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 AR-10…look no further!
We’re looking at the best complete rifles here.
So without further ado…
Summary of Our Top Picks
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Best High-End AR-10The R.E.P.R is at the top of heap in elite company when it comes to AR-10s, but it has a price to match.
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Lightest AR-10Utilizing an AR-15 frame, the SFAR is one of the lightest AR-10s on the market.
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Best Budget OptionPSA AR-10 Gen 3 Complete Rifles
Palmetto makes quality rifles at an affordable price.
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Best Mid Level AR-10The tread is a solid all-around pick that boasts excellent accuracy and legendary Sig quality.
Best AR-10 Rifles
1. Aero M5E1
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.
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.
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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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.
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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The bottom line?
Be it in .308 or 6.5 Creedmoor, Aero built or custom parts, the M5E1 is a solid platform.
2. LWRCi REPR MKII 7.62 Rifle
Okay, first of all, it’s pronounced “Reaper,” which is either cool or a little too “edgy teenager with dark eyeliner,” depending on your perspective.
But really, a name has never once caused a gun to perform better or worse. What matters, as the infomercials will tell you, is one simple question: will it blend?
Well, in this case, it will absolutely blend. Or shoot. It’s a weird metaphor, just go with it.
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 one-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.
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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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!
3. Daniel Defense DD5
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.
Specs
- Four-bolt system fastens barrel and handguard attachments
- Geissele SSA two-stage precision trigger with 2.5-lb. take-up
- Oversized cam pin, enhanced extractor geometry, and dual ejectors
- Lower receiver with oversized trigger guard and flared magazine well
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. Never had a problem with this gun and never expect 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: 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.
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Want more? Watch our review below!
4. Ruger SFAR
Normally I am a little hesitant to recommend something that is newer to the market. But while the Ruger SFAR lacks a long-term track record, it makes up for it with some great features.
So what sets it apart? Well, for starters, it weighs in at an amazingly-light 6.8 pounds. Ruger achieved this by utilizing a true AR-15-sized platform that stretches the magazine well to accommodate the .308 cartridge.
Ruger employs a toughened 8620 steel bolt carrier, and a proprietary super steel bolt and barrel extension to ensure that it can withstand the increased recoil and wear produced by the larger cartridge.
The gas system is mid-length and features a 4-position adjustable gas block to help ensure reliability and function for most common ammunition on the market.
On top of all that, you get a 15-inch free-float M-LOK handguard, 2 port muzzle brake, Ruger Elite 452 2-stage trigger, and Magpul MOE furniture.
And the best part about all of this? It clocks in right around the $1,000-1,200 mark, making it one of the more affordable AR-10s out there.
How Does it Shoot?
While we haven’t gotten our hands on one yet, other reviewers have.
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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The general consensus is that the rifles shoot anywhere between .5 and 1.5 MOA, depending on the ammunition and the shooter. That puts the SFAR right in the ballpark with some of the other guns on this list. Considering the price and other features, that isn’t too shabby.
5. Palmetto State Armory AR-10 (PA-10) Gen 3
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.
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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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.
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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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.
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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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 to shoot 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!
What’s your take on the PSA line of AR-10s? Rate it below!
6. Sig Sauer 716i Tread
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 that 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.
He has a complete video review on it, so take a look at that or read our article for all the details!
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 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.
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Between this or the Aero Precision M5E1…it’s a really close call.
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!
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The SFAR has major MAJOR reliability problems. To the best of my research, this is due to an improperly tight neck on the chamber, and unreliable performance of the gas block which causes rounds to stick in the chamber and overpressure even on modest loadings. I really REALLY wanted this to work (I bought one early on), but I know a number of folks who also purchased one, and 90% (yes, 9/10) of them have problems.
Ruger is a good company, but this product was a fail at its current state in my view.
I built an Aero AR and I love it. However, I am a little unsatisfied with the accuracy .... but I still love it. I think because it was my first build. I read this because I was thinking of building an Aero AR-10. I wasn't surprised to read you also love them despite their 1.5-2 moa. I think with the idea of an AR-10 being longer range, I'll have to look elsewhere than my beloved Aero. Probably the DD series. How is it that Aero makes DD's stuff, but DD is so much tighter?
Funny how not long ago, at least in another blog that i read was ranked #3 on their list less then a year ago. The Armalite AR10 of which I own the The AR-10® DEF10 model that I have replaced the single stage stock trigger with a two stage 1lb/3.5lb and have ordered a 20" barrel to replace the 16" while considering a 24" for a future up grade, I have installed the 5 port Ultradyne Apollo S 7.62 muzzle break on the 16" and ordered another for the 20". the riffle is outfitted with a mid sized Bi-pod, Green lazer aimer for short range (under 100ft), ATN X-sight 4k electronic Day/Night Rifle scope with 5-20x lens with inferred light for night hunting and X-trac remote to control the scope functions, also added a forward pistol grip with momentary contact trigger switch to activate the lazer when needed. my only complaint about this rifle is its heavy weight (7.6lb bare bones stock) you can imagine how much heaver it is with all the added hardware but it all adds to its accuracy and functionality. I for one am quite pleased with this beast.
