Armalite AR 10 A2

Published on September 2, 2018
Duration: 28:18

This video provides an in-depth review of the Armalite AR-10 A2, a rifle designed to mimic the M16A2 in a 7.62 caliber package. The presenter, who received the rifle as a wedding gift in 2000, details its unique features, particularly its adaptation to use M14 magazines due to the 1994 Assault Weapons Ban. The review highlights the rifle's construction, its historical context, and its reliability, contrasting it with later AR-10 variants and the SR-25.

Quick Summary

The Armalite AR-10 A2 is a 7.62 caliber rifle designed to mirror the M16A2, notable for its adaptation to use M14 magazines during the 1994 Assault Weapons Ban. This required unique modifications like a spring-loaded bolt hold-open mechanism and a permanently attached muzzle brake, showcasing Mark Westrom's innovative approach to compliance and durability.

Chapters

  1. 00:06Introduction to M16A2 Service Rifle
  2. 01:23Development of Armalite AR-10 and SR-25
  3. 01:51Impact of the 1994 Assault Weapons Ban
  4. 02:02The Armalite AR-10 A2: A Special Rifle
  5. 02:15Identifying the AR-10 A2 (Ban Era Features)
  6. 02:35Mark Westrom's Design Philosophy
  7. 03:07Unique Magazine Solution: M14 Magazines
  8. 04:50Bolt Hold-Open Mechanism for M14 Magazines
  9. 05:44Magazine Follower and Feed Lip Modifications
  10. 06:21Post-Ban Production and Armalite Magazines
  11. 07:26Later Armalite AR-10 Variants (AI, SR-25 Magazines)
  12. 08:26AR-10 A2 Production Year and Modifications
  13. 09:01Upgraded Stock and Handguards
  14. 09:20Lower Receiver Design Comparison
  15. 09:35Parts Commonality with SR-25
  16. 10:04Pistol Grip and Lower Receiver Features
  17. 10:28Upper Receiver: No Forward Assist
  18. 10:49Carrying Handle and Rear Sight Assembly
  19. 11:29Barrel and Front Sight Post
  20. 11:44Muzzle Brake and Ban Compliance
  21. 12:01Bolt Carrier Group Analysis
  22. 12:23Firing Pin Spring Modification
  23. 13:25Gas Ring and Bolt Compatibility
  24. 13:42Carrier Features (No Forward Assist)
  25. 14:09Reliability and Round Count
  26. 14:32Addressing Over-Gassing Issue
  27. 15:01Hammer Opening and Lower Receiver
  28. 15:22Incompatibilities with SR-25
  29. 15:26Bolt Catch Modification
  30. 15:48Gas Tube Design Differences
  31. 16:25AR-10 A2 vs. Early SR-25 Durability
  32. 16:34Westrom's Design Philosophy vs. Reed Knight
  33. 17:05Post-Ban AR-10 A2 Production Changes
  34. 17:26Forward Assist Addition
  35. 18:01Front Sight Post and Bayonet Lug
  36. 18:13A2 Compensator for 308
  37. 18:21AR-10 A2 as M16A2 Replica in 7.62
  38. 18:28Upper Forging and Manufacturer Markings
  39. 18:46M14 Magazine Compatibility (Post-Ban A2)
  40. 18:51Discontinuation of the AR-10 A2
  41. 19:02Iron Sights vs. Optics
  42. 19:17Appreciation for Classic Design
  43. 19:22Shooting Experience and Comparison to M14
  44. 19:39Reliability and Durability of AR-10 A2s
  45. 19:43Ammunition Used
  46. 20:18Armalite Fit, Finish, and Aesthetics
  47. 20:31Bolt Carrier and Hammer Modifications
  48. 20:40AR-15 Hammer vs. AR-10 Hammer
  49. 20:50Bolt Modification for Trigger Compatibility
  50. 21:13Trigger Compatibility with AR-15 Triggers
  51. 21:18Evolution of the AR-10 System
  52. 21:35Regret Over Discontinuation
  53. 21:49Taking the Wedding Gift AR-10 A2 to the Range
  54. 22:04AR-10 A2 as a Wedding Gift
  55. 22:10M14 Magazine Design and Function
  56. 22:43Armalite's Own Post-Ban Magazines
  57. 23:08New Armalite Discontinues M14 Magazine Use
  58. 23:22Old School AR-10 A2 vs. Newer Production
  59. 24:24Range Footage

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Armalite AR-10 A2 unique, especially regarding its magazines?

The Armalite AR-10 A2 was designed to use M14 magazines, a modification made by Mark Westrom to comply with the 1994 Assault Weapons Ban. This required reconfiguring the magazine well and implementing a unique spring-loaded plunger system for the bolt hold-open feature.

What are the key design differences between the Armalite AR-10 A2 and the M16A2?

The AR-10 A2 is essentially an M16A2 replica in 7.62 caliber. Early models lack a forward assist and bayonet lug, featuring a permanently attached muzzle brake. It shares the M16A2's iron sights and general aesthetic but operates in a larger caliber.

How did the 1994 Assault Weapons Ban affect the Armalite AR-10 A2's development?

The ban prevented high-capacity magazines and bayonet lugs. Armalite's AR-10 A2 addressed this by adapting M14 magazines, which were pre-ban, and using a muzzle brake instead of a flash suppressor, ensuring compliance with the law.

What are the internal component differences in the Armalite AR-10 A2 compared to other AR-10 platforms?

The AR-10 A2 features a spring-loaded firing pin to prevent slam fires, a one-piece MacFarlane gas ring for durability, and a longer gas tube for proper seating. Its bolt catch is also more substantial to handle the heavier bolt carrier.

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