ArmaLite AR-10A4
ArmaLite · Battle Rifle · In Production · 1996
Also known as: AR-10 A4, AR-10A4 Carbine
Overview
The ArmaLite AR-10A4 is a modern semi-automatic battle rifle chambered in 7.62x51mm NATO (.308 Winchester), produced by the revived ArmaLite company. It pairs a forged flat-top upper receiver with a Picatinny rail and a six-position telescoping buttstock, configuring the full-power AR-10 platform as a compact CQB carbine analogous to the 5.56mm M4. It uses Eugene Stoner's direct impingement gas system and a 16-inch chrome-lined barrel with a 1:11.25-inch twist, and feeds from 20-round detachable box magazines.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 4082 g (144.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 991 mm (39.02") |
| Folded Length | 943 mm (37.13") |
| Barrel Length | 406 mm (15.98") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 20 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Effective Range | 600 m (656 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 286 mm (11.26") |
| Frame Material | Aluminum |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Anodized |
Calibers
- 7.62x51mm NATO · primary · 7.62mm NATO — also known as .308 Winchester, 7.62 NATO, 7.62x51mm
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
- Features: Direct Impingement Gas System, Flat Top Upper Receiver, Picatinny Rail, Telescoping Stock, Chrome Lined Barrel, Flash Suppressor, Detachable Front Sight, Case Deflector
Production
Production years: 1996-present
Civilian semi-automatic production by the ArmaLite brand revived by Mark Westrom in 1995; total production figures not published.
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: Mark Westrom (modern AR-10A4); platform derived from Eugene Stoner's original AR-10
Notes
The A4 designation refers to the flat-top (A4-style) upper receiver. Carbine models use a 16-inch barrel and collapsible stock; National Match configurations use a 20-inch match barrel with fixed sights. Accuracy is typically cited at 1.5-2 MOA at 100 yards with match ammunition.
Background
The AR-10 lineage traces to Eugene Stoner, who designed the original AR-10 for ArmaLite (then a division of Fairchild) in the mid-1950s, pioneering the in-line stock, rotating bolt and direct impingement gas system later scaled down into the AR-15/M16. Fewer than 10,000 original AR-10s were built, including licensed Dutch production by Artillerie Inrichtingen from 1957 to 1961. In 1995 former Army Ordnance officer Mark Westrom bought the defunct ArmaLite brand and reintroduced the AR-10 as a .308 rifle, with the flat-top AR-10A4 emerging as the modern tactical-carbine configuration.