"Every frog praises its own swamp," or from the legendary FAL to the legendary AR-10
The classic FN FAL battle rifle in all its glory. Photo: Jim Grant
[right]He fired once, and fired twice, and the bullet whistled into the bushes...
"You shoot like a soldier," Kamal said, "show me how you drive."
The Ballad of East and West by R. Kipling[/right]
stories about weapons. I've always found it fascinating to read what's written about something somewhere "in the West." The manner of presenting information there is somewhat different from ours, and the commentary is quite different from ours, but the content itself is quite interesting. After all, everyone is biased. In your own country, even a dirty puddle is red, but in another, a palace is peeling, puddles of urine flow near the Louvre, and black people sleep right on the sidewalks. And, by the way, this isn't a cliché from Soviet times, but reality today—I've seen it all with my own eyes and smelled it. And when my wife turned down one such "black" and overly pushy souvenir seller, he immediately muttered in perfect Russian, "Racist, racist!"
And yet, both what they write and how they write it are interesting. Especially since every frog praises its own swamp. And recently, I happened to read an interesting article in one of the local gun magazines, which was devoted to the genesis of American small arms. I found it quite fascinating, so I decided to offer it to the readers of "VO," rewriting it in my own words, while fully preserving the meaning and content.
The purpose of this English-language article is to show why the AR-10 rifle is still very popular, that you “need” an AR-10, and to understand how one of the most fearsome combat rifles in history has evolved. stories Firearms. The history of modern automatic rifles in the West began with the iconic FN FAL, known as the "right hand of the free world." And it remained that "right hand" for quite some time, until the arrival of the reliable and versatile AR-10. Each rifle along the way reflected advances in power, accuracy, and adaptability, which for decades determined the effectiveness of their use.
Thus, the origins of the modern combat rifle "there" date back to the early 1950s and the introduction of the FN FAL (Fusil Automatique Léger)—a rifle that became one of the most widely used combat firearms in history. Originally developed by the Belgian arms manufacturer Fabrique Nationale (FN), the FAL quickly gained a reputation for its reliability, durability, and powerful 7,62 NATO cartridge. Its semi-automatic and fully automatic firing modes, combined with its robust design, made this rifle popular among NATO countries, and it was adopted by over 90 countries.
The FAL's role in the post-World War II era was vital, allowing Western troops to fire in the most challenging conditions and engage targets at long range. Its rugged design, ease of use, and compatibility with the 7,62x51mm NATO cartridge earned it the status of "the right hand of the free world"—a nickname it earned for its widespread use during the Cold War. Naturally, the FAL has also become an iconic firearm in popular culture. In the 1995 crime thriller Heat, the character Michael Cheritto (played by Tom Sizemore) carries a 20-inch FN FAL Paratrooper with a folding stock. And in military circles, the FAL's influence continues to this day. British and Australian SAS units sometimes use the FN FAL for special missions, taking advantage of its powerful caliber and reliability.
However, as military tactics and combat needs evolved, the FAL's design began to reveal not only its strengths but also its weaknesses. While it was manageable in normal combat conditions, its length and weight became a liability in close combat and jungle situations, where the weapon's maneuverability and rate of fire were crucial.
As a result, the search for a more versatile battle rifle continued, leading to a number of innovations that influenced the design of future rifles, including the M14 and, ultimately, the AR-10. As the FAL gained popularity worldwide, the United States sought to develop its own battle rifle to replace the aging M1 Garand. This is how the M14 was born.
Adopted in 1959, the M14 rifle combined elements of the proven M1 Garand design with modern improvements, including a detachable magazine and compatibility with the 7,62 NATO cartridge. This allowed soldiers to fire for longer periods while maintaining accuracy and power at relatively long ranges. The M14 performed well in open combat, such as in Europe, but it also had its drawbacks. Weighing over 4,5 pounds with a full magazine, the M14 was a heavy weapon and difficult to handle in close combat.
A sniper with an M14
The powerful 7,62×51mm NATO cartridge also made it difficult to control its fire in full automatic mode. Despite all its strengths, these shortcomings became particularly apparent during the Vietnam War, when dense jungle environments required lighter, more maneuverable rifles. Consequently, the M14 saw limited combat use, and its shortcomings prompted the US military to search for a new rifle that could meet the requirements of both close- and long-range combat.
And then it happened that in the late 1950s, firearms designer Eugene Stoner began working on a revolutionary rifle that would challenge traditional design norms for combat rifles. The result of his work was the AR-10—a lightweight, gas-operated rifle chambered for the 7,62 NATO cartridge. Manufactured by ArmaLite, the AR-10 was a breakthrough in materials and technology: it utilized aviation aluminum and other unusual solutions that significantly reduced its weight compared to the FAL and M14.
