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Custom AR-10 Builders in Fort Worth, TX: What Sets Expert Gunsmiths Apart
Fort Worth, Texas, has earned its reputation as a center for firearm craftsmanship, where precision manufacturing meets Texas heritage. Shooters seeking to buy AR-10 platforms for long-range applications face a marketplace filled with options ranging from mass-produced rifles to hand-built precision instruments. The difference between an average rifle and a precision AR-10 often comes down to the builder behind it. At Beal Rifle Company, we bring military discipline, hands-on combat experience, and a commitment to quality that transforms raw components into purpose-built firearms worthy of being passed down through generations.
The custom AR-10 market has grown substantially as shooters recognize that factory rifles cannot always meet specialized requirements for hunting, competition, or long-range shooting. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Office of Advocacy, veteran-owned businesses employed nearly 3.2 million workers in 2022, with veterans representing 4.3% of all business owners nationwide. When veterans like us apply military training to firearm manufacturing, the results speak for themselves through sub-MOA accuracy and rock-solid reliability.
Why the AR-10 Platform Excels for Long-Range Applications
The AR-10 platform predates its smaller sibling, the AR-15, by several years. Eugene Stoner designed the original AR-10 in 1956 as a lightweight battle rifle chambered in 7.62x51mm NATO. This larger receiver and bolt carrier group accommodate cartridges with greater powder capacity and longer overall lengths than AR-15-compatible rounds.
For shooters who want to buy AR-10 rifles built for distance, the platform offers several distinct advantages:
- The 7.62 NATO and .308 Winchester cartridges deliver substantially more energy at extended ranges than the 5.56 NATO.
- Newer chamberings like 6.5 Creedmoor push effective range even further while maintaining manageable recoil.
- The semi-automatic action allows faster follow-up shots compared to bolt-action rifles.
These features make the long-range AR-10 particularly effective for competition shooting and predator hunting.
At Beal Rifle Company, we build our BRC-10 Sentinel Collection specifically around these long-range capabilities. Available in 6.5 Creedmoor, .308 WIN, 22 Creedmoor, 8.6 Blackout, and .243 WIN, each rifle is purpose-built for hunting, precision rifle shooting, or extreme long-range shooting. We machine and assemble every rifle in our Fort Worth, Texas, facility.
What Separates Custom Builders from Mass Producers
The firearms industry produced over 10 million domestic firearms in 2022, according to NSSF data compiled from ATF Annual Firearms Manufacturing and Export Reports. Within that volume, custom AR-10 builders occupy a specialized niche where quality control and individual attention define the product.
Mass-produced rifles must balance cost efficiency against quality. Components are sourced from the lowest-cost suppliers meeting minimum specifications. Assembly line workers may handle dozens or hundreds of rifles daily, limiting the time available for individual inspection and testing. The result is a functional firearm that meets industry standards but rarely exceeds them.
We operate under different constraints. Each rifle represents our reputation. Component selection favors premium-grade materials over cost savings. Hand-fitting by our gunsmiths provides proper tolerances between matched parts. Function testing and accuracy verification happen before any rifle ships.
Our commitment to exacting tolerances and premium-grade materials sets us apart. We combine in-house design with the expertise of staff who include combat veterans and competitive shooters. Every BRC-10 is built, tested, and tuned before delivery.
Key Components That Define Precision AR-10 Performance
Building a precision AR-10 requires attention to several interconnected systems. Each component affects accuracy, reliability, and longevity.
Barrel Selection and Profile
The barrel is the single most influential component for accuracy. At Beal Rifle Company, we select barrels based on material composition, rifling method, and contour. Match-grade barrels typically use 416R stainless steel, which offers superior corrosion resistance and consistent metallurgical properties compared to chrome-moly alternatives.
Barrel contour affects both weight and heat dissipation. Heavy bull barrels resist the accuracy degradation that occurs as barrels heat during sustained fire. Carbon fiber wrapped barrels offer a compromise, providing heavy-barrel stiffness with reduced weight for hunting applications.
Rifling twist rate must match intended bullet weights. A 1:10 twist rate works well for .308 WIN bullets from 150 to 175 grains. The 6.5 Creedmoor typically uses a 1:8 twist to stabilize longer, higher-BC projectiles.
Receiver Manufacturing and Fit
Upper and lower receivers form the foundation of any AR-10. Manufacturing tolerances directly affect how well these halves mate and whether they maintain consistent alignment under recoil. Billet receivers machined from solid aluminum blocks offer tighter tolerances than forged alternatives, though both methods produce reliable firearms when properly executed.
The fit between the upper and lower receivers affects the accuracy potential. Excess movement between these components allows the barrel to shift relative to the stock, degrading precision. We often hand-select matched receiver sets or use adjustable tensioning systems to eliminate play.
Trigger Systems
Factory triggers typically break between 5 and 7 pounds with noticeable creep and overtravel. These characteristics make precise shot placement difficult, particularly at extended ranges where minor trigger input translates to significant point-of-impact shift.
Precision AR-10 builds incorporate aftermarket triggers with clean breaks between 2 and 3.5 pounds. The CMC triggers we install exemplify this standard, providing consistent, predictable let-off without the mushiness that plagues factory components.
Handguard and Free-Float Systems
A free-floated barrel touches nothing forward of the receiver. This eliminates accuracy-degrading pressure from handguards, sling tension, or bipod loading. We universally specify free-float handguard systems for precision applications.
Handguard material affects both weight and heat management. Aluminum remains the most common choice, offering adequate strength with reasonable weight. M-LOK and KeyMod attachment systems allow accessory mounting without adding bulk.
The Veteran Advantage in Custom Rifle Building
Military service instills specific qualities that transfer directly to precision manufacturing. Attention to detail, process discipline, and mission focus become second nature through years of training and deployment.
We operate as a 100% Veteran-Owned and SBA-Certified Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB). As a 7th-generation Texan, I built our company around values learned through military service. Our logo incorporates symbols honoring U.S. Army Rangers, the 75th Ranger Regiment’s Merrill’s Marauders, and the Texas spirit embodied in the Gonzales Battle Flag.
Customer testimonials from military professionals validate our approach. Command Sergeant Major Dennis Smith, USA (R), also from the Ranger Hall of Fame, calls our firearms some of the best-built and accurate firing guns he has ever used, after 27 years of Army service, including 20 years with the 75th Ranger Regiment. This endorsement carries weight because it comes from a professional who has relied on firearms in combat.
Custom AR-10 vs. Factory Rifle: A Detailed Comparison
| Feature | Factory AR-10 | Custom AR-10 in Fort Worth, TX |
| Barrel | Standard chrome-moly or stainless | Match-grade carbon fiber or stainless options |
| Trigger | 5-7 lb factory pull weight | CMC 2.5 lb precision trigger |
| Receiver Fit | Standard manufacturing tolerances | Hand-fitted, minimized play |
| Finish | Anodized or basic Cerakote | Full Cerakote in custom patterns including Tiger Stripe |
| Testing | Basic function check | Built, tested, and tuned before delivery |
| Warranty | Limited, typically 1-5 years | Limited Lifetime Warranty |
| Customization | None or limited options | Fully configurable to buyer specifications |
| Build Location | Often overseