Are you looking for the best AR-10 build kit? If so, youโre in the right place. When youโre building an AR-10 from the ground up, youโre going to need a kit that has all the right parts to make your building project a success.
To give you an excellent starting point, weโve taken the liberty of hand-picking five of the best AR-10 build kits. We will review each of these in an effort to help you make the best purchasing decision. In fact, one of the build kits listed below might be yours if a unique feature or two somehow checks off some boxes on your wishlist.
Before we get to our list, weโll talk about whatโs included in an AR-10 build kit and what aspects you need to consider before making your final purchase.
Comparison Chart of the Best AR-10 Build Kits
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Whatโs in an AR-10 Build Kit?
Knowing whatโs inside an AR-10 build kit is important. Youโll need the parts that will make your AR-10 rifle as fully functional as possible. Plus, having the necessary parts included is way better than having to track down each and every part separately. And that will mean paying more. With that in mind, here are some of the common parts found in most AR-10 build kits:
Upper and Lower Receivers
Most of your AR-10 build kits include both an upper and lower receiver. These are essential, along with the parts that come with it. Without one or the other, the rifle will obviously be rendered useless. Your upper receiver will include parts like the barrel, forends, handguards, and other parts.
Your lower receiver will most notably include a trigger assembly, magazines (including a mag catch), and other assemblies. If you have both receivers in a kit, then youโre pretty much off to a good start.
Gas Block
Some AR-10 build kits will include complete gas kits. Some wonโt. But one thing for sure is that a gas block will almost always be included in AR-10 build kits. Having a gas system that will help propel your rounds and expel them out of your gun is essential. Since youโre using an AR-10 rifle, most gas blocks will be part of a rifle gas system. If your kit does not include a gas tube, donโt fret. You can always buy one separately, even at affordable prices.
Barrel
This is an essential part of a rifle that will play a huge role in its accuracy. Since you have an upper receiver included, having a barrel will help complete this part of the AR-10. Your barrel twist will also be something worth paying attention to. A certain ratio like 1:7 is a good number to look for if you hold accuracy to a high standard. Since your rifle is handling a rifle gas system, your barrels will probably be no shorter than 16 inches in length.
How We Chose These Build Kits
We chose these AR-10 build kits based on some of the characteristics we think will best fit you the buyer. These aspects and characteristics should play a role in your final decision purchase, especially if you are a first-time buyer of these kits. Here is a quick list of what to look out for based on people who have bought AR-10 build kits in the past:
Whatโs Included
The most important thing to look out for while youโre shopping for an AR-10 build kit is whatโs included. Remember, some kits may include most parts you want. Some kits wonโt have them. Knowing whatโs included in a kit youโre looking at will make the decision easier. So, make a list of what youโll need as part of your build kit. If it includes parts you already have, you can consider getting the kit anyways should you need any spare parts.
PSA Gen2 18" .308 WIN 1:10 Rifle Kit
Installation
We get it. Not everyone building an AR-10 will have expert gunsmithing skills. Their skills may be novice or intermediate. If youโre somewhere within that range, you should consider looking for a kit that will include โdrop-inโ parts. Drop-in is a fancy way of saying โeasy to installโ.
Most of the parts included in the kit will take minutes to install. So install one thing in as little time possible and move on to the next task on your list.
Material
Quality will always trump everything else when youโre looking for gun accessories or kits. Thatโs because better quality will mean that longevity will be good. For example, some metal parts will usually be made from steel or aluminum, while other parts like magazines, buttstocks, and receivers will be made from polymer.
All these materials have been proven to handle all kinds of damage like weather, abuse, cleaning oils and solvents, and so much more. Having an AR-10 rifle that is tough from the inside out will give you the likelihood of using a rifle that will be reliable for years to come.
Review of the Best AR-10 Build Kits
Below are five of the best AR-10 build kits currently on the market. As you look through each of these, it is important that you read through them carefully. You may find that it will include a part or two that you might need.
Plus, youโll need to know whatโs included in each kit so you donโt have to go after a specific part and purchase it separately. With that in mind, letโs dive into the first AR-10 build kit starting with the โbest overallโ kit currently on the market:
Best .308 Build Kit:
CMMG Inc MK3 Gunbuilder's Lower Parts .308 Kit
Pros
Cons
For our last build kit, weโll be looking at the best one for those who want or have a .308 caliber AR-10 rifle. Weโve decided to go with the CMMG Inc. MK3 Gunbuilderโs Lower Parts Kit.
The basic parts include the following: takedown pin (detent included), hammer and trigger pin, magazine catch, bolt catch (with spring included), magazine release, buffer retainer (with spring), and many more parts considered necessary for your AR-10 lower receiver.
All parts are made from high-quality materials and are designed to be durable and long lasting. This is a kit that will get your AR-10 rifle as close to mil-spec as possible. If youโre a fan of all things mil-spec, then youโre going to want to give this a closer look.
Bottom Line
If youโre more of a .308 caliber kind of shooter and want to build a rifle that will fire those types of cartridges, youโll want a kit that will be compatible with your AR-10. The closest we can get to the best is the CMMG. All the parts for the rifleโs lower receiver are included and are definitely made to last.
