Armalite AR10

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	Weapon: Armalite AR10 Type: Infantry Rifle Country of Origin: United States Year Adopted: 1956 Overall Length (mm): 1029.0 Overall Length (in): 40.51 Weight (kg): 3.00 Weight (pounds): 6.61

The Armalite AR-10 was designed by Eugene Stoner in the 1950s as a lightweight, modern battle rifle for the U.S. military. Chambered in 7.62x51mm NATO, the AR-10 was revolutionary for its use of advanced materials like aluminum and fiberglass, along with its direct impingement gas system that reduced weight and recoil. This rifle's modular design and ease of manufacture set the foundation for future Armalite designs, including the more widely adopted AR-15 and M16.

Only about 10,000 AR-10 units were produced, with manufacturing handled by Armalite and licensed to other manufacturers such as Artillerie Inrichtingen in the Netherlands. The rifle saw limited military service, with small numbers being used by armed forces in countries like Portugal, Sudan, and Guatemala. Although it was not widely adopted by the U.S. military, the AR-10 earned a reputation for reliability and effectiveness, particularly during Portuguese colonial conflicts, where it performed well in harsh environments.

The AR-10's advanced design and pioneering use of lightweight materials made it an influential firearm that inspired subsequent assault rifle development worldwide. Though its production was limited, its design principles carried forward into the AR-15 and M16, which became standard in numerous militaries. Today, the AR-10 is revered among collectors and firearms enthusiasts for its historical importance and as the progenitor of the modern military rifle family, solidifying its legacy in firearm innovation.