AR-10 & AR-15 parts swapping: close to complete list now

Aniest

Aniest

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LAST EDIT: I have modified this post to be answers only.

I have a list of "major parts" that can be swapped from the AR-15 to AR-10 and vice-versa that I will post at the end of this.

However, what about the bolt carrier components? The following answer is by CGN member armycat: Thank You!!

armycat said:
I have an Armalite DEF-10 (AR-10) and just compared its components to an AR-15 BCG. ...here is my comparison.

- Cam Pin - No, AR-10 is longer and larger diameter.
- Firing Pin - No, AR-10 is longer and larger diameter. My AR-10 firing pin also has a spring fixed to it which prevents slam fires.
- Ejector - No, AR-10 is larger diameter.
- Ejector spring - not sure, didn't remove them.
- Ejector roll pin - not sure, didn't remove them.
- Extractor - No, AR-10 is longer and wider.
- Extractor pin - No, AR-10 is longer and larger diameter.
- Extractor spring - No, they are the same diameter but the AR-10s is almost twice as long.
- Bolt Gas Rings - No, AR-10 bolt is a larger diameter and the gas rings are much larger than AR-15.
- Firing Pin Retaining Pin - No, they are the same diameter but the AR-10 one is longer and protrudes out the side of the AR-15 bolt carrier. In a pinch you could cut it down and use it in an AR-15.
Click to expand...

Pictures of comparisons from the website https://pof-usa.com/revolution-comparison/ :


I know the bolt carrier & bolt head cannot be swapped. Since most people do not swap bolt carrier keys from the bolt carrier, I'm going to ignore them.
(AR15 far right, AR-10 far left https://pof-usa.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/IMG_0358.jpg and https://pof-usa.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/IMG_0268.jpg)

Parts that are typically compatible between the AR-15 and AR-10 at a glance

  • Buttstock assemblies
  • Triggers and trigger springs
  • Bolt catch roll pin (Armalite Style only)
  • Hammers and hammer springs
  • Pistol grips (a spacer may be needed for certain models)
  • Receiver extension (Buffer Tube)
  • Disconnector and disconnector spring
  • Buffer detent
  • Magazine release buttons and springs
  • Safety selectors
Parts that are typically not compatible between the AR-15 and AR-10:

  • Rifle Buffers: Most rifle buffers on the AR-10 are shorter and heavier than the AR-15 to accommodate the longer .308 bolt carrier group and the force from a larger round. This means they cannot be interchanged. However, the buffer tubes are the same length, making them compatible with either rifle. It should be noted that the buffer tube for the Armalite style AR-10 collapsible stock carbine features a unique length and only works with this model.
  • Barrels: Because the AR-10 and AR-15 are chambered in two different calibers, the barrels are not interchangeable. The barrels threads and barrel nut extensions are also not interchangeable.
  • Handguards and rail systems: Because of the barrel nut size difference between the AR-10 and AR-15, the handguards and rail systems are not interchangeable.
  • Bolt catch: An AR-15 bolt catch is normally not compatible with most AR-10 lowers. (ArmsEast has emails saying yes on Stag-10 link is CGN)
  • Lower parts kit: A standard lower parts kit for an AR-15 will normally not work with an AR-10. This is due to the differences in the takedown pin, bolt catch and other lower receiver pins (custom for STAG-10). Other trigger and safety components are interchangeable.
  • Magazine catch: The magazine catch in the Armalite AR-10 features a unique design that makes it incompatible with the AR-15 or any other AR model. (Standard AR-15 magazine catch will fit DPMS style AR-10)
  • Muzzle device: Since AR-10 and AR-15 are chambered in different calibers, most muzzle devices are not interchangeable, except if your AR-15 is chambered in 300 Blackout, then you might be able to use AR-10 muzzle devices.