Eugene Stoner, the father of the AR-15, is a masterpiece. The Armalite AR-10. Brownell's has recreated the original with the retro version, the BRN-10A. Photo: Graham Baats
One of the AR-10's distinctive features was its direct gas system, which contributed to weight reduction and ease of operation. This system diverted gases from the barrel directly into the bolt carrier, eliminating the need for a heavy piston and improving the rifle's balance and control. Combined with its ergonomic design and modular construction, the AR-10 offered greater flexibility and ease of maintenance, a hallmark of the modern combat rifle.
Despite the excellence of its design, the AR-10 faced stiff competition and failed to achieve widespread adoption in the 1960s. Ultimately, the US Army chose the M16, a smaller-caliber, lighter version of the Stoner rifle. However, the AR-10's reputation as a powerful and versatile rifle was not forgotten. Over the decades, it was periodically revived, improved, and adapted, eventually becoming one of the most versatile combat rifles of our time.
Although the AR-10 initially lost its place to its younger sibling, the M16, it has found new life in the 21st century. As firearms technology advanced and the nature of warfare changed, the AR-10 was redesigned, modernized, and adopted by civilian shooters, law enforcement, and the military. Modern improvements have maintained the AR-10's relevance and effectiveness, particularly as a dedicated marksman or sniper platform.
Modern AR-10 models feature improved materials, increased manufacturing precision, and modularity, allowing users to customize the rifle to their specific needs. Many updates are aimed at reducing weight and recoil, making the AR-10 more controllable than its earlier versions. Rail systems allow for the installation of optics, lights, and other accessories, turning the AR-10 into a versatile platform for precision shooting at long ranges and making it comfortable in close combat.
One of the significant innovations in modern AR-10 platforms is the availability of higher-quality barrels and muzzles, which improve accuracy and control. Furthermore, thanks to adjustable stocks, improved triggers, and modernized bolt carriers, modern AR-10s can be easily customized and used for extended shooting. The rifle's ability to chamber large-caliber cartridges such as .308 Winchester and 6,5 Creedmoor has also increased its appeal, as it maintains the stopping power expected of a combat rifle while meeting the demands of precision shooting.
Palmetto State Armory's AR-10 Saber chambered in .308
A fine example of the modern AR-10 revival can be seen in Palmetto State Armory's .308 AR-10 Sabre, a combat rifle that combines affordability with serious firepower. Featuring a 20-inch barrel, 12,5-inch Quad Rail, and A1 stock, the PSA Sabre is designed for those who want the reliability of a classic AR-10 with some modern enhancements. Complete with three magazines, a Magpul bipod, and a carrying case, the Sabre is a field-ready weapon for shooters seeking a reliable .308 platform. Its rugged billet construction and adjustable Quad Rail make it an attractive choice for those looking for a versatile and powerful modern AR-10 without breaking the bank.
The AR-10's advantages as a combat rifle extend beyond its sheer firepower, making it an effective means of enhancing combat readiness in tactical and defensive situations. Designed to fire powerful cartridges like the .308 Winchester and 6.5 Creedmoor, the AR-10 combines these cartridges with a semi-automatic mode, allowing for quick and effective shooting in emergency situations.
• Enhanced Combat Readiness: The AR-10's semi-automatic design allows for rapid repeat shots and the ability to engage multiple targets. This capability, coupled with the powerful .308 or 6.5 Creedmoor cartridges, makes the AR-10 highly effective in situations where sustained firepower is critical. This combination of power and velocity provides a significant advantage to tactical teams, law enforcement, and civilians in self-defense situations. Superior Firepower and Penetration: The .308 and 6.5 Creedmoor cartridges deliver significant ballistic energy, allowing the AR-10 to penetrate certain types of body armor at close to medium ranges. This means the AR-10 can effectively engage shielded targets that smaller caliber rifles might struggle to penetrate.
• Extended Range: Powerful ammunition gives the AR-10 superior accuracy at long ranges, making it a reliable choice for engaging targets out to 800 yards or more. The ballistics of the .308 Winchester and 6.5 Creedmoor cartridges provide flatter trajectories and consistent accuracy at longer ranges, positioning the AR-10 between traditional long-range rifles and close-quarters weapons.
• Modularity and Adaptability: The AR-10 platform's modularity allows users to tailor the rifle to specific applications, whether hunting, target shooting, or tactical use. Adjustable stocks, optics, grips, and forends make it easy to customize the AR-10 for improved ergonomics and fit, increasing control and shooting comfort. This flexibility allows the AR-10 to function as a versatile platform for a variety of roles, from a sniper rifle to a general-purpose rifle.
• With its powerful armor-piercing rounds, rapid-fire semi-automatic fire, and adaptability, the AR-10 has established itself as more than just a battle rifle, but as a modern, high-performance weapon. In the ever-evolving world of firearms, the AR-10 proves that reimagining and refining older designs sometimes produces weapons that stand the test of time.
Sig-Sauer MCX "Spear." Will it outperform the AR-10 in every way?
An impressive text, isn't it? And it's clear there's something to all this, beyond any doubt. But to what extent is all this actually true? This question, as always, is the most difficult to answer.
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