I've wanted an AR-10 for some time..I like the AR format..easy to accessorize, comfortable to shoot, easy to change mags, easy to clean, etc..
Looked at, & wanted, a S&W M&P AR-10.. but @ $1400 (plus mount & scope), it was a little steep for me.
(S&W's AR-10 Sport wasn't on the market @ the time)
Despite my past experience, (& based on the glowing reports by purchasers) decided to try the PSA PA-10 (AR-10).
which was priced @ about 50% of the cost of the S&W.
Since I've now had my AR-10 for awhile, thought it was time to write a report on my experience.
Parts were purchased in June 2018, an assembled upper: PSA Gen2 PA10 18" Midlength .308 WIN 1:10 Stainless Steel 15" M-lok Upper -with BCG and CH
and a complete assembled lower,: PSA Gen2 PA-10 MOE EPT Lower With Overmolded Grip
The upper fit snugly with the lower, no gaps or play between the upper & lower. I also ordered a Magpul 10 rnd mag. & a DH brand 10rnd. mag. to try.
I installed a set of iron sights I'd removed from a S&W M&P 15-22 a few years ago, when I mounted a scope on it, so off to the range we went.
The AR-10 performed flawlessly, able to hit bullseye @ 25 yds (to sight in) then, hitting around the bullseye @ 50 yds, due to my failing eyesight.
I learned the bolt has to be retracted (locked to rear) for the magpul mag to lock into the receiver, attempts to insert mag with bolt forward = mag falls out. (won't lock in).
The DH brand mag, inserts, & locks in, w/o problem, regardless of bolt position.
Before my next range trip, I purchased & installed a 1 piece scope mount,a Weaver Kaspa 4-16X44 scope, a bipod mount,a brass catcher mount, & J&P trigger spring kit.
I sighted in scope @ 25, & then 50 yds. Spring kit was an improvement on the trigger, the brass catcher works nice..no picking brass off the ground!
Easy to put rds. in bullseye @ 50 yds.. but hadn't tried @ 100 yds yet.
Next, I decided to try an ALG/ACT trigger, to see if I could tell a difference. By this time, I'd put about 80 rds thru the rifle.
Put about 20 more rds, trying the new trigger, it was a noticeable improvement.
A few days ago, after Christmas, we had a Dec day with mid 50 degree temps. Headed to the range with the AR-10 (& a few others) Sunny, but wind gusting @ times.
Started shooting @ 50 yds..too easy to put all shots in the bullseye, so decided to move out to 100yds. Wind started picking up, but able to see my AR-10
put them in the bullseye @ 100,was almost as easy as it was a 50 yds.. Put 4 shots inside a 1" group, with the 5th a bit of a flyer..about .5" away from the group.
So far, I'd done all my shooting with what I call my plinker loads..147 gr FMJ bullets, loaded to an estimated 2575 fps..(not a max load)
I was pretty impressed with my loads accuracy & consistency, esp. considering the current weather conditions.
More people arrived @ range & as wind was gusting, decided to call it a day.
My PSA AR-10 has been a pleasant surprise,in comparison to my PSA AR-15.
Only incident (a minor one) was the M-LOC handguard fell off while @ the range, on the 2nd outing.
Cleaned & degreased the screws, applied some loctite, & retightened screws.. problem solved.
Have had no misfires, chambering, or extracting issues.. rifle is pleasant & fun to shoot.
My Springfield M1A was my favorite rifle to shoot..but haven't shot it since I started
fine tuning my PSA AR-10. This rifle has even changed my attitude toward PSA products.