Armalite AR-10B Elevation Scale Window

Arrow indicates the location of the Elevation Scale Window

I had a good question yesterday from one of my readers:

"What in the world is an 'elevation scale window'?"

Elevation Control Wheel

The term is out of the standard marketing materials for the Armalite AR-10B.

"Built as a tribute to early ArmaLite configurations, the ArmaLite AR10B rifle is truly a classic. With the unique charging handle in the carry handle and brown Sudanese-style furniture, the ArmaLite AR10B rifle has all the classic features of original ArmaLite AR10s with modern upgrades and feel. Sporting an elevation scale window, the ArmaLite AR10B rifle also features..."

I took some photos because in this case they are, in fact, worth a thousand words. The "elevation scale window" is located as indicated by the arrow in the first photo. A control wheel with numbers is located where you can easily reset your iron peep sights for elevation as seen in this pic on the right. UP and DN are clearly marked in the second photo.

The Actual Elevation Scale Window

You can see the actual "elevation scale window" in this picture. The current setting is on "2" but to be honest, I have never adjusted it because with the small aperture peep sight, with these settings, I can hit a 10 inch target at 100 yards every time from the bench. It has two peep sights that can easily flip back and forth. This one and a larger one. The side dial can be used for windage.

In general I love the well thought out and durable features of the AR-10B.

The charging "trigger" and the fact that everything to totally proprietary and cost double still bugs me.

--I'm not bitching! I picked up this beauty for only $500!

Vintage AR-10 Video Goodness

I recently posted about my AR-10. Guns and Coffee recently posted this classic video that was marketing material for the very same one! Thanks, Fred!




--The AR-10B is an ass kicking hand full of .308!

When Things Really Heat Up

Armalite AR-10B

One of the things I like about the NRA Range is that they will let you mag dump. Rapid fire a lot of ammo continuously. Even a mag dump on my AR-10B. Mag dump 12 mags, in a row, non stop in less than 5 minutes.

The test was intended to see if it would have any failures when it was really hot. When the Killer Robot Uprising hits I wouldn't want a problem.

The good news is that 240 rounds shot quickly had no failures at all. The accuracy of the rifle did not degrade at all. I was surprised that my own accuracy didn't degrade after getting hammered 240 times.

The bad news was the fore grip became so HOT I was unable to touch it at the end of the test. Not just the Barrel, the grip. The first and last mag was done from a sandbag. I mean HOT. This was not good.

Click me for a closer look

The way I mitigated the heat issue was a an adjustable grip on the hand guard. I am amazed how much more comfortable it is to shoot as well. I usually don't have the quick attach bipod on the rifle.

About the AR-10B:


"Built as a tribute to early ArmaLite configurations, the ArmaLite AR10B rifle is truly a classic. With the unique charging handle in the carry handle and brown Sudanese-style furniture, the ArmaLite AR10B rifle has all the classic features of original ArmaLite AR10s with modern upgrades and feel. Sporting an elevation scale window, the ArmaLite AR10B rifle also features:"

• Caliber: .308/7.62mm
• Barrel Length: 20” Chrome lined
• Total Length: 41”
• Weight: 9.5 lbs.
• Rifling Twist: RH 1:11.25”
• Sights: A2 Front Sight Assembly

"The ArmaLite AR10B rifle also offers a two stage tactical trigger, a hard anodized aluminum and manganese phosphated steel finish, and a spring loaded automatic ejection port. The ArmaLite AR10B rifle is a high-quality, vintage-style firearm." 

--JayG will be glad to know that I DO have the bayonet!!