If youโre looking to make your rifle reliable for as long as possible, all it takes is just the right parts to install. A product like this might be a good place to start.
Best 6.5 Creedmoor Build Kit:
PSA PA-10 Classic Lower Build Kit
Pros
Cons
The 6.5 Creedmoor is a long-range AR-10 rifle that has taken the gun world by storm. And itโs a force to be reckoned with, especially when it has the ability to hit targets from 500 to even 1000 plus yards out. Itโs a rifle worth giving a try.
However, if youโre one of the many building Creedmoor rifles from the ground up, youโre obviously going to need a product that will make that puppy stand out. And of course, thereโs a PSA kit for that.
More specifically, weโll be taking a look at the PA-10 classic lower build kit. This kit is exclusively for the lower receiver of your AR-10 rifle. However, these parts are also compatible with rifles that fire Creedmoor cartridges. Included in this kit are your usual springs, pins, and detents. Also included is your trigger assembly.
This trigger will give you a crisp, clean pull each time you use it. Also included is a six-position adjustable buffer tube that will make the Creedmoor rifle adjustable and user-friendly for almost any shooter.
If youโre looking for the right parts to help make your AR-10 long-range beast the best of the best, youโll need a compatible product. A lower kit complete with PA-10 parts will most likely work with Creedmoor rifles.
With that said, this PSA product is something thatโs worth a closer look if youโre planning on building a rifle that is best used for any long-range application like hunting or competitive shooting.
Bottom Line
If youโre looking for a standard, classic lower parts kit for your AR-10 or your Creedmoor rifle build, then this PSA offering will probably be the best option for you. It has all the commonly found parts that make up a rifleโs lower receiver.
On top of that, they are high-quality parts designed to last you a long time. If you want a Creedmoor rifle that will be reliable for many years to come, then a kit like this will come in handy.
3. PSA Gen2 18" .308 WIN 1:10 Rifle Kit
Pros
Cons
The first kit we'll be taking a look at is the PSA Gen2 18 inch .308 WIN 1:10 rifle kit. Of course, as the best overall, there is a reason we give it the honor. This is basically the total package in one kit.
Included are your lower and upper receivers, a barrel measured at 18 inches (with a 1:10 twist that's best for lightweight ammo), the bolt carrier grip, and all the pins, springs, and detents that put it all together.
The receivers are made from high-quality aluminum, making a very durable rifle that will last you many years to come.
The barrel is made from stainless steel and is chambered in the .308 caliber. If you have some .308 rounds that are just waiting to be fired at the range or out in the field, you're going to need a rifle to fire off these rounds without any issues.
If youโre looking for a good AR-10 build kit that contains high-quality parts that allow for a reliable, fully functioning rifle that will work without any issues for years or possibly decade, then you have found it in the PSA Gen2 product Youโll have all the right parts in one kit and will never have to track down each part individually.
Bottom Line
Overall, itโs a pretty good kit for whatโs included. And since itโs the best overall kit on the market, it surely lives up to the title. All parts are high in quality, the upper receiver is fully assembled, and everything you need is right in one kit.
That alone will save you time and a whole lot of money. If saving time and money is what youโre looking for in an AR-10 build kit, then the PSA might be exactly what youโre looking for.
4. PSA MOE ACS-L EPT Lower Build Kit
Pros
Cons
Next, weโll be taking a look at another PSA brand kit. This time, weโll be looking at a lower build kit. This includes the lower receiver and the parts that will make this part of your AR-10 rifle fully functional.
Included in this kit is your buttstock, which is made from polymer and is proven to be quite durable. Also included are your pistol grip, tubes, springs, pins, and detents. Everything is here to make sure that your lower half is fully functional and has the ability to fire each and every round you put through it.
The trigger is perhaps the star of this ensemble. It has a crisp, smooth pull that blows all the other triggers out of the water. Yes, even the mil-spec triggers. In fact, this trigger is a lot smoother than a standard mil-spec trigger.
If getting off shots as quickly and smoothly as possible is something you want, this lower build kit will probably be your best investment yet.
The parts are easy to assemble and install. So youโll spend minutes to even a couple of hours putting these parts together. Before you know it, youโll be able to finish your AR-10 rifle project in a record amount of time. If itโs your first time building an AR-10, then it might take a little longer.
Regardless, hard work and taking your time will pay off once you complete it and take it out for a test drive at the range.
If youโre looking for the complete package in the lower receiver department, this PSA product just might be the answer youโre looking for.
Bottom Line
This lower kit is perhaps the best kit to invest in if youโre a first-time AR-10 buyer. Consider this a possible starter kit. At the same time, itโs better to start it piece by piece than having the whole kit and kaboodle. However, if youโre up for the challenge, then a full-on kit like our previous PSA kit might be worth the investment too.
However, if youโre taking things little by little, then a product like this might be a good place to start. If youโre looking for a high-quality set that will work smoothly and without any malfunction, this PSA kit will probably be the best possible option for you.
