[Goose1125]

I know there are black gun forums out there, and this question might be better suited for them. I was thinking about building an AR 10 and was wanting to put a compteition barrel on the gun. Looking online, barrel manufacturers specify whether it fits an Armalite, or a DPMS. it seems the barrels are not interchangable. I know that the AR10 is not nearly as stardardized as the AR15 and that you cannot just buy parts anywhere and from whoever and expect them to fit, but what is the actual difference that makes these barrels spcific to the make?

 

[hailstone]

Its not only the barrels but other items as well. Magazines are not interchangeable. Believe I also read the bolt carrier and bolt are different but won't swear to it at my age. Not wanting the hassle I just bought a complete rifle and may add uppers at a later date. After last falls deer season I may even forgo that option. Carried that rifle for half day walking a corn field, shot a deer then dragging the dead deer out was almost too much for this sixty plus individual. Bolt action is heck alot lighter and single shot even lighter than the bolt.

 

[Colohunter]

The receivers and most of the parts are not interchangeable. I believe the DPMS style uses some AR15 parts, such as a lot of the lower receiver parts and I believe the buffer assembly. Also Magpul has started making magazines for the DPMS pattern, so that could affect price/availability of magazines.

 

[Big Bore]

The DPMS uses mostly AR15 lower parts, with the exception being the pivot pin, take down pin, and bolt catch screw. The DPMS lower can use the Armalite upper but there is a huge gap left, but the DPMS upper will not fit on the Armalite lower. While the DPMS lower will take the Armalite upper, most do not recommend doing this.
The LR-308 uses AR-15 buffer tubes (receiver extensions) in both rifle and CAR configurations but specific buffers and springs in both rifles and CARs.

Bolt carriers are useable in both rifles but the Armalite carrier MUST use an Armalite firing pin, but it can use the DPMS bolt and cam pin. My .358 HDH is running an Armalite carrier, FP, and FP retaining pin but a DPMS bolt and cam pin.

Both use the same CH.

They use different barrel nuts and barrel extensions. You should also not mix barrel extensions and bolts, not that I can foresee any earthly reason why a person would even think about doing that.

CProducts and Magpul make mags for the LR-308 but not for the Armalite. Armalite mags are proprietary and pricey too.