James:
I happened to notice that in a recent posting you’d mentioned transitioning at your ranch from a FAL [1] platform to a Stoner-designed AR-10 [2]. I imagine that a number of your readers would be interested in how this decision came about. I’ll I bet a number of other readers would be interested to hear why. – P. Z. in Arizona
JWR Replies: The decision to switch to AR-10s was based upon the following factors:
1.) Training compatibility. Since my kids all did their transitional training to high power shooting using M4geries [3], and some of them might end up serving in the U.S. military.
2.) Parts shortages and expense. The supply of L1A1 [4] (and FAL) parts is definitely drying up. So there is the question of long term sustainability for our firearms battery. A nice British L1A1 parts set (sans receiver) now sells for $500 or more. As of 2005, military rifle parts sets could no longer be imported with barrels because of a BATF dictate [5]. Meanwhile, AR-10 parts are getting more and more common, and falling in price, since there are now more than 15 AR-10 makers in the States
3.) Magazine commonality with HK91s. Since we have a couple of HK91 clones here at the ranch, it will be nice to be able to share magazines.
4.) Weight. AR-10s weigh more than a pound less than a FAL, L1A1, BM-59, HK91 [6], or M1A [7]. So for the same weight as an iron-sighted L1A1, we can carry an AR-10 with an Trijicon ACOG [8] scope.
5.) Magazine availability. I’m the sort that likes to have a dozen or more spare magazines on hand for each rifle. L1A1 magazines are now selling for more than $30 each, new in the wrapper. Metric FAL magazines cost just a bit less. But because a huge quantity of magazines was released by the German government scrap metal prices HK [9] G3 [10] alloy magazines now sell for less than $6 each in new or like-new condition, and can often be found for under $3 each, used. Steel ones are just a couple dollars more. The U.S. is now awash in G3 magazines, since the German government apparently sold off even their large war reserve of magazines. The folks at KeepShooting.com [11] even have some that are still brand new in the German Ordnance 5-packs, even though they were made in the 1960s.
For anyone who is considering buying an AR-10, I strongly recommend buying one that is made by CMMG [12] or SI Defense [13]. Both of these companies offer AR-10 variants that use the inexpensive HK G3 magazines. (Be sure to specify the “G3 magazine compatible” lower receiver when look for a rifle) And do yourself a favor: Buy 50 spare HK magazines per rifle. That will insure a multi-generational supply of magazines for your family. I expect several other AR-10 makers to soon begin producing rifles that can accept the ubiquitous G3 magazine. Someday, you grandchildren will thank you for your foresight.