While the AR15 and AR10 look similar, the applications vary widely. Without diving deeply into projectile grain weight, the typical maximum effective range of the AR15 with a 16-inch barrel, a 1/8 twist rate and just regular 55 grain FMJ ammo is roughly 600 yards, while the AR10, chambered in 308 with a 20-inch barrel and decent ammo like a 168 gr projectile can be effective to 1,000 plus yards. Of course, each scenario depends heavily on the barrel, gas tube length, materials used and so on.
The AR15 has many different variants from 7.5 inch barrels to 24 inch barrels, giving you the choice for a platform ideal for the intended use. Those uses are typically a CQB role, a GP role or even a DMR role. The AR10 adequately fulfills the DMR or Battle Rifle role, allowing you to make more precise shots at greater distances and delivering more energy upon impact than that of the AR15 chambered in .223 or 5.56×45 NATO.
The AR15 is known as “America’s rifle,” being the most popular modern rifle sold, owned and operated in the U.S. It is used for self-defense, shooting competitions, police, hunting medium game and so on. The AR10 is not generally used for home defense due to the weight and length of the weapon system, not to mention you probably have a scope of some sort making closer shots much more difficult. However, it is used for various competition shooting and makes for a great hunting rifle. So, the moral of the story is, the AR15 and AR10 have very different roles but can fill roles that the others may not for one reason or another.
Timothy Bies
Army Combat Veteran
Professional Competitive Shooter (Expert Level, IDPA; A Class USPSA)
5519 Export Blvd. Savannah GA 31408
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