01-13-2012, 11:14 AM
justified Wrote:I also wonder if the manufacturing technology was ready to produce the AR-10 in large numbers.
The AR10 is much easier to manufacture than a Garand, M14, or other steel receiver rifles, since the machining is done on aircraft-grade aluminum receivers, cutting tool time and increasing tool head life, then hardening through anodizing after they have been machined. Since aircraft-grade aluminum was machined in extremely large volumes back then, maybe more than ever in world history (thinking of the 1940's war efforts), there were no mass production challenges for the AR10. It actually offered streamlining and faster production times. Examples:
Receivers-already explained
Barrel-standard barrel-making procedures, + barrel extension
Furniture-Bakelite
Small parts-MIM
With the M14
Receiver-complex design than is difficult to machine, and must be fitted to the barrel using individual considerations for headspace and timing on each gun
Op-rod-also must be machined from steel
Furniture-wood individually profiled and cut by stock-makers
Heat shield-original was wood and caught fire under high volume, then made out of fiberglass
It is much easier to manufacturer and maintain an AR10/15 family weapon. The full-spectrum logistics advantages from the factory to the soldier's and armorer's hands is quite tangible.