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Choosing the best AR10 rifle of 2025 could mean the difference between spending a lot of money on a firearm that doesn’t fit your needs, or worse, buying an inferior product that fails when you need it most.
Combine this with the massive disruptions in supply chains and the explosion in “American Made” Chinese ripoff products, you got yourself set up for disaster.
But don’t worry…
We have the top AR10 rifles that money can buy on this list and we have provided links to our certified in stock suppliers to ensure you’re getting the right gun for your needs today.
Contents
#1. Sig Sauer 716i Tread 7.62mm NATO
Best at Everything
The Sig Sauer 716i Tread is a high-quality, high-accuracy rifle that sets the standard for top AR-10 firearms.
Coming in at number one, we have the Sig Sauer 716i.
Sig has been building high-end AR rifles for some time, and the AR-10 variant is a part of the program. Currently, I have found a few of these being stacked on gun racks and I would assume, due to the higher-end pricing, that this is why some are still available at a time when darn few weapons are on store shelves.
This rifle is chambered in the almost gold standard 308 Winchester, with it being the first used by the military, and the major chamber size in production today, which means you’re getting the highest level of accuracy available.
Pros
High accuracy
Built with quality materials
Sleek M-Lok accessory rail
Optimal barrel and overall size
Direct impingement system is efficient, reducing the likelihood of jams
Cons
Higher price point
May be considered heavy for some users
The barrel length is 16 inches, and the overall length is 37” from muzzle to buttstock. The stock style is the AR standard telescopic, and the barrel retains a twist rate of 1:10”. With a single-stage trigger that is polished and hard-coated for weather resistance.
This gun is not only accurate but also fun to shoot.
The material on the end is alloy aluminum, and the stock is polymer. The accessory rail is the newer M-LOK design, and with a 20 round mag empty, the weapon comes in at 8.5 pounds.
The direct impingement on this AR is so dialed in you’re literally going to be dropping cartridges on top of each other. The functionality of this rifle is off the chart, so no need to worry about it jamming when you need it.
Sig also offers the AR-10 package in the SIG 16 PATROL 7.62X51MM.
At a higher price point than the previous offering, this is a police-style weapon that uses a more military-based approach to styling and sight installation.
This rifle uses the 1917 rail, running the full length of the receiver and for-end for easy installation of glass sights, lasers, and even ranging systems.
This rifle is again 7.62 NATO, runs out to 37.4 inches in length, and has a weight of 9.3 lbs. Keep in mind that the AR-10 is not your short-cartridge AR-15. Everything about the AR-10 is robust, making the rifle at least a third larger than the 556 variant of an AR-class rifle.
The rifle makes use of a pushrod operating system with a four-position gas valve. The rifling in this weapon is 1-10, with six grooves running track down the bore. The magazine capacity is 20 rounds.
They’re both good rifles, but the clear winner is the 716i Tread, as the SIG 16 Patrol is just overkill for most of our readers.
**Update**
As of February 7, 2025 our certified supplier has very limited stock of the 716i, the rep told me they expect to sold out in about a week, so make sure to use the link below to check the stock and pick one up:
#2. Armalite AR 10
For 3 Gun Competitions
The Armalite AR 10 is a specialized rifle built for 3 gun competitions. Highly precise, durable, with ambidextrous features.
Armalite AR-10 is a purpose-built competition rifle for 3 gun series shooting.
Armalite is not just a name – it is the AR-15/10 in the cold metal casing that it is housed within. Armalite is the first name of the actual “AR”.
Whereas some folks tend to think AR stands for “automatic rifle”, it actually is making reference to this brand name as this is the designer and developer of the first ARs that went over to Colt manufacturing during the Vietnam War.
Pros
Specifically designed for 3-gun competition shooting
Ambidextrous features
Durable construction
Specialized for high-level shooting and precision-based shooting sports
Cons
May not be as versatile for other uses
Higher cost
I have a prized Armalite 300 Win Mag in a turn bolt rifle designed as a chassis rifle that is among my best of the best in-house for ¾ mile work or longer at high altitudes.
The Armalite AR-10 makes use of a match-grade stainless steel barrel measuring 16 inches with the muzzle break attached. The twist rate is 1:10 RH, and it is housed within a handguard that is of the M-LOK design.
This is a competition rifle, and the rifle is designed for this level of application.
The upper receiver is made of 7075-T6 Aluminum, as is the lower as well. The overall finish of the rifle is anodized aluminum and manganese phosphate steel.
