Reaching out to touch targets at extreme distances requires a rifle built for precision, consistency, and power. The AR-10 platform, chambered in formidable cartridges like .308 Winchester and 7.62x51mm NATO, stands as a premier choice for long-range shooting disciplines. Whether you are a competitive shooter, a hunter pursuing game across wide-open terrain, or a serious marksman honing your skills, selecting the right rifle is the first critical step.
With numerous manufacturers offering their own take on the modern sporting rifle, the options can be overwhelming. This roundup simplifies your search by highlighting eight of the best AR-10 rifles available. We have considered factors like barrel length, feature sets, and overall build quality to help you find a rifle that not only meets your accuracy requirements but also fits your specific needs and preferences for your next long-range adventure.
Our Top Picks for Long-Range AR-10 Rifles
- Aero Precision M5 Complete Rifle 20″ .308 Win
- Smith & Wesson M&P10 Sport Rifle .308 Win 18″ Barrel
- Daniel Defense DD5 V4 7.62x51mm NATO 18″ Barrel Rifle
- Springfield Armory Saint Victor .308 Rifle 16″ Barrel
- Palmetto State Armory PA-10 Gen 3 .308 Win 18″ Rifle
- Ruger SFAR 7.62 NATO 20″ Barrel AR-10 Rifle
- DPMS Oracle .308 Win AR-10 Rifle 16″ Barrel
- Aero Precision M5E1 Complete Rifle w/ ATLAS S-ONE 18″ .308
Aero Precision M5 Complete Rifle 20″ .308 Win
The Aero Precision M5 is a fan-favorite for builders and shooters seeking a high-quality, ready-to-shoot platform. Built on the renowned M5 receiver set, this rifle provides a solid foundation known for its durability and precision. The 20-inch barrel is ideal for long-range shooting, allowing the .308 Winchester cartridge to achieve maximum velocity for improved ballistic performance and reduced bullet drop at extended distances.
This complete rifle comes from the factory with a feature set designed for serious use. It often includes a robust handguard for accessory mounting and a rifle-length gas system that contributes to a smooth and reliable recoil impulse. For those who want a dependable, accurate, and well-made AR-10 without the hassle of a custom build, the Aero Precision M5 is an excellent starting point.
Smith & Wesson M&P10 Sport Rifle .308 Win 18″ Barrel
Smith & Wesson brings its reputation for dependable, value-oriented firearms to the AR-10 platform with the M&P10. This rifle is designed to be a workhorse, offering reliable performance at an accessible price point. The 18-inch barrel provides a good balance between maneuverability and long-range capability, making it a versatile choice for both the range and the field.
Built with a chrome-lined, cold hammer-forged barrel, the M&P10 is made to withstand rigorous use while maintaining consistent accuracy. It incorporates a number of enhanced features, including a forward assist and dust cover, which are sometimes omitted on budget-friendly models. If you need a no-frills, hard-use .308 rifle from a trusted manufacturer, the M&P10 Sport deserves your attention.
Daniel Defense DD5 V4 7.62x51mm NATO 18″ Barrel Rifle
For shooters who demand the pinnacle of performance and reliability, the Daniel Defense DD5 V4 represents the upper echelon of production AR-10s. Daniel Defense is synonymous with exceptional quality control and rugged components, and the DD5 V4 is a testament to that standard. Chambered in 7.62x51mm NATO, it is built to the most exacting specifications for military and law enforcement use.
The rifle features a Cold Hammer Forged barrel with a proprietary profile for optimal accuracy and heat dissipation, housed within a free-float M-LOK handguard. Every detail, from the bolt carrier group to the furniture, is engineered for superior function and shooter comfort. The DD5 V4 is a top-tier rifle for those who will accept nothing less than the best in terms of both precision and durability.
