AR 10 in the Dominican.

[Brian Dick]

I admit that I liked the handling characteristics of HK93 a bit more but always thought the HK91/G3 were an overly heavy and unbalanced rifle. I never cared for the fluted chambers either. There's not much if any heat protection so I see your point in sustained fire.

[browningautorifle]

There's not much if any heat protection

The big forestock they put on the civy rifle was much better but still got hot. Fluted chamber would eat anything but ruined brass for reloaders. Military don't care though.

[Brian Dick]

I forgot to mention that the AR-10 platform has certainly overcome it's political hindrances as it's the designated marksman/sharpshooter rifle in both UK and US Army service. I'd love to have an LMT L129A1. The old 7.62 Nato round is so hard to improve upon. The new SIG weapon in 6.8 x 51 being fielded in US service seem to me to be too much too late with no real benefit, (except to the manufacturers). With such unbelievably high chamber pressures, I see it as an Armorer's nightmare. As most know, I'm set in my ways being an old curmudgeon!

[mrclark303]

I forgot to mention that the AR-10 platform has certainly overcome it's political hindrances as it's the designated marksman/sharpshooter rifle in both UK and US Army service. I'd love to have an LMT L129A1. The old 7.62 Nato round is so hard to improve upon. The new SIG weapon in 6.8 x 51 being fielded in US service seem to me to be too much too late with no real benefit, (except to the manufacturers). With such unbelievably high chamber pressures, I see it as an Armorer's nightmare. As most know, I'm set in my ways being an old curmudgeon!

With regard to 6.8 X 51mm Brian, I believe Lithgow have built a small run of F88's chamberd in the new calibre for trials purposes, the rounds must have an absolute blistering muzzle velocity with a 21" barrel!

[browningautorifle]

I see it as an Armorer's nightmare.

The commencement may suffer. Bolt locking lugs too.

[Eaglelord17]

The AR-10 also had some issues with the early prototypes/sales demo models which word would have gotten around on. Such as the composite barrel they had blow up in US trials, or the bolt lug that sheared off in trial in Nicaragua. That they fixed those issues doesn't matter, once people have their mind made up on something that can be it. Look at the Ross Rifle, which by 1916 they had fixed all issues on, only to be dumped because people had lost confidence in it.

Another factor is by time they ironed out the issues with it, the FN-FAL would have already been adopted by most countries who wanted a 7.62 NATO rifle, with the rest more or less being taken up by the G3 or M14.

[HHollow]

The AR-10 was manufactured under license by a Dutch Company in 1960 and adopted by Portugal. These were issued to paratroops and special forces and used
from 1961 to 1974 in Angola, Portuguese Guinea and Mozambigue extensively. Some were fitted with 3x scopes, all were selective fire and could use rifle grenades.
None of these AR-10's exhibited the problems and issues associated with the early M16's service in Viet Nam under identical conditions.

Note: after Portugal retired their AR-10 rifles, the parts kits (without the selective fire lower) were imported into the USA where some companies manufactured a
semi auto steel lower to fit these kits, they are still around !

The Dutch made several variants, most notable below.

Cuban variant AR10 made in 1957-1958. Maybe a couple of hundred sold to Castro and other central and South American dictators. No bayonet lug or BFA threads, or provision for grenade launching.

Sudanese AR10s were made in 1958. Like the Cuban except had a heavy barrel shroud with bayonet lug. BFA threads and the shroud was compatible with grenade launching. A scoped example is in a photo below. Original AR10 Delft scopes are uber rare and a mechanically identical FAL Delft scope is shown on the gun. The brass disc on the stock was installed at the factory and often had the unit number engraved.

Portuguese AR10s were made in 1961 (maybe starting late 1960). The barrel was heavier and bolt lugs beefier. The handguard system was completely designed to be a multiple piece affair that was easily removed.

Peter Wilke (Ontario, Canada) imported a few hundred surplus AR10s, mostly Portuguese. Wilke sold some to the Canada market as semi-auto conversions. Many more were sold as parts sets and imported into the US from Canada. The US made lower receivers used to complete the parts sets were most commonly aluminum. Only one or two makers might have sold a steel receiver.

Alan Lever, Lever Arms, was a Canadian importer that must have had connections in Holland. Lever Arms was able to import quite a few un-issued AR10s left over after the closure of the AI factory.

[CINDERS]

We'll let the 6.8 issue bubble along a bit further as I can foresee issues already with training ammo and then having combat ammo as how does that affect the poi the combat stuff is rated at 80,000psi which is insane.
I'd love a round in my collection as the 2 piece case would be very unique, I wonder how it goes if you get a sticky hot round and the extractor tears the stainless base off the case.

[Daan Kemp]

The 6.8 looks to me like a SOMFU. Probably going to percolate quietly and then also quietly fade away. I think.

[CINDERS]

Daan maybe the bean counters were involved we all know they are locked away in a neon lit room with no windows, why would they ever ask the guys who are at the pointy end what they could use that would better suit their needs.
I think the Brits have it, as not to many of you have kind words about the SA80 did it ever in the end get to be liked by the troops gents.