The rifle makes use of the fully ambidextrous safety and the “Raptor” charging handle, so whether you’re left or right-handed, it’s fast against the clock. This rifle is considered a better grade in terms of internal workings and craftsmanship.
Overall, the product offered by this company is a class act, and better sporting outlets will carry them when they are available.
#3. Daniel Defense DD5V4
Best for 6.5 Creedmoor
The Daniel Defense DD5V4 is a higher-end 6.5 Creedmoor rifle of high-quality construction.
Here is another option in AR-10 configurations but this time chambered in the very hot 6.5 Creedmoor cartridge, the Daniel Defense DD5V4.
Why consider this a separate gun unto itself versus using the 308 once again?
Because since the AR-10 class rifle and platform can chamber many larger cartridges due to the long receiver, bolt, and magazine system employed on the rifle, it is wide open for different cartridge types.
Pros
Chambered in the long-range accurate 6.5 Creedmoor
Adjustable gas block
M-Lok Fore-end and 4-bolt connection system
High quality construction, made from 7075-T6 Aluminum with a type III hard-coated anodized finish
Cons
Weighs 8.6 pounds empty
Not the most expensive option but not a budget rifle either
In this, the 6.5 Creedmoor comes to the surface. I know of several shooters currently that are searching for replacement receivers for their 308-chambered AR, and yes, the new upper will be chambered in the 6.5mm Creedmoor cartridge.
This rifle retains the M-Lok for-end, which is now almost a standard among newer rifles, with a barrel length of 18 inches, and a total weight empty of 8.6 pounds.
The gas block on the rifle is adjustable for reliable suppressed shooting, the rifle finish is DLC-coated regarding the bolt carrier group making the rifle easy to clean, and is designed with a 4-Bolt connection system which will produce good accuracy.
The rifle is constructed from 7075-T6 Aluminum, and it is type III hard-coated and anodized.
This is another example of a higher-end rifle that is available in almost all big box sporting goods outlets.
What about the price with that precision? The good news is that it won’t break the bank, but it is also not necessarily a budget rifle.
#4. Rock River LAR-8
Best For Hunting
The Rock River LAR-8 is a rifle best for hunting that accommodates winter use and comes with ambidextrous features.
The Rock River LAR-8 rifles carry smooth crisp two-stage triggers, a low-profile gas block system, and a winter trigger guard. This feature is outstanding when shooting with heavy gloves in cold field conditions. I have this on two of my RR rifles currently, and would not be without it on a winter coyote hunt.
In the area of the AR-10, some production has decreased because of AR-15 demand. Defense is the big seller today in the American gun market and as such the manufacturers are pressing materials and production time toward what sells fast and hard.
Pros
Smooth crisp two-stage triggers
Winter trigger guard accommodates shooting with heavy gloves
Low-profile gas block system
Ambidextrous bolt stop and magazine release
Cons
Not a lightweight firearm
The average shooter is searching for price, standard weapons systems in terms of ammunition used, and the smaller AR-15 fits this class. In general, in terms of brands, I have found that the sporting goods store that carries one brand of AR-15 will also carry the AR-10 in that brand when available.
Why? Again the marketing of the AR-15 is a much faster moving rifle among general purpose and home defense shooters.
#5. Palmetto State Armory AR-10 Gen 3
The Budget Pick
The PSA AR-10 Gen 3 is an affordably priced 308 rifle that has a variety of options for customization, with uppers and lowers available for purchase separately.
The PSA AR-10 is a very good rifle and at the same time a really good deal. Everything in this weapon is made by Palmetto State Armory in-house. This keeps the price down and the quality up in the Gen 3 version.
It does not include an adjustable gas system, this helps to reduce the felt recoil of the rather strong 308 rounds.
However, there is one problem with this rifle. Because of its low price of under $1000, it is really hard to find, and such a good deal does not wait for a long time to be taken.
Pros
Affordable price
Can buy upper and lower components separately
Various options for furniture and triggers
In-house manufacturing helps maintain a balance between affordability and quality
Cons
Lack of adjustable gas system
Potential quality trade-offs
It comes with a budget price and good quality, and once they are in stock, it takes a short time and they’re out again.
Alternatively, you can use the modularity of the system and buy the upper and lower completely separately. This also allows you to avoid paying 11 tax on complete rifles.
Also, you have some more options for the furniture and trigger. For example, you can go with a stainless barrel to have more accuracy, you can also have it shorter in 18 inches to make it easier to carry.
