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Know About AR-10 and AR-15 Interchangeable Parts

Mar 24th 2021

For military purposes, AR-10 and AR-15 are the most popular rifle choices, sporting, and target shooting. Though AR-10 and AR-15 look similar, they are way different in several important aspects.

Unlike AR-15, some AR-10 parts are not interchangeable between brands. While planning to choose AR-10 and other interchangeable parts, first find out about the AR-10. To know more and make the process simpler, let’s compare AR-10 vs. AR-15, including which parts are interchangeable and which are not.

AR-10 Basics
AR-10 is surprisingly light compared to other .308 semi-auto rifles. AR-10 can easily accept a detachable magazine, an adjustable front sight for accuracy at elevation, an adjustable rear sight for windage, in-line stock, an aluminum alloy receiver, and pistol grip.

AR-15 Basics
AR-15, on the other hand, is the modified version of the AR-10 which is even lighter than AR-10. The AR-15 is chambered in 5.56 NATO / .223 Rem, and the cartridge’s small size gives you the ability to carry more rounds on a person or rifle compared to the bigger and heavier .308 WIN. Also, AR-15 has softer recoil, which leads to quicker and more accurate follow-up shots.

AR-15/AR-10 Compatibility
Since both rifles are similar, some parts of AR-15/AR-10 are interchangeable, while the size and caliber difference make certain parts incompatible.

Compatible and Interchangeable Parts between the AR-15 and AR-10

  • Buttstock assemblies
  • Triggers and trigger springs
  • Bolt catch roll pin (Armalite Style only)
  • Hammers and hammer springs
  • Pistol grips (a spacer may be needed for certain models)
  • Receiver extension (Buffer Tube)
  • Disconnector and disconnector spring
  • Buffer detent
  • Magazine release buttons and springs
  • Safety selectors

Non Compatible Parts between the AR-15 and AR-10:

  • Rifle Buffers: AR-10 rifle buffers are shorter and heavier than the AR-15 to accommodate the longer .308 bolt carrier group and the force from a larger round. They can’t be interchanged but can be used only if the buffer tubes are the same length.
  • Barrels: Barrels are not interchangeable as the AR-10 and AR-15 are chambered in two different calibers. The barrels threads and barrel nut extensions aren’t even interchangeable.
  • Handguards and Rail Systems: They aren't interchangeable because of the barrel nut size difference between the 2 rifles.
  • Bolt Catch: An AR-15 bolt catch is not compatible with most AR-10 lowers.
  • Lower Parts Kit: AR-15 standard lower parts kit won’t work with an AR-10 because of the differences in the takedown pin, bolt catch, and other lower receiver pins.
  • Magazine Catch: The magazine catch in the Armalite AR-10 features a unique design that makes it incompatible with the AR-15 or any other AR model.
  • Muzzle Device: Both rifles are chambered in different calibers, and so most muzzle devices are not interchangeable.

Visit mcsgearup.com to get AR-10 and AR15 parts individually and even the ones that are interchangeably compatible. Explore more about these rifles and their parts at affordable market prices at MCS Gearup– the ultimate source for Rifle Stocks, Butt Stock kits.