite molds. IRA is the only one of those making a true custom lower. I honestly am only wanting aftermarket support to make my gun truly custom, a pointless need to have something special I guess. I was thinking the low mass carrier would be better to control the recoil, along with a slash buffer and flat spring, and a adjustable gas block. Im sure most of the "upgrades" for the ARs are voodoo, but I would just like more options to make my gun unique. I do apologize for coming off like a whiny little bitch. I was being a whiny little bitch, but I would just like to see more companies support the AR10. I love mine and wouldnt trade it for anything, the other post was meant to be a joke. And the only thing I find hard to believe, is you have had no hiccups with the 25rd mags. Of the 5 I got from Armalite, 3 wont hold the bolt back, the other 2 barely hold the bolt, a slight wiggle will let it go. Other than that though, no FTFs. Again, I do apologize for being a cry baby.
 
Re: Why is Armalite so unpopular?

If you know what you are doing, you can built a complete AR10 pattern rifle without a single Armalite part. Your options are even greater if you don't care about Armalite magazines, but then it isn't really an AR10 anymore.

How much more "custom" were you looking for?

Decide what the mission is.
Decide what features are needed to complete the missions.
Build the rifle with those features.

Of course what I am hearing is you just want something "special", not to actually serve a purpose. If that's the case, just buy a rifle and gold plate it.

 
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Re: Why is Armalite so unpopular?

But the gold plating would flake after use. Maybe platinum would work better?

ORD put me in my place, and I thank him for that. After thinking about it more, Armalite has spent alot of time and money perfecting the AR10. I wouldnt want the name to be tainted either, I guess the more aftermarket support, the more room for failure. Makes sense.
 
Re: Why is Armalite so unpopular?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Badshot308</div><div class="ubbcode-body">What ammo and did you contact Armalite for warranty work? </div></div>

Fed GMM 168gr, American Eagle 150gr, Winchester silver tip, hand loads and Port. Worst by far was the Port milsurp, then the GMM and AmEag. Winchester was hit or miss and the Rems loaded no problem. I can't remember which Rem I used, I only had 4 boxes. Everything shot well, but reliability was shit.

The 16" went back to armalite, where they said they polished "burs" from the chamber. The 24" I sold after the 16" came back and wasn't MUCH better. I expected a flawlessly functioning rifle, I ended up with another clunker. I haven't bought Armalite since.

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

I make 10/20 LR20s that would work with the REPR and only hold 10 rounds so you don't run afoul of the law. </div></div>

I'm in touch with the various law enforcement agencies to track their changing interpretations of NY's archaic laws. A 20rnd mag body is enough to invite trouble and a lot of it. I specifically asked about PS90 mags which were able to be modified from 10 to 50 rounds. Answer was - illegal. Even if permanently restricted, the state police have decided that the body alone is enough to be possession of a high capacity ammunition feeding device.

NY is the land of no. If you mess with it, you'll lose your rights forever, unless you have a good defense attorney.
 
Re: Why is Armalite so unpopular?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: HKTackDriver</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
NY is the land of no. If you mess with it, you'll lose your rights forever, unless you have a good defense attorney. </div></div>

Pssst....you have already lost your rights. Your previous post proves that. When you live in fear of the government "thinking" you have done wrong, then what rights do you have left?

Then again you live in one of the states that decided they can ignore US Supreme Court Rulings.

Sorry, I don't mean to pull this off track but the above is a hot point for me. So much more since I AM a law enforcement officer.
 
Re: Why is Armalite so unpopular?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Ram4X4</div><div class="ubbcode-body">You could always move to Texas. </div></div>

Very very tempting. Family, job, house, wife, friends are all here.
 
Re: Why is Armalite so unpopular?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: HKTackDriver</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
I'm tempted to try out a REPR or similar rifle, but NY sucks and I can't get 20rnd mags. </div></div>

Then just get 10 rounders, also I think DPMS and C Products make a 19 rounder.
 
Re: Why is Armalite so unpopular?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ORD</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Hell, there are some geniuses there that are trying to convince Armalite to start making KAC/DPMS pattern lowers to work with Armalite pattern uppers...go figure?!?!!!!! </div></div>

Actually, assuming they produced a reliable mag in that pattern for a similar price, I think it would be a good business decision for them, and it would help standardize the big AR platform a bit more. If the military weren't running KAC, I'd say it would be nice if they as an industry decided on one pattern or the other, but since the KAC pattern is fully entrenched, it would work better to go that route.

Anyway, that's neither here or there- just commenting on how it would be nice if they all started to build more in-line with the same basic specs.
 
Re: Why is Armalite so unpopular?

HKTackDriver, I don't what law enforcement agencys you've been talking to, but there are tons of perfectly legal pre-ban high capacity mags available in NYS. The guns stores in my area sell pre-ban AR-15, FNFAL, G3, M14 and other high capacity mags legally all the time. A ten round magazine made at any time is legal in NYS. As far as the PS90 mags, did they give you anything in writing, or was it just some Officers opinion? Some blocked mags can be modified to hold more than they were intended to if you are willing to do enough work, and commit the felony in the process.
 
Re: Why is Armalite so unpopular?

I don't really want to step on MidwestPX's toes, but they also offer cut down magazines, not just blocked mags. Then there is no way to restore the magazine to 20 round capacity.
 
Re: Why is Armalite so unpopular?

About themilitary choosing the SR25 pattern, wouldnt it make more sense to use the Armalite, since then you could use the M14 mag as well. Or use the Armalite mags in the M14. I assume would be cheaper, considering you could make all the M14 mags work, have one type of 308 Semi mag, Im sure its too late. But I just figured that would be more logical.
 
Re: Why is Armalite so unpopular?

Thanks ORD. I was ready to post but after reading your's, I realized I really didn't need too type near as much. The mag issue cracks me up. I know I'm being stupid but everyone here does know that the "10" uses the m14 mag, right? Bout 2 years ago I bought six mags at the Tulsa gun show for $7 each, they've done nothing but run, period. I'm a big bore AR fan ( as you can probably tell
wink.gif
) and look at them at every show and store I go to that carries them. IMHO, Armalites fit and finish is second to none except maybe some of the customs which I have no experience with. Never had any problem getting what I wanted out of my AR10's, top notch.

okkie
 
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Re: Why is Armalite so unpopular?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Ram4X4</div><div class="ubbcode-body">About themilitary choosing the SR25 pattern, wouldnt it make more sense to use the Armalite, since then you could use the M14 mag as well. Or use the Armalite mags in the M14. I assume would be cheaper, considering you could make all the M14 mags work, have one type of 308 Semi mag, Im sure its too late. But I just figured that would be more logical. </div></div>

Actually, since the SR25 was designed based off the ORIGINAL AR-10, prior to the introduction of the current AR-10 (Pre-94), the option wasn't really there at the time. The SR-25 was really the only game in town. Granted they were bought in pretty small numbers back then and fielded to only select units in socom... they already had a presence. So by the time they were looking for a product which would become the M110, with thousands of SR-25's having been in service across three branches for the last 15-17 years... It made logical sense to adopt KAC's offering of the M110 and officially type classify it as a standard issue weapons system (which up until that point, they were not- even though carrying a Navy classification, they were not actually on anyone's organizational document- they were all "excess" as I understand it).

Anyway, long and short of that is... KAC won the contract, in large part because they had history with the military (not to say they don't perform as required- they do). When you're forking over around $15,000 for the system, the ability to use modified M14 mags really is not even on your radar- especially when you'd been using the same design for the last 15 years without problem. Had Armalite been around with their mag design in the early 90's, things might be different. But they weren't.