#6. Aero Precision M5E1
The “All-Rounder”
The Aero Precision M5E1 is an extremely accurate and high-quality rifle that comes in two different cartridge models.
Aero Precision is known to be a high-quality manufacturer with a good reputation. They offer ARs as complete rifles, build kits as well as just uppers and lowers. It is a good choice for everyone who has some budget constraints but is looking for a good rifle with good precision.
With factory ammo and without much training you will easily be able to shoot sub-2 moa groups. This means all your shots at 100 yards will be inside a ring with a diameter of less than 2 inches. If you use hand loads, might be able to tighten those groups to sub-moa accuracy, meaning that you’ll shoot all rounds in one group into a ring of less than one inch in diameter.
Pros
Excellent accuracy
Available in both 7.62x51mm (.308) and 6.5 Creedmoor
Offers complete rifles, builder’s kits, and just uppers and lowers
Easily customizable
Cons
Extensive customization options and potential need for additional upgrades might be overwhelming for those unfamiliar with AR-10 platforms
This is great if you take into account that this is a rifle with a price tag of a little under fifteen hundred dollars. Besides 7.62×51mm or 308, you can also go for 6.5 Creedmoor.
You have the option to go with a builder’s kit or with a complete rifle. The complete rifle is the easy route, but the kit enables you to do some more customization.
For example, for the Creedmoor, it pays to go with the h-bar 22-inch, 6.5 Creedmoor, AR-10 barrel.
For long-range precision, the further recommended upgrades are an adjustable gas block, a radian raptor charging handle, and a VG6 muzzle brake. When it comes to precision, you might also want a Bushnell scope and wheeler rings, which will allow you to hit right on the spot at long distances.
#7. LWRCI REPR MKII 7.62 Rifle
The “Cadillac”
The LWRCI REPR MKII is an easy-to-handle rifle with sniper-like precision and half-MOA accuracy at 200 yards.
The name ‘reaper’ in LWRCI REPR alone is already cool but that’s just one aspect.
This rifle will lie and shoot well in your hands even without long training as it has very easy handling characteristics and very good ergonomics.
This comes as no surprise. LWRCI introduced the reaper into the competition for the CSASS (the compact semi-automatic sniper system). They did not make it as Ak won that one, but now they have a rifle with sniper-like precision that they’ve thrown onto the civilian market.
Pros
Designed for easy handling and good ergonomics
Offers sniper-like precision
Can achieve half-MOA accuracy at 200 yards with high-quality ammo
Updated gas system with 20 different settings
Military-grade quality
Cons
High price point
May be more suited for specific applications like long-range shooting
Actually, the REPR MKII is not the exact same rifle, but it is an update – this means it is an improved version of a sniper rifle that was pitched for the military. The improvement includes a new gas system that allows you to adjust the setting to 20 different positions. That is better than the original version which offered only two: one for suppressed and one for unsuppressed fire.
Shoot it with some really good ammo, like the Federal Gold Medal match 175 grain, for example, and you will hit all rounds in one group in a one inch circle at 200 yards. That is not one MOA, but half an MOA.
Precision like this has its price, and the LWRCi REPR MKII settles in the $4000s. However, for this, you get a battle rifle with the highest standards. And by the way, if you’re looking for a dead-on-the-shot precision AR-15, Lwrci does offer those too.
#8. Heckler & Koch MR308 A3
Best Foreign Made
The Heckler & Koch MR308 is a mil-spec construction with an ergonomic design and offers multiple magazine capacity options to choose from.
Here we have the Heckler & Koch MR308.
If you’re not familiar with this brand, Heckler & Koch is a German company that builds a complete mil-spec build right down to the last screw and pin in the weapon. This is military-classed to the last detail and will be found only in better-grade sporting goods outlets when available.
The field retains a slimline handguard with H Key mounting slots, a transparent magazine in 2,5,10 or 20 round capacities, and an ambidextrous bolt catch lever with a protective wall to prevent accidental release of the bolt.
Pros
Mil-spec construction
Versatile magazine options
Ergonomic design features
Quick change sighting system
Cons
May be challenging to find available for purchase
The rifle makes use of a quick change sighting system, retains a hard chrome barrel, and is also designed with a buttstock that retains five different locking positions.
The rifle is chambered in 7.62 NATO (308 Win). Also available in both 16.5” barrel or the full 20” longer range model.
#9. Brownells BRN-10
The One to Avoid
The Brownells BRN-10 is a close lookalike to the original AR-10 and retains a classic aesthetic while being reliable and affordable.