Complete list of compatibility between the AR-15 and AR-10 parts:
Mil-Spec AR-15 Upper Receiver PartsDPMS Style .308 AR Armalite Style .308 AR
Upper ReceiverNOT Compatible NOT Compatible
Charging HandleNOT Compatible NOT Compatible
Ejection Port Cover AssemblyNOT Compatible NOT Compatible
Forward Assist AssemblyYES YES
Detachable Front SightYES YES
Detachable Rear SightYES YES
BarrelNOT Compatible NOT Compatible
Barrel Nut NOT Compatible NOT Compatible
HandguardNOT Compatible NOT Compatible
Gas TubeYES YES
Gas BlockYES YES
Gas Tube Roll Pin YES YES
Muzzle DeviceNOT Compatible NOT Compatible
Muzzle Timing Device (i.e. Crush Washer, Lock Nut...) NOT Compatible NOT Compatible
Bolt AssemblyNOT Compatible NOT Compatible
Bolt CarrierNOT Compatible NOT Compatible
Mil-Spec AR-15 Lower Receiver PartsDPMS Style .308 AR Armalite Style .308 AR
Lower Receiver NOT Compatible NOT Compatible
TriggerYES YES
HammerYES YES
Trigger and Hammer SpringsYES YES
Trigger and Hammer PinsYES YES
DisconnectYES YES
Disconnect Spring YES YES
Bolt CatchNOT Compatible NOT Compatible
Bolt Catch Roll Pin NOT Compatible YES
Bolt Catch Spring and Plunger YES YES
MagazineNOT Compatible NOT Compatible
Magazine CatchYES NOT Compatible
Magazine Release ButtonYES YES
Magazine Release Spring YES YES
Pistol GripYES YES
Pistol Grip Screw and Washer YES YES
Pivot Pin NOT Compatible NOT Compatible
Takedown PinNOT Compatible NOT Compatible
Takedown and Pivot Pin Spring YES YES
Takedown and Pivot Pin DetentYES YES
Safety Selector (a.k.a. Fire Control Selector)YES YES
Safety Selector Spring and DetentYES YES
Trigger Guard AssemblyYES YES
Buffer Tube (a.k.a. Receiver Extension Tube)YES YES
BufferNOT Compatible NOT Compatible
Buffer RetainerYES YES
Buffer Retainer Spring YES YES
Buffer Spring (a.k.a. Action Spring) NOT Compatible NOT Compatible
Receiver End PlateYES YES
Castle Nut (a.k.a. Receiver Extension Nut) YES YES
ButtstockYES YES
 
Last edited:
Beater said:
funny, I was just going to ask here, if a standard A2 style buffer tube will fit the stag ar10 looks like it does
Click to expand...

It seems that the tube, nut and spring as well as retaining pin and spring are compatible from the AR-15 to Stag-10... but the buffer itself is not compatible as it should be shorter and heavier.
 
Last edited:
I have an Armalite DEF-10 (AR-10) and just compared its components to an AR-15 BCG. You have most of your answers but here is my comparison.

- Cam Pin - No, AR-10 is longer and larger diameter.
- Firing Pin - No, AR-10 is longer and larger diameter. My AR-10 firing pin also has a spring fixed to it which prevents slam fires.
- Ejector - No, AR-10 is larger diameter.
- Ejector spring - not sure, didn't remove them.
- Ejector roll pin - not sure, didn't remove them.
- Extractor - No, AR-10 is longer and wider.
- Extractor pin - No, AR-10 is longer and larger diameter.
- Extractor spring - No, they are the same diameter but the AR-10s is almost twice as long.
- Bolt Gas Rings - No, AR-10 bolt is a larger diameter and the gas rings are much larger than AR-15.
- Firing Pin Retaining Pin - No, they are the same diameter but the AR-10 one is longer and protrudes out the side of the AR-15 bolt carrier. In a pinch you could cut it down and use it in an AR-15.
 
Aniest said:
It seems that the tube, nut and spring as well as retaining pin and spring are compatible from the AR-15 to Stag-10... but the buffer itself is not compatible as it should be shorter and heavier.
Click to expand...

ive actually written to stag to ask what they suggest for a buffer and spring. been a week now no reply
 
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