Geez I don't know I would say the only reason why I own a AR is because I can't afford a M1A. I'm not saying I don't like my AR, I love my AR I do feel a bond with it and have alot of confidence with it due to my time in the Marines. I don't have much of a opinion of the AR-10 only because I've never had one in my hands and I've never shot one. I will say this I do have a passion for the M1a. I will own one before I die that is for sure. I guess I'd have to go with the M1a only because I have never had a ar-10 in my hands to try. never know I might get my hands on one and passion might change never know I guess it would be what you would want it for just to play with or to play?hunt or just to have play with and customise if you wanted to play and custommise I'd say go with the AR-10. if you don't and you want something that's been battle proven to be reliable and is still used today as a match rifle I'd go with the M1A. But as of where I sit right now knowing what I know I still say M1A. I am in the same boat I have all kinds of hunting arms. I only have a few niches left to fill in my collection and thats a 223 barrel for my encore , a 1911, and the M1A.