6 Best AR-10s: Complete Buyer’s Guide

It’s not a secret that we love the AR-15 around here.

That said, there are some things the AR-15 just can’t do. 

Namely, the AR-15 can’t handle “long-action” cartridges...so there’s a limit on the power or distance you can get out of a round fired from an AR-15. 

So, if you're looking at getting an AR-10, look no further!

We’re looking at the best complete rifles here. So, without further ado...

AR-10 Comparison Chart

How We Tested the Best AR-10s

Multiple members of the Pew Pew Tactical team, as well as freelance writers, pitched in on this review to offer different opinions based on our various experiences with the AR-10 platform. Our team comes from a variety of backgrounds, including NRA and CCW instructors and previous military and law enforcement.

We shot dozens of AR-10s and chose our favorites based on a combination of reliability, shootability, ergonomics, and value. 

Rifles that have their own reviews will link to that article, and every review rifle undergoes 500 rounds of practice ammo and heavier match-grade ammo at 50 and 100 yards with a 5-25x scope (unless otherwise noted). We require all AR-15s to be tested with at least 3 magazines to assess compatibility, and we use a Lyman Digital Trigger Gauge to measure the average trigger pull for all guns.

Best AR-10 Rifles

1. Palmetto State Armory AR-10 (PA-10) Gen 3

Best Budget Option

PSA AR-10 Gen 3 Complete Rifles

$1199

at Palmetto State Armory

Prices accurate at time of writing

$1199 at Palmetto State Armory

Specs

• Caliber: .308 WIN or 6.5 Creedmoor
• Barrel Length: 18" or 20"
• Overall Length: 36"-39.75"
• Weight: 6.8 lbs
• Capacity: 20+1 (as by magazine)

The PA-10 is probably the most affordable one on this list...and that's because from raw materials to final product...PSA does it all in-house. 

We've tested the Gen 2 for years and now have updated our full review with the Gen 3.

One of the best updates to the Gen 3 model is the inclusion of an adjustable gas block.

It doesn't magically make recoil zero...but it helps dampen the .308 cartridge when you configure it for your specific load.

A lot of the time, PSA's complete rifles are out of stock.

Plus, you get slapped with an 11% completed rifle tax.

But since AR-10s are also pretty modular, you can buy a complete upper and complete lower separately. It saves you some money and gives you more control over furniture/trigger options.

For lowers, I like their STR buttstock and 2-stage trigger.

PSA Complete AR-10 Lowers

$219

at Palmetto State Armory

Prices accurate at time of writing

$219 at Palmetto State Armory

And for uppers, I'm a fan of going 18-inch to wring out some extra accuracy and velocity of the bigger rounds. Plus, it's not as unwieldy as the 20-inch.

Make sure you get a combo WITH bolt carrier group (BCG) and charging handle (CH) included.

PSA Complete AR-10 Uppers

$449

at Palmetto State Armory

Prices accurate at time of writing

$449 at Palmetto State Armory

How Does It Shoot?

Pretty well! Especially when it's supported with a decent bipod.

It will run reliably out of the box and shoot decent groups for a rifle around $600.

Truly the best bang for the buck in the AR-10 world...if it ever stays in stock long enough!

Reviews

I've had the pleasure of shooting two AR-10 offerings from PSA.

The more common one is the .308 version (full review here) which shot great. Check out the review for videos of me hitting 600 yards with ease.

And just in...our full YouTube review of the PA-10 Gen 3:

Need to go further?

The AR-10 in 6.5 Creedmoor will stay supersonic to 1,200 yards and still pack a punch further than that.

Check out our full review of PSA's 6.5 Creedmoor!

Finally, if you're still not satisfied with the above options, check out the Sabre-10. It's a clone of the KAC M110 but at a budget price. Check out the written review or watch the video below for more!

What's your take on the PSA line of AR-10s? Rate them below!

2. Daniel Defense DD5 - Editor's Pick

Editor's Pick

Daniel Defense DD5 V3

$2495

at GrabAGun

Prices accurate at time of writing

$2495 at GrabAGun

Midway USA (see price)

Kygunco (see price)

Specs

• Caliber: 7.62x51
• Barrel Length: 16"
• Overall Length: 33.38" - 37"
• Weight: 8.3 lbs
• Capacity: 20+1 (as by magazine)

Features

• Four-bolt system fastens barrel and handguard attachments
• Oversized cam pin, enhanced extractor geometry, and dual ejectors
• Lower receiver with oversized trigger guard and flared magazine well

Daniel Defense makes good stuff -- that shouldn’t be news to you. They hold a number of military contracts, and with good reason. Their guns shoot, they shoot well, and they shoot every time.

