The Original Retro AR-10: Armalite's AR10B

Published on April 11, 2018
Duration: 12:32

This review details the Armalite AR-10B, a retro-styled .308 rifle from the late 1990s. It highlights the revival of the Armalite brand by Mark Westrom and the unique design choices, such as modified M14 magazines to comply with the Assault Weapons Ban. The rifle features brown plastic furniture and a distinctive top-mounted charging handle, differentiating it from original AR-10 patterns.

Quick Summary

The Armalite AR-10B is a retro-styled .308 rifle from the late 1990s, revived by Mark Westrom. It features brown furniture and a unique top-mounted charging handle. Due to the 1994 Assault Weapons Ban, it uses modified M14 magazines with added catch notches and bolt hold-open plungers.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to the Armalite AR-10B
  2. 01:47Revival of the Armalite Brand
  3. 03:53Retro Design Features
  4. 05:13Magazine Compatibility & Legal Constraints
  5. 08:22Receiver and Charging Handle Details
  6. 09:36External Components
  7. 10:41Internal Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Armalite AR-10B?

The Armalite AR-10B is a .308 caliber semi-automatic rifle manufactured in the late 1990s by the company holding the Armalite trademark. It was designed as a retro-style rifle, mimicking early AR-10 patterns with unique features like modified M14 magazines.

Why did Armalite modify M14 magazines for the AR-10B?

Armalite modified M14 magazines for the AR-10B to comply with the 1994 Assault Weapons Ban, which restricted the manufacture of new high-capacity magazines. These modifications included adding a magazine catch notch and a spring-loaded plunger for the bolt hold-open.

What are the key retro design features of the AR-10B?

The AR-10B features brown plastic furniture, reminiscent of early Bakelite components, and a distinctive top-mounted 'trigger style' charging handle. It also incorporates AR-15 style improvements on the lower receiver.

Are parts interchangeable between the AR-10B and original AR-10 models?

No, parts are generally not interchangeable. A comparison of the bolt carrier groups reveals significant differences in design and diameter, meaning components like the BCG are not compatible between the AR-10B and original Sudanese AR-10.

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