Shooting and Disassembly of Early Dutch AR10s

Published on June 27, 2015
Duration: 16:46

This guide details the disassembly and reassembly of the early Armalite AR-10, focusing on the Dutch production variants. It covers separating the upper and lower receivers, disassembling the bolt carrier group, and reassembling the firearm. The video highlights unique features like the FAL-style hammer spring and the charging handle mechanism. Instruction is provided by Ian McCollum, a recognized expert in historical firearms.

Quick Summary

Ian McCollum of Forgotten Weapons provides an expert deep-dive into the early Dutch-produced Armalite AR-10 rifles. He covers their historical context, unique design features like the direct impingement system and integrated charging handle/forward assist, and details the disassembly process, highlighting the fragility of its fiberglass furniture.

Chapters

  1. 00:13Introduction: Portuguese & Sudanese AR-10
  2. 01:31US Military Trials & Rejection
  3. 02:48Dutch Production & International Contracts
  4. 05:09Live Fire: Sudanese AR-10
  5. 07:56Disassembly: Lower Receiver
  6. 10:12Buffer and Stock Design
  7. 11:02Upper Receiver and Bolt Carrier
  8. 13:12Barrel Assembly and Gas System

Frequently Asked Questions

What were the key features of the early Dutch Armalite AR-10?

The early Dutch AR-10, produced by Artillerie-Inrichtingen, featured a direct impingement system, fiberglass furniture, a unique charging handle/forward assist, and a reciprocating mass buffer. It was chambered in 7.62x51mm NATO and used 20-round 'waffle' magazines.

Why was the Armalite AR-10 rejected in US military trials?

Despite its advanced design, the AR-10 was rejected by US Ordnance primarily due to a catastrophic composite barrel failure during trials. This setback, combined with other factors, led to the adoption of the T44 (M14).

Who was involved in the development and production of the early AR-10?

Eugene Stoner designed the AR-10 for Armalite, which was founded in 1954. Production licensing was granted to Artillerie-Inrichtingen (AI) in the Netherlands for international contracts.

What are some notable design elements of the AR-10's upper receiver?

The upper receiver of the AR-10 incorporates a distinctive charging handle located within the carry handle, which also functions as a forward assist. The bolt carrier is made of stainless steel and lacks forward assist serrations.

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