AR-10 platform

[Dixie Dude]

The tread on FN FAL vs AR-10 got me to thinking.  I do have a FN FAL and like it, but it is a bit heavy and parts are getting harder to find.  Would the AR-10 platform be the best way to go?  After attending a recent gun show a complete AR-10 lower could be had for about $259.  Did not check to see what uppers would cost.  However I've heard or seen that with the AR-10 platform you can buy a 223 upper, and possibly a 338 Federal, a 7mm 08, and maybe a 258.  All of these can use the same magazines and the same bolt.  With the AR-15 platform, many times changing to a 7.62x39, a 6.8 SPC, 50 Beowolf, 6.4 Grendel, or other, you have to change the bolt with the upper, and sometimes the magazines.  Seems like the AR-10 has a lot more going for it than the M1A Springfield or the FN FAL for the price and value.  What do you guys think? 

[Dixie Dude]

Not many takers here.  I had another question.  I've heard the military was having magazines made for the M-14 adapted for the AR-10.  Are these available?  Or do you have to have mags made specific for your rifle. 

[SharonAnne]

sorry, not ignoring you,just no idea

[Dixie Dude]

I read on another forum that the Rock River LAR-8 used FAL magazines, both English and Metric.  I have a FN-FAL with about 12 magazines.  I just like the AR platform for changing uppers.  They do make a 338 Federal and a 243 upper.  That can give you more range from small game to large game for hunting, and both being on the 308 case can fit the same magazines.  I also read from someone who has both say the LAR-8 has a much lighter recoil than the FAL.  Maybe with my bonus check next February or income tax refund.  I do have used FAL parts like gas piston, springs, and another bolt just in case.  However parts for them have dried up.  With an AR that is still being manufactured, parts are easier to get.  Some like pistol grips, trigger and springs are the same, just a longer receiver.  I also prefer the 308 for deer hunting vs a 223 or a 6.8 SPC or 6.5 Grendel.  More and better bullets.  In a SHTF situation, my wife will probably have the AR-15, and I the FAL.  She uses a 9mm Springfield XDM and I have a Colt 1911 for primary sidearms.  I do have a couple of 10-22's.  I also have a 308 Ruger bolt gun, and a 308 Browning lever for hunting. 

[rzwieg]

I've been thinking about an AR 10 but would like to know which is the most reliable. The AR 15s I've used have been pretty good, but I'm still not sold on that .22 cal bullet for some jobs. One that ran on M14/M1A mags would be a big plus.

[Dixie Dude]

That's one on the things I have been concerned about, you can spend a fortune on priority magazines.  I know the Rock River LAR-8 will use FAL mags from what I read.  At one time Armalite adapted theirs for M14/M1A magazines.  Right now, I think DPMS is the biggest seller, but their mags are like $25 each. 

[simplicity]

Maybe I can shed some light on your topic and answer a few questions. There is only one ar10 platform that will take a 223 upper and it's a specific upper to just that frame and won't fit on any other ar lowers IE colts CM901 design. other then that there are three types of ar10 platforms out there. First there is the rock rivers design that uses fn/fal mags (it was origanally designed by bushmaster and RR bought the patten), Next is kinda the original ar10 which is made by armelite (spelling) it takes pretty much it's own parts and it's own mag which can be easily made from M1A mags. The 3rd is the SR25 platform IE dpms lr-308, remington SR25, knights armorment (spelling) , Laurue and a few others. (which is used by the US military forces as a sniper rifle replace alot of bolt guns aka mk11 and the M110) The SR25 platform you can easily get upppers in a few different calibers like 243, 260 rem,7mm-08, 308,338 federal and I beleive there is one made in 300wsm as well (I dont' know if the 300wsm uppers are compatible with the others.) they would all use the same mag ie magpul 762 20 which are availible everywhere. Also  the SR25 platform will also except and use the majority of ar15 components (triggers groups and such) I have a LR308 that I have put together and plan on using this coming deer season.  I'm the one that posted the fn vs AR10 thread a while back and have been studying ever since.

[Dixie Dude]

Therein lies my delima.  I too have been studying this for awhile.  My thoughts were, as time goes on, the FAL is going to become more and more obsolete.  I do have 12 mags for it.
 
I have thought about the Springfield M1A, and have heard a little bad news about it due to Springfield cutting corners and getting them out so fast. 
 
I thought about the Rock River version.  I have found FAL metric mags for $18-20 (used) on the internet.  Eventually they will dry up. 
 
I thought about the Armalite.  Don't know how to make the M1A mags fit?
 
So, that leaves the DPMS, Remington, Knights, and Larue which you mentioned.  I also didn't know the Army was using this platform.  They also use the Magpull mags which are aound $18 but are on backorder most places.  Also as you said there are other uppers for them. 
 
My thoughts were as things are going to standardise on the two platforms, AR-15 and AR-10, buy various uppers for various calibers.  Buy replacement parts.  That being said, I could hunt just about anything in North America. 
 
With the AR-15, I can use a 22lr adapter in my 1/12" twist.  I can buy 6.8 SPC, 6.5 Grendel, 50 Beowolf, 450 Bushmaster, and maybe a few others.
 
With the AR-10, I can use the 243, 7mmO8, 260 rem, 308, 338 Federal.  Maybe they might make a 358 at one point, but the 300 WSM sounds intreging. 
 
Just get the right upper for the various hunting conditions, buy some 5 round mags for where that might be the legal limit.  But, you know what, the 223 and the 308 with the right bullets and loads could hunt anything in North America without changing uppers. 
 
I just wonder if DSA arms is going to continue making the FAL rifle?  They should make new mags if they do.  The FAL is rugged, but the AR-10 platform is more accurate and has more parts availability with just a few tools to work on it.