What are some recommendations regarding scopes for a 20" SFAR. Plans are a DMR role.
I really like Nightforce and Trijicon 1-8. The Sig 1-8 is a great option for only around $500 and its still second focal plane.
The AR 10 is my favorite rifle. If I could have only one long gun, an AR 10 in .308 Win would be my choice. With a carefully selected range of ammo, this is possibly the most versatile rifle on the planet.
I have owned and shot several AR 10 rifles. As a CANADIAN, decades ago I had access to the MILSPEC [converted auto ] ORIGINAL DUTCH AI versions, and owned a a couple of dozens of these. I was an early adopter of the commercial copies including three of the Remington R25 variants. Once you did a decent trigger job and found the ammo each individual rifle preferred, these would usually do MOA or better.
With the original AI versions, SUDANESE and PORTUGUESE military surplus, many would shoot MOA with military 7.62 NATO BALL ammo. This was incredible accuracy for the time. I was building custom accurised M14 rifles and getting these to shoot under 2" was a challenge. Check out the M24.ca BLACKFEATHER chassis system, which was an attempt to give the M14 the handling and balance of the AR10.
I am currently most interested in the RUGER lightweight variant in .308. While I do respect the versatility and capabilities ofbmy AR 15 [with a .22LR conversion kit included] the AR 10 simply has more power, more range, more versatility.
Why was the JP LRI20 or SR25 not tested? if your going to test the best you need to include the JP and Knights in the testing. I own the LRI20 and worked as a weapons designer for Knights in the early 2000s.
What about Noveski ?
good
You forgot the Stag Arms Stag 10. I get sub-MOA with Norma match ammo from a 16" barrel. They're selling at Midway for under $1000 at the moment. Excellent fit and finish.
You beat me at mentioning Stag 10. Love the functioning of my Stag Arms 10 I have had NO PROBLEMS since I purchased my arm.
I was lucky enough to pickup an early RUGER SFAR, 16" barrel for $1025. before the prices spiked. I have now pushed about 180 rounds through it and love it better every day! It now has a HOLOSUN 503 Green (circle-dot) scope with a HOLOSUN HM3XT magnifier. So far the SFAR has never had a hickup and runs like a champ either slow or fast! I have owned several ARs but this one is a serious rifle!
This is a very good write up. It’s a great list of “off the shelf” rifles that most of us sport shooters/hunters are going to be looking for at every price point. I just finished my Aero Precision M5E1 build in 308. It’s an awesome rifle. I’ll never understand why people blast you guys for not adding some custom rifle from a company most people have never heard of. Great article as always.
How can you say the Ruger SFAR is one of the best AR10s and then Leave OFF the list POF-USA REVOLUTION, and Rogue rifles, the rifles the RUGER SFAR stole its design from? But put on the list run of the mill D.I. Rifles like the Sig tread 716, PSA AR-10, and Aero M5?? And then you also leave off the list rifles like the KAC SR-25, LMT MWS, and I hate to say it, because I hate HK because of their politics, but even the HK417 deserves to be on this list more then some of these rifles you got on here.
Eric,
I have not seen your platform written anywhere, do you have one out there somewhere?
The aero M5E1 Atlas rail 18" Stainless barrel is what I found works very well. No special rounds and getting 1 MOA fairly consistent. The outliers are probably my fault. No malfunctions as of yet. Bought it in pieces starting before COVID lockdowns. Finished towards the end and did not the exact barrel I wanted. But had waited almost 2 years to finally get the last few pieces like the barrel. Love it.
I think Pew Pew is way overdue to revisit the Bear Creek Arsenal product line. They have quite a few "AR 10" offerings, including side chargers. I have 2 .223 Wylde uppers, one dual charging, a 7.63x39 side charger and an AR 10 7.62 side charger. 2 nitride, 2 stainless, all with nitrided BCGs.
The problem with BCA is quality control and consistency with their product. I like their approach to side cherging on certain platforms, but the consistency of their product in this format needs to be assessed before I will even consider their product. Right now I ' m running FM products on my builds and have yet to find a fault
Did you deliberately omit the offerings from POF- gas impingement or piston and the Stoner 25??
Came here to say this. The Ruger SFAR is the new kid in town and at a much more attractive price point, but the Revolution is a glaring omission.
We only have so much space, so if we don't add something, it doesn't mean we don't like it...just that we may not have the room. But we're constantly updating articles so keep checking back! Thanks for reading!
How does the SuperSASS GEN II AR10 compare to this list? Its price is cheaper than at least one rifle on your list.
I'm sorry, but I sincerely, don't understand why the ArmaLite AR10 Tac series is excluded from this list. I own the 16-in version and put Win .308 match ammo one on top of the other in the bullseye all day long at a hundred yards. Can anyone help me understand why be on the light. AR-10 is consistently excluded from the best AR-10 list?
Stick to reviewing suppressors...
I have the first gen repr, and I have a LMT 308MWS. Love them both and the LMT shoots as well as the repr. The LMT is stout, and sweet to shoot. I out perform (at my range) my friends DD and another friend shooting a Seekins. Why do I never see a LMT 308 in reviews, or in anybody's Top XX list.