Best For The Money:
PSA Gen2 PA10 18" .308 WIN 1:10 15" M-lok ACS-L Rifle Kit
Pros
Cons
Our next PSA product weโll look at under the microscope is the best for those on a budget. If youโre looking for a product that wonโt suck the life out of your bank account, then the PSA Gen2 M-LOK ACS-L Rifle Kit might be the one youโll want.
So whatโs included in this bad boy? First, this has an 18-inch barrel that is made from stainless steel and chambered in a .308 WIN caliber.
If youโre planning on building your AR-10 rifle into a force to be reckoned with, and in a caliber that is considered one of the most reliable in the AR-rifle family, then this might be the kit for you.
What else will you get from this? The barrel itself has a free-floating rail that will allow you to fully customize the upper receiver of your AR-10 rifle with any optic, scope, or other accessory you consider to be a must-use. The Picatinny rail will allow you to easily install your accessories without any issue.
Also included are your buffer tube, pistol grip, and buttstock. All are functional in their ability to allow you the best possible control over your rifle. These parts are also essential if you're looking to reduce as much recoil as possible. Recoil can be the bane of any rifle's accuracy ability.
If you hold accuracy to a high standard and want to reduce recoil, this product has the right parts to make sure it becomes a reality.
Best of all, this is affordable for most budgets. So needless to say, you get a heck of a lot more than what you pay for. No other budget setup will hold a candle to this PSA kit.
Bottom Line
As expected, this kit has exceeded the expectations of any budget shopper. You get all kinds of high-quality parts at a price you can afford.
Of course, we can agree that there should be an addition to this kit (like a magazine). Maybe theyโll update that in the not so distant future, but donโt quote us on that.
But right now, itโs still a pretty good option for those looking to get an AR-10 build kit worth the investment. If you want to get started on your AR-10 building project without the hassle of high prices, this product might be what you are looking for.
Cautious Considerations When Buying Build Kits
There are some additional considerations youโll need before buying a build kit. These pertain to safety and also some potential legal issues. Here are some of the things youโll need to consider when purchasing a build kit:
See if Everything You Need is Included
While accessories like the receiver and grips should always be included in each build kit, so should your springs, pins, and detents. Without any of these small parts, the rifle will be useless. Plus, you need to make sure every little part works properly, so you wonโt have to deal with any malfunctions that may pose a safety hazard on your end.
Double Check Your Jurisdictionโs Gun Laws
Prior to purchasing a product, itโs always important to err on the side of caution, especially when it comes to gun laws. While it may sound ridiculous, there are some standalone AR parts that have restrictions and regulations due to gun laws in states like California, Illinois, or New York.
Check your local or state gun laws before you decide on a build kit for your rifle. Itโs always good to check rather than face potential legal headaches in the future.
Types of AR-10 Build Kits
Not all AR-10 build kits are the same. Some will include parts like both lower and upper receivers. Others will just include a standalone receiver (either lower or upper) with the parts included. Here are some of the types available on the market:
Upper Build Kits
These include AR-10 upper receiver. These uppers are typically available in two designs - the carry handle and the flattop. While carry handle has limited customization options, flattop has the many accessories available in the market.
Lower Build Kits
These include your lower receiver. Also included will be your trigger assembly and sometimes a barrel long enough to accommodate your rifleโs gas system. The lower receiver is responsible for housing your gunโs firing unit including the bolt carrying group, which is the engine for any AR-style rifle.
Rifle Kits
This kit is more of your โwhole enchiladaโ kind of kit. This will include both an upper and lower receiver. Of course, it will also include parts for each respective half. Also included are things like your pistol grip, buttstock, and even a handrail that might be already attached to your barrel.
Conclusion
Finding the best AR-10 build kit can be a challenge. If you know what kind of parts youโre looking for, the search wonโt be too hard. Whether youโre looking for a full rifle kit or a lower receiver kit to kick off your building project, youโll be satisfied once you are able to complete your AR-10 rifle. Your hard work will pay off when you test it out at the range and it passes with flying colors. Find parts that are high in quality and will hold up their end of the bargain in terms of reliability.
People Also Ask
As an extra guide for your search, itโs important to refer to the frequently asked questions below. These are questions asked by most first-time buyers. If youโre among those who have never bought an AR-10 build kit before, then these will come in handy. Here are common questions:
Will an AR-15 Lower Parts Kit Fit an AR-10?
The short answer: it depends. The long answer: it will depend on the parts that youโre planning to install. Some parts like the hammer or trigger assembly may be compatible with one another. However, while some are interchangeable and work just the same, sometimes that wonโt be the case.
What Calibers Fit an AR-10?
Some of the most popular calibers that will fit an AR-10 rifle are as follows: .308 Winchester, Creedmoor 6.5, or NATO 7.62.
Are AR-15 and AR-10 Stocks the Same?
Most of the time, they are. However, the difference between the two is their sizes. If the buttstock and screws fit both, it can be used. In fact, the buttstock is one of a handful of parts where it can be interchangeable between the two rifles.