Next, we have the classic Brownells BRN-10. Did you know that the original AR-15, the thing that became the Colt M16, was a development of the AR-10?
However, after the AR-10 was rejected, the rights to it and tooling were sold. In order to get the AR-10 of today, they had to be developed from the AR-15 of today. While sharing the designation AR-10, they do not look the same and have some differences in ergonomics and modularity.
If it is one of the original AR-10s that you long for, you might not get what you want.
Pros
Classic design
Look and feel of the original AR-10 designed by Eugene Stone
Functional and reliable
Affordable price for a classic
Unique aesthetic appeal
Cons
Lacks modern improvements
Limited for competition use
First-generation design limitations
However, Brownells offers a version that comes pretty close to it in looks and functionality, as it’s based on the original invention of Eugene Stoner from the 1950s and 1960s.
It has not come with the improvements of more modern AR-10s, but with the coolness of the original rifle. It brings you back to the good old days and manages to shoot very well at the same time. You can use it for hunting and home defense but not necessarily for competition, with the exception of those made for some older systems.
Bottom line, the BRN-10 is a great classic rifle, but it’s a first-generation design. If you’re looking for performance, it is better to go with one of the other rifles on this list.
My Personal Thoughts
With the current trend in the lack of on-time shipments from just about every place today when we talk about the best AR-10s, there needs to be some discussion as to what ARs are in the pipeline line, and are worth buying in the first place.
In getting ready to write this review I first took the time to walk into my local big box Scheels sporting goods store and ask the gun department manager exactly where things stood in terms of weapons availability.
His answer was direct, sell when and what we can get, but he did add that better grade AR-10s can be found on the market because in general, the price tag on them is well above the lower-end products that most shooters will put down their hard-earned dollars against. The good news here is that based on current sales yes, we can find top-end rifles at better grade big box and specialized outlets today.
Because AR-10’s are designed as much larger weapons systems than the AR-15 (reminds me a bit of a Barrett Model 98B), or even the Russian AK 47, the whole balance of design and materials is increased over the smaller assault weapons.
The military has found, at least currently, that the M-10 is a workable sharp-shooting rifle at squad level even though it is not classed as a sniper rifle. I have interviewed real-time snipers who have done several tours in the sandbox that agree that the M-10 or military variant of the AR-10 is workable to 800 yards based on the 7.62 NATO round (308 Winchester).
However, the best results were found not to exceed 600 yards for selected precision shooting. Targets of importance in most cases. Currently, with the onslaught of cartridge types being chambered for the AR-10, I am sure this performance standard has moved up substantially.
Conclusion
For the most part, the AR-10 is a classic hard-nosed combat tool, a big game rifle, and a real friend when extra firepower is the rule of the day, being in the field or on the target range.
I have watched the footage with a very sharp eye as three operators using DPMS AR-10s and Leupold factory-based sporting goods store scopes took on a legion of Taliban in a frontal attack, thereby winning the firefight hands down.
Also, be advised that based on the AR-10s I have illustrated here, each of these brands offers between two to four different variations of the same rifle. What this says is that even covering this small selection of firearms, you’re actually observing the market for over a dozen different AR-10 rifles.
For more reading see our write-up on the best AR10 scope and our guide on the top guns worth owning.
Our Top Pick: Sig Sauer 716i Tread 7.62mm NATO
References
- Dustin Lemmon, “ArmaLite defends trademark”, Retrieved from: https://qctimes.com/news/local/armalite-defends-trademark/article_518c1775-e479-54ab-a8a9-8d4e26884c74.html
I have been writing firearms and outdoor material for over 50 years to date. I have hunted across the world, including Russia, and a great deal of time professional hunting in Australia. I currently live in the American West and hunt all across the Black Hills of South Dakota and the Big Horn Mountains. I have specialized much of my work as a load developer in shotguns and rifles. I have run a small company that builds suppressor barrels of my design and load tests for writing purposes and consulting. My commercial names include Ballistics Research & Development / Metro Gun Systems TM.
Or contact me at:
- Email me at LP@riflegearlab.com
- Follow me on Facebook
- See my website
- Buy my book: Gun Digest Guide to Modern Shotgunning
- Buy my book: The Gun Digest Book of Long-Range Shooting
making a list and checking it twice! Thank you for exposing me to reality. I’ve always admired AR-15’s, but wouldn’t purchase one because I couldn’t find one with a selector switch. (surpressive fire)