Springfield Armory Saint Victor .308 Rifle 16″ Barrel
The Springfield Armory Saint Victor .308 is a modern fighting rifle optimized for performance right out of the box. Its 16-inch barrel makes it one of the more compact and handy options in this list, ideal for shooters who prioritize mobility without giving up the power of the .308 cartridge. Despite its shorter barrel, it remains capable at intermediate long ranges.
Springfield outfits the Saint Victor with a suite of premium components, including a free-float M-LOK handguard, an enhanced nickel-teflon trigger, and an aggressive muzzle brake to help manage recoil. It also comes with a B5 Systems stock and pistol grip for enhanced ergonomics. This rifle is an excellent choice for those seeking a feature-rich, tactical-ready AR-10 that is easy to handle.
Palmetto State Armory PA-10 Gen 3 .308 Win 18″ Rifle
Palmetto State Armory has made the AR-10 platform accessible to a wider audience with its PA-10 series. The Gen 3 model represents a refined and reliable rifle at a very competitive price. It is an outstanding value for shooters who want to get into long-range .308 shooting without a significant financial investment.
This 18-inch rifle incorporates design improvements learned from previous generations, resulting in better gas system reliability and overall function. It comes with a free-float handguard, providing a solid platform for optics and bipods. The PA-10 Gen 3 proves that you do not have to spend a fortune to acquire a capable and accurate AR-10 for target shooting and hunting.
Ruger SFAR 7.62 NATO 20″ Barrel AR-10 Rifle
The Ruger SFAR (Small-Frame Autoloading Rifle) is a revolutionary take on the AR-10, featuring a redesigned, compact receiver that is similar in size and weight to a standard AR-15. This 20-inch barreled version combines the long-range benefits of a full-length barrel with the handling characteristics of a smaller, lighter rifle, a combination that is difficult to find elsewhere.
Despite its smaller frame, the SFAR is built to handle the 7.62 NATO round reliably, thanks to its dual-extractor bolt and adjustable gas block. This allows shooters to tune the rifle for different ammunition types or suppressor use. The Ruger SFAR is a fantastic option for anyone looking to reduce the weight and bulk typically associated with the AR-10 platform without sacrificing power or accuracy.
DPMS Oracle .308 Win AR-10 Rifle 16″ Barrel
As one of the original names in the modern sporting rifle market, DPMS offers the Oracle as an entry-level gateway into the world of .308 ARs. This model focuses on the core essentials, providing a reliable and functional rifle at a very attractive price. The 16-inch barrel configuration makes it a compact and easily portable option.
The Oracle features a standard A2-style stock and a railed flat-top upper receiver for easy optic mounting. While it may lack some of the premium features of higher-priced rifles, its simplicity and proven design make it a solid, straightforward choice for plinking, hunting in dense brush, or as a base for future customization.
Aero Precision M5E1 Complete Rifle w/ ATLAS S-ONE 18″ .308
The Aero Precision M5E1 builds upon the success of the standard M5 with an enhanced upper receiver that integrates the handguard mounting system. This creates a stronger, more rigid platform and a sleeker overall appearance. Paired with the lightweight and slim ATLAS S-ONE handguard, this 18-inch rifle is both accurate and exceptionally comfortable to hold.
The M5E1 design eliminates the need for a separate barrel nut, resulting in a more secure attachment for the handguard. This enhanced stability can contribute to improved accuracy, especially when using a bipod or barricade stop. For the shooter who appreciates modern design, reduced weight, and the renowned quality of Aero Precision, the M5E1 is a compelling option.
Buying Guide: How to Choose an AR-10 for Long Range Shooting
So, you’re looking at the best AR-10 rifles for long range shooting. I get it, the platform is incredibly versatile and chambered in hard-hitting rounds like .308 Winchester and 6.5 Creedmoor that are perfect for reaching out. But not all AR-10s are created equal when your goal is consistent accuracy at distance. Here’s what I focus on when choosing a long-range AR-10.
