Armalite
Armalite invented the AR platform. The original AR-10 and AR-15 designs that became the foundation of the modern sporting rifle industry were Armalite products — and the company continues to build rifles today, including the powerful AR-10 battle rifle that started it all.
Read our full Armalite Buying Guide ↓
About Armalite
Armalite was founded in 1954 in Hollywood, California by George Sullivan, with Eugene Stoner joining as chief engineer. Stoner's AR-10 design — chambered in 7.62 NATO — was submitted to the U.S. military in 1956. A scaled-down version, the AR-15 in .223/5.56, followed and was eventually adopted as the M16. Armalite sold the AR-15 rights to Colt in 1959 but retained the AR-10 design. The modern Armalite company, based in Geneseo, Illinois, continues to produce AR-10 and AR-platform rifles descended directly from Stoner's original designs.
Popular Models
AR-10 — The original. Armalite's AR-10 is chambered in 7.62 NATO (.308 Win) and represents the direct descendant of Stoner's 1956 design. A full-size battle rifle with 20-round capacity, piston or direct impingement options, and the accuracy and power of the .308 Win cartridge.
AR-10A — Updated AR-10 with modern furniture, enhanced ergonomics, and improved components. The current-generation Armalite .308 battle rifle.
AR-30 — Armalite's dedicated long-range precision rifle. Bolt-action, available in .300 Win Mag and .338 Lapua Magnum. Built for precision shooting and long-range hunting where maximum power and accuracy matter.
AR-31 — The single-shot variant of the AR-30 platform. Optimized for maximum precision in competition and hunting applications.
Armalite's Place in the Market
Armalite occupies a unique position — they are the original AR manufacturer with a legitimate claim to the platform's heritage, yet they compete in the mid-to-premium segment of the modern AR market. For buyers who value historical authenticity and want an AR-10 from the company that designed it, Armalite is the obvious choice. Their AR-10 competes directly with DPMS, POF, and other .308 AR manufacturers — Armalite's advantage is the brand heritage and the refinement of decades of experience with the specific design.
FAQ
Did Armalite invent the AR-15?
Yes — Eugene Stoner designed the original AR-15 while working at Armalite in the late 1950s. Armalite sold the AR-15 rights to Colt in 1959. The M16 military rifle is derived from this Armalite/Stoner design.
What caliber is the Armalite AR-10?
The Armalite AR-10 is chambered in 7.62 NATO / .308 Winchester — the full-power battle rifle cartridge the platform was originally designed for.
Is Armalite still in business?
Yes — Armalite is based in Geneseo, Illinois and continues to produce AR-10 and AR-platform rifles. The company has changed ownership over the decades but maintains continuous production.
What is the difference between the Armalite AR-10 and other .308 ARs?
The Armalite AR-10 uses Armalite's proprietary magazine pattern — not the more common SR-25/DPMS pattern used by most other .308 ARs. Verify magazine compatibility before purchasing accessories or spare magazines.