Best AR-10 Build Kits – 2022 Complete Review

| Last Updated:
September 4, 2023

Are you looking for the best AR-10 build kit? If so, you’re in the right place. When you’re building an AR-10 from the ground up, you’re 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, we’ve 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, we’ll talk about what’s 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

IMAGEPRODUCT
  • Includes a Lower Receiver
  • Includes Springs, Pins, and Detents
  • Magpul Buttstock Made from Polymer
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  • Magazine Catch Assembly Included
  • Includes Trigger Assembly With Pins and Springs
  • Includes a 6-Stage Buffer Tube for Better Stock Adjustments
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  • Best .308 Build Kit for an AR-10
  • Includes Buttstock and Buffer Tube
  • Includes All Your Springs, Pins, and Detents
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What’s in an AR-10 Build Kit?

Knowing what’s inside an AR-10 build kit is important. You’ll 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 you’re pretty much off to a good start.

Gas Block

Some AR-10 build kits will include complete gas kits. Some won’t. 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 you’re 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, don’t 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:

What’s Included

The most important thing to look out for while you’re shopping for an AR-10 build kit is what’s included. Remember, some kits may include most parts you want. Some kits won’t have them. Knowing what’s included in a kit you’re looking at will make the decision easier. So, make a list of what you’ll 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 you’re somewhere within that range, you should consider looking for a kit that will include “drop-in” parts. Drop-in is a fancy way of saying “easy to install”.

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 you’re looking for gun accessories or kits. That’s 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, you’ll need to know what’s included in each kit so you don’t have to go after a specific part and purchase it separately. With that in mind, let’s dive into the first AR-10 build kit starting with the “best overall” kit currently on the market:

Best .308 Build Kit:
CMMG Inc MK3 Gunbuilder's Lower Parts .308 Kit

Pros

  • Easy to Install
  • Parts are High in Quality and Craftsmanship is Excellent
  • Works With Most Uppers From the Aero Precision Brand

Cons

  • May Not Come With Assembly Instructions
  • One Reviewer Said That One of the Springs is Supposedly a Little Shorter in Length
  • One Reviewer Complained About the Magazine Release Button Not Being Long Enough

For our last build kit, we’ll be looking at the best one for those who want or have a .308 caliber AR-10 rifle. We’ve decided to go with the CMMG Inc. MK3 Gunbuilder’s 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 you’re a fan of all things mil-spec, then you’re going to want to give this a closer look.

Bottom Line

If you’re more of a .308 caliber kind of shooter and want to build a rifle that will fire those types of cartridges, you’ll 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 rifle’s lower receiver are included and are definitely made to last.

If you’re 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

  • Easy to Install
  • High-Quality Parts
  • Fits Most AR-10 Rifles Perfectly

Cons

  • None

The 6.5 Creedmoor is a long-range AR-10 rifle that has taken the gun world by storm. And it’s a force to be reckoned with, especially when it has the ability to hit targets from 500 to even 1000 plus yards out. It’s a rifle worth giving a try.

However, if you’re one of the many building Creedmoor rifles from the ground up, you’re obviously going to need a product that will make that puppy stand out. And of course, there’s a PSA kit for that.

More specifically, we’ll 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 you’re looking for the right parts to help make your AR-10 long-range beast the best of the best, you’ll 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 that’s worth a closer look if you’re planning on building a rifle that is best used for any long-range application like hunting or competitive shooting.

Bottom Line

If you’re 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 rifle’s 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

  • Most of the Parts Fit Together Nicely Without Any Issues
  • Excellent for AR-10 Rifles Designed for Hunting Purposes
  • Will Save You a Lot of Money When Compared to Purchasing a Fully Built AR-10 Rifle

Cons

  • One Reviewer Had Complaints About Some of the Bolts Not Securing Properly
  • Some Users Have Had Fitting Issues With the Lower Receiver and the Corresponding Parts

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 you’re 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 You’ll have all the right parts in one kit and will never have to track down each part individually.

Bottom Line

Overall, it’s a pretty good kit for what’s included. And since it’s 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 you’re looking for in an AR-10 build kit, then the PSA might be exactly what you’re looking for.

4. PSA MOE ACS-L EPT Lower Build Kit

Pros

  • Parts and Accessories Were High in Quality
  • An Excellent Starter Kit for a First Time Builder
  • Most of the Parts Fit Perfectly Without Any Issues

Cons

  • Takedown Pins May Be Hard to Remove

Next, we’ll be taking a look at another PSA brand kit. This time, we’ll 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 you’ll spend minutes to even a couple of hours putting these parts together. Before you know it, you’ll be able to finish your AR-10 rifle project in a record amount of time. If it’s 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 you’re looking for the complete package in the lower receiver department, this PSA product just might be the answer you’re looking for.

Bottom Line

This lower kit is perhaps the best kit to invest in if you’re a first-time AR-10 buyer. Consider this a possible starter kit. At the same time, it’s better to start it piece by piece than having the whole kit and kaboodle. However, if you’re up for the challenge, then a full-on kit like our previous PSA kit might be worth the investment too.

However, if you’re taking things little by little, then a product like this might be a good place to start. If you’re 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

  • A High-Quality Kit at a Price That is Affordable for Most Budgets
  • Has the Ability to Shoot Accurate Shots From 200 to 300 Yards Out
  • An Excellent Starter Kit for Those Who Want a Challenge and Don’t Have a Lot of Money to Work With

Cons

  • Some Parts May Not Be as Tight of a Fit
  • One Reviewer Suggested That a Magazine Should Be Included
  • May Come With a Few Takedown Pins That Might Be the Wrong Fit

Our next PSA product we’ll look at under the microscope is the best for those on a budget. If you’re looking for a product that won’t suck the life out of your bank account, then the PSA Gen2 M-LOK ACS-L Rifle Kit might be the one you’ll want.

So what’s 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 you’re 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 they’ll update that in the not so distant future, but don’t quote us on that.

But right now, it’s 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 you’ll need before buying a build kit. These pertain to safety and also some potential legal issues. Here are some of the things you’ll 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 won’t have to deal with any malfunctions that may pose a safety hazard on your end.

Double Check Your Jurisdiction’s Gun Laws

Prior to purchasing a product, it’s 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. It’s 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 rifle’s gas system. The lower receiver is responsible for housing your gun’s firing unit including the bolt carrying group, which is the engine for any AR-style rifle.

Rifle Kits

This kit is more of your “whole enchilada” 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 you’re looking for, the search won’t be too hard. Whether you’re looking for a full rifle kit or a lower receiver kit to kick off your building project, you’ll 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, it’s important to refer to the frequently asked questions below. These are questions asked by most first-time buyers. If you’re 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 you’re 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 won’t 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. 

Michael Lutes

Michael Lutes is the managing editor and owner at Gun Mann. He is a veteran, gun enthusiast, 3 gun competitor, and 2a advocate. Mike has a passion for innovation and education across the industry to create great content, training, and insights from the best and brightest.

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