How Does it Shoot?

Like a dream. We've killed deer with it. We've rung the gong at 800 meters with it. We've put half a mag in a half-inch hole at 100 yards. I never had a problem with this gun and never expected to.

If you’re looking to use this gun for competition, hunting, or even home defense, the gun will do its part if you do yours. One thing I will say, particularly about this gun and the LWRC, is that you get what you pay for. 

With some guns, you don't, and when it comes to expensive guns like this, that price tag gets harder to justify the bigger it gets. All of these guns made this list because they are worth the money.

Want more? Watch our review below!

3. Ruger SFAR - Slimmest AR-10

Slimmest AR-10

Ruger SFAR

$1015

at Kygunco

Prices accurate at time of writing

$1015 at Kygunco

Guns.com (see price)

Classic Firearms (see price)

GrabAGun (see price)

Show all prices

Specs

• Caliber: 7.62x51/.308
• Barrel Length: 16.10”
• Length: 37.25”
• Capacity: 20+1
• Weight: 6.8 lbs.

We recently had the chance to review the Ruger SFAR -- one of the lightest AR-10s on the market and definitely the lightest on our list.

The SFAR packs the punch of an AR-10 into the size of an AR-15. Ergonomics were great, with a nice magwell that we appreciated. It sports plenty of features that will keep shooters happy -- M-LOK slots of attachments as well as a Picatinny rail for optics.

How does it shoot?

We fired 250 rounds of ammunition (both standing, prone, and using a VTAC barrier) through the Ruger SFAR using the following types of ammunition:

• Federal Premium 175gr
• PMC Bronze 147gr
• Hornady Black 168gr
• Federal American Eagle 150gr
• Hornady American Whitetail 150gr

We found that unsuppressed, it ran flawlessly producing tight groups -- thought it did prefer heavier loads. We ran into some issues while suppressing the SFAR but that was an easy enough fix. Simply adjusting the gas block, yielded no stoppages.

Its light weight does mean it has some significant reoil, but if you want something lightweight, the SFAR is the way to go.

We have a full review of Ruger's SFAR as well as a video (see below)!

4. Sig Sauer 716i Tread - Best Mid Level AR-10

Best Mid Level AR-10

Sig Sauer 716i Tread

$1483

at GrabAGun

Prices accurate at time of writing

$1483 at GrabAGun

Palmetto State Armory (see price)

Kygunco (see price)

Specs

• Caliber: 7.62x51
• Barrel Length: 16"
• Overall Length: 34.21"-37.52"
• Weight: 8.16 lbs
• Capacity: 20+1 (as by magazine)

Most of the PPT staff has had the chance to shoot the 716i Tread, and we are in agreement that it rocks!

Johnny was the lucky one who got a 716i sent to him for complete testing, he loved it so much that he insisted on buying it for his personal collection --- that really should tell you a lot.

How does it shoot?

This puppy shoots! Right out of the box, the groups are outstanding, the recoil is soft, and the system as a whole is clearly well-tuned.It also features almost completely Ambi-controls, a Magpul stock, and an M-LOK handguard.

But the trigger isn't perfect, and the charging handle is bleh. Still, this delivers a LOT of rifle for the price.

Between this or the Aero Precision M5E1 below...it's a really close call.

To learn more about the Sig 716i Tread, check out our written review or the video review below!

5. Aero Precision M5E1 - Best Bang-for-the-Buck

Best Bang-for-the-Buck

Aero M5 Complete Lowers

$339

at AR15 Discounts

Prices accurate at time of writing

$339 at AR15 Discounts

Primary Arms (see price)

Midway USA (see price)

We're big Aero Precision fans.

They’re known in the industry as one of the biggest quality manufacturers of lowers and uppers for other AR makers. They also offer a wide variety of build kits, including various Cerakote options that are available as limited runs.

Aero M5 Complete Uppers

$699

at Midway USA

Prices accurate at time of writing

$699 at Midway USA

OpticsPlanet (see price)

Aero Precision (see price)

AR15 Discounts (see price)

Between the Pew Pew staff, we have a LOT of Aero builds. We're price-conscious and like solid quality, and Aero delivers on that.

So, all that out of the way, what about the Aero M5E1? Why does it make it on my list of the best AR-10s? I’m glad you asked, friend.

The Aero Precision M5E1 Complete Rifle is built with Aero’s excellent Enhanced Upper and M5E1 Lower, both of which are available for purchase separately and often available together if you want to get them both for a build.

How Does it Shoot?

Good ammo is always a must when testing a firearm; never forget that!