What about the Smith and wesson A.R 10 308
I have the tread 5 56 and I absolutely love it. Made some modifications of course but the original lower and trigger are still together
This was about .308, not .223.
If you want decent quality for an ar10 .308 I'd say the sig sauer 716i is a safe bet. It's reasonably priced and the parts are superb quality. Not to mention Sig just got a huge military contract....what does that tell you?
I dont know about the Tread, I dont loke the look, but the 2015 Sig M400 Predator is a great rifle for $1,150.
All the good sruff for a 5.56. Its a little heavy but ynkess you are going house to house or something, the added qeight is not n issue.
Getting a military contract does not necessarily mean a company has a top of the line product, Sig notwithstanding. Even Uncle Sam is budget conscious. As a retired military member who has been privy to some of the decision making processes albeit at the lower level, the U.S. will spend as little as it can to get a decent performing mid level product.
Hello David i am a novice but would like to buy or own an AR rifle but i am on a fixed budget and would like to get one that i can afford but nit a really cheap one what do you recommend is it better to build one from pieces if so can you recommend the pieces please
Thank you for your expertise
Tary b
The fact you missed POF tells me this list is weak.
After tons of research and my wallet getting ready to pull the trigger on a PSA AR 10 in 308. This may sound silly but my biggest decision is 18 inch barrel or 20 inch barrel? Is that extra 2 inches really gonna give me more service, feet per second, accuracy, bullet drop etc. All else being equal, optics, barrel, trigger. Thanks!
Check out the website Balkistics by the inch and see if tge is much difference between the two barrel lengths. The go to a gun store and pick up an AR10 with 18" and 20" barrels. Compare Weight and balance. Lastly, are you looking at hunting or shooting beyond 350 yds.
If hunting, the 18" should be fine.
Do you really think a PSA AR10 is better than a STAG AR10?
STAG never seems to get the credit they truly deserve. I have a 15, thats about 10 years old and I'd put it up against just about anything out there for durability and accuracy, 1000's of rounds and many many mag dumps, never jambed. Not to mention this wep is the "true" definition of a tack driver, it's nothing to put 5 - 7 rounds (or more), one after the next, in a nickel sized hole at 200
As a devoted AR-15 user, I made the jump with a PA-10 Gen 3. Why PSA? Same reason you buy a Honda Civic, for the outstanding value. There are more expensive and better options available, but dollar for dollar they are the best things going. Most guys don't even get to the AR-10 realm with prices of everything soaring these days. The SIG Tread just may be my 2nd acquisition, with legendary SIG quality and good price. Plus the India Army contract for these proves their battle worthiness.
nice article ,,yep it would be nice to have one of those rifles, to help to defend the USA,
but i only have an old spanish mauser in 308, bolt action,, iron sights, good to 500 yds,
cant see pass that,, but what the hell,, its works,, same with 30-30, works cant see past 100
yards,, ill just dream in my past years, where i could hit my target at 500 yds with iron
sights, no matter what i used,, be nice people, Semper Paratus,
Hello M.B. ,They don't make them like that anymore. Those old timers keep on ticking. You should update that 30-30 though. May I suggest building one with PSA parts, they are budget friendly and gives an old coot something to do in retirement. Enjoy ,XPO Joe Spag
From the front porch I use the Sig, open sights, Magpul, MBUS front and rear. The trackline down to the barn is 40 yards. Semper Paratus. SC 181
Randy Luth of Luth-AR (formerly DPMS/Panther Arms) has a multi-target sheet of five sub-moa five shot groups at 100 yards that I shot with one of the first DPMS LR-308 rifles delivered way back when.
The ammo was Federal GMM 175 gr. The scope was a brand new Springfield 6-20x50 with 30mm tube, mounted in KAC rings, and a modified RRA two stage trigger with a total weight of pull of 2.5 lbs.
First and smallest was .215” Last one, shot in a thunderstorm that popped up on a typical Florida summer afternoon, was .953” IIRC.
I haven’t been shooting in the last ten years or so, but recently picked up an AP 6.5 CM upper to try out, and a new 20” Faxon barrel to replace the original DPMS 24” bull barrel on the LR-308. I’ll soon find out if I can still do it.
Many years ago, I obtained an Armalite AR10 A4 - haven't looked at any other AR10 since (other than in passing interest). I had to have M14 - 20 round magazines modified (by Armalite). The newer lowers use a different magazine size and configuration and won't fit my mag well - a very minor problem for older Armalite AR10 owners. I've changed some of the furniture and put a 6x24x50 scope on it for long range shooting, and it's a sub-minute of angle firearm. Using the Sierra 175 gr. MatchKing BTHP in my hand-loads produces a one-jagged-hole 5 shot group at distances out to 300+ yards. Pardon my being blunt, but the late-commers don't interest me. (wink). AR-10 are awesome performers, and the next step up from the AR-15's. I believe everyone should own at least one.
You have got to be kidding on this list. JP Enterprises LRI-20 is the clear king. Having Palmetto on your list for the best is joke.