First, let’s talk about the barrel. This is arguably the most critical component for precision. I always look for a cold hammer-forged barrel with a heavy or bull contour. The thicker steel resists heating up, which can cause your point of impact to shift as you fire multiple rounds. A 1:10 twist rate is standard for .308, but if you’re going with a 6.5 Creedmoor, a 1:8 twist is better for stabilizing the longer, heavier bullets that round is known for. Barrel length matters, too. I find a 20-inch or 22-inch barrel gives you the full velocity potential of the cartridge, which is key for maintaining energy and fighting wind drift way out there.
Next up is the trigger. A mil-spec trigger just won’t cut it for precise shooting. You need a clean, crisp break with minimal creep and overtravel. I prefer a two-stage trigger for long-range work. The first stage takes up the slack, and the second stage is a light, predictable break that helps me avoid jerking the rifle. Replacing the trigger is often one of the first things I do, but many higher-end rifles now come with excellent triggers straight from the factory.
The stock or brace is your direct interface with the rifle. For a dedicated long-range setup, an adjustable stock is non-negotiable. You need to be able to set the length of pull perfectly for your body and shooting position to get a consistent cheek weld every time. This consistency is what allows you to get behind the optic correctly, shot after shot.
Speaking of optics, you absolutely cannot cheap out here. A high-quality scope with repeatable turrets and clear glass is more important than almost any other component. I mount my scope in a solid, one-piece scope mount to ensure it stays perfectly zeroed. Finally, consider the rifle’s weight. A heavier rifle is more stable from a rested position and soaks up recoil better, making it easier to spot your own hits through the scope. Don’t be afraid of a heavy gun; in long-range shooting, it’s a feature, not a bug.
FAQ
What is the effective range of an AR-10 in .308?
This is a common question with a “it depends” answer. With a quality rifle and skilled shooter, consistently hitting a man-sized target at 800 to 1,000 yards is very achievable with a .308 Winchester. Pushing beyond that is possible, but you’re fighting significant bullet drop and wind drift. If your primary goal is extreme long-range shooting past 1,000 yards, I would lean towards an AR-10 chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor, which has better ballistics at extended distances.
Is an AR-15 or an AR-10 better for long range?
For dedicated long-range work, I give the edge to the AR-10. While the AR-15 in calibers like .223 Wylde can be very accurate, the AR-10 fires larger, more powerful cartridges like the .308 and 6.5 Creedmoor. These heavier bullets carry more energy downrange, buck the wind better, and have a flatter trajectory at longer distances. The AR-10 platform itself is also generally heavier, which aids in stability from a bench or prone position.
What optics magnification do I need for long-range AR-10 shooting?
For shooting beyond 500 yards, I recommend a scope that tops out at least 15x to 20x magnification. This allows you to see your target clearly and make precise adjustments. A popular choice is a variable power scope in the 5-25x or 4-16x range. This gives you the flexibility to use lower power for acquiring targets and higher power for precise shot placement. Just remember, glass quality is as important as magnification.
How important is the ammunition for accuracy?
It is critically important. You can have the most expensive, custom-built AR-10 in the world, and it will shoot poorly with low-quality, inconsistent ammunition. For the best accuracy, you need to use match-grade ammo. This ammunition is loaded with precision in mind, featuring high-quality brass, consistent powder charges, and specialized, aerodynamically efficient bullets. I always test several different brands and loads to see which one my specific rifle “likes” best.
Can I build my own accurate AR-10 instead of buying one?
Absolutely, and it’s a project I really enjoy. Building your own allows you to hand-pick every component for your specific needs. However, there’s a big caveat: the AR-10 platform lacks the universal standardization of the AR-15. You have to pay close attention to compatibility between your upper receiver, lower receiver, and handguard (typically DPMS pattern vs. Armalite pattern). For a first-timer, buying a complete, proven rifle from a reputable manufacturer is often the safer bet to guarantee performance. Once you’re familiar with the platform, building your own is a great way to get exactly what you want.