These are the rounds recommended by Aero themselves:

• Black Hills Match
• Remington Premier Match
• Hornady Match 168 gr HTHP (top rec)
• Hornady Match 168 gr ELD (top rec)

As you can see, the top recommendations were the ones tested, and Eric shot between 1.5 and 2 MOA, which is perfectly respectable for a sub $2,000 .308 rifle with factory ammo.

With hand loads, we believe the gun is capable of around 1 MOA to Sub-MOA accuracy.

Eric's full review here.

While Eric used a complete Aero AR-10 upper, I went a more custom route for my 6.5 Creedmoor AR-10.

This is one of the things we really like about the Aero Builder's Kits; they allow for a lot of flexibility. I started off with the Aero Precision M5E1 FDE Builder's Kit and an FDE Magpul PRS stock.

From there, I added a Criterion heavy barrel, VG6 muzzle brake, Aero lower parts kit, Radian Raptor charging handle, and an Aero BCG with JP enterprises bolt.

I've only gotten to push my Aero build out to 650 yards so far, but the experience has been outstanding! I'm well over 500 rounds into this rifle with zero malfunctions.

The bottom line? Be it in .308 or 6.5 Creedmoor, Aero-built, or custom parts, the M5E1 is a solid platform.

6. LWRCi REPR MKII 7.62 Rifle - Best High-End AR-10

Best High-End AR-10

LWRCI REPR MKII 7.62 Rifle

$4215

at GrabAGun

Prices accurate at time of writing

$4215 at GrabAGun

Classic Firearms (see price)

Guns.com (see price)

Specs

• Caliber: 7.62x51
• Barrel Length: 16.1” or 20"
• Overall Length: 34.8"-41.25"
• Weight: 10.4 lbs
• Capacity: 20+1 (as by magazine)

LWRC originally created the first version of the R.E.P.R. for the military’s CSASS (Compact Semi-Automatic Sniper System) competition. While they lost that contract to H&K, they certainly didn’t do poorly.

The LWRCi R.E.P.R MKII is an updated version of that rifle and is built to the same exacting standards as the already awesome first version.

The main difference between that version and the MKII is the gas system. The new gas system is adjustable to 20 different positions as opposed to the suppressed and unsuppressed settings of the first R.E.P.R’s gas block.

How Does it Shoot?

Really good. Okay, freakin' great!

Using Federal Gold Medal Match 175 GR, Matt put five rounds into a 1-inch circle at 200 yards. For those of you playing along at home, that’s a half-MOA performance.

Not only is the R.E.P.R incredibly well built, but it's also crazy accurate. The price is steep, but you get what you pay for.

LWRC also makes a great line of AR-15s that deliver the same level of performance and reliability as their AR-10. I highly recommend you take a look!

Meet the Experts

This article builds on the original work of former PPT editor David Lane.

Pew Pew Tactical Content Producer Sean Curtis edited and added to the original article. Sean has been shooting since childhood but began to delve into guns more during his law enforcement career. He spent over two decades in law enforcement, where he became a POST-certified handgun instructor and NLEFIA Red Dot Instructor and received CLEFIA Advanced Firearms Instructor Training and AR-15 armorer training. He has since attended a variety of training, including Tactical Performance Center Handgun Mastery & Carbine Mastery, and earned USCCA rifle instructor certification. Aside from training and prior to joining the Pew Pew Tactical team full-time, Sean wrote for several gun publications evaluating and testing guns and gear and has written hundreds of articles.

Editor-in-Chief Jacki Billings runs our experienced team of reviewers. She is a National Rifle Association Basic Pistol Instructor as well as a member of the Society of Professional Journalists, ACES: Society for Editing, and the Professional Outdoor Media Association. Jacki has a bachelor’s degree in journalism and has worked as a media professional for close to 20 years, specializing in gun media for almost 10 years. With 2,000+ articles to her name, she uses her professional journalism and editing experience to set testing protocols and editorial standards for Pew Pew Tactical.

Final Thoughts

All in all, I love the AR-10.

It's a sometimes-finicky rifle that, when done well, can be one of the greatest joys to shoot, and one of the most versatile options in your gun safe.

These guns are the best of the best in their particular niches and are perfect if you find yourself needing to hit something very far away with a very large bullet.

What are your thoughts on the AR-10 and our list? Let us know in the comments below. Also, check out our hands-on reviews of the Best AR-10 Muzzle Brakes and Best AR-10 Buttstocks. Already have an AR-10 and are looking to add a scope? Check out our recommendations here!

Latest Updates

April 2025: Added the PSA Sabre-10 and the Ruger SFAR.