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The ArmaLite AR-10 Rifle: The Saga of the First Modern Combat Rifle

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Book details

  1. Print length
    211 pages

    Print length: 211 pages

    The estimated length is calculated using the number of page turns on a Kindle, using settings to closely represent a physical book.
  2. Language
    English
  3. Accessibility
    Learn more
  4. Publication date
    May 23, 2017
  5. File size
    2.9 MB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled

    Page Flip: Enabled

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  7. Word Wise
    Enabled

    Word Wise: Enabled

    Word Wise helps you read harder books by explaining the most challenging words in the book.
  8. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled

    Enhanced typesetting: Enabled

    Enhanced typesetting improvements offer faster reading with less eye strain and beautiful page layouts, even at larger font sizes.
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Book overview

The very first book written on the subject of the original ArmaLite AR-10, Major Sam Pikula's highly sought after and classic text on the history and design of this legendary rifle is finally back! The first printing in 1998 was a limited run of 500 books. Over the years the demand for this work was so great that when somebody could be induced to part with their treasured copy it frequently sold for $300 to $400 US dollars! Not written exclusively from the confines of only a firearms enthusiast or hobbyist, Major Pikula has served as Special Forces officer and armed security contractor "boots on the ground" in some of the most dangerous places in the Mideast and evaluates the AR-10 accordingly. In extensive tests and use of the AR-10 he has literally worn out barrels exploring this groundbreaking and historical infantry weapon. To qoute from the books preface:

“Most firearms enthusiast’s know very little if anything about the ArmaLite AR-10 series of rifles. Few have even seen an AR-10 much less owned or fired one. This is unfortunate as the AR-10 was as much of a groundbreaking weapon as the Thompson Sub-Machine Gun, M-1 Garand, or the 1898 Model Mauser Rifle. Until the AR-10, half of a rifle consisted of a dead tree, and the other half was made of steel on the verge of oxidizing. The AR-10 ions the first standard infantry rifle to be constructed using plastic instead of wood for the stocks, pistol grip, and handguards, and the first to use rust proof aircraft aluminum in the receivers.

The AR-10 also maximized the use of ergonomics i.e. adapting the design to suit the human structure thereby increasing efficiency and reducing strain. While it is common to see military rifles today utilizing plastic stocks, in-line recoil designs, and non-ferrous metals, these features were a radical innovation when introduced in the 1950’s. Just how innovative can be best illustrated in this manner. Take an AR-10 manufactured in 1960 and place it next to “an AR-10 produced in 1960?

Yet the AR-10 is scarcely heard of. Since the AR-15/M-16 a highly successful rifle (albeit with some severe teething troubles), descended directly from the AR-10, it is obvious the AR-10’s relative obscurity was the result of bad timing and other factors rather than bad design.

It is tantalizing to play the “what if” game when studying the history of the AR-10. What if the Fairchild Corporation had given more financial backing to the ArmaLite Corporation? What if the United States Army Ordnance Department had been of a more open mind when testing the prototype AR-10’s? What if Artillerie-Inrichtingen had been allowed to submit the final improved AR-10 for the Dutch Military Trials? But for a slight shift in the winds of fate the U.S. Army M-14 might have been the military designation of the civilian AR-10. If the AR-10 had been developed and selected in lieu of a product improved M-1 Garand would the 5.56 X 45 MM round have been anything more than a collectable cartridge”

Excerpt From: Major Sam Pikula U.S.A.R. “The ArmaLite AR-10.” iBooks.
This material may be protected by copyright.

Excerpt From: Major Sam Pikula U.S.A.R. “The ArmaLite AR-10.” iBooks.
This material may be protected by copyright.

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Product information

ASIN B0723C9CJ9
Publication date May 23, 2017
Edition 2nd
Accessibility Learn more
Language ‎English
File size 2.9 MB
Screen Reader Supported
Enhanced typesetting Enabled

Enhanced typesetting: Enabled

Enhanced typesetting improvements offer faster reading with less eye strain and beautiful page layouts, even at larger font sizes.
X-Ray Not Enabled
Word Wise Enabled

Word Wise: Enabled

Word Wise helps you read harder books by explaining the most challenging words in the book.
Print length 211 pages

Print length: 211 pages

The estimated length is calculated using the number of page turns on a Kindle, using settings to closely represent a physical book.
ISBN-13 978-9986494386
Page Flip Enabled

Page Flip: Enabled

Page Flip is a new way to explore your books without losing your place.
Best Sellers Rank

Customer reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars
8 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

  • Amazon Customer
    4 out of 5 stars
    Verified Purchase

    Background History of AR 10

    Reviewed in the United States on June 19, 2019

    Easy to read and to follow and able to keep you interesting in the subject. This book also how new technologies are often overlooked or dismiss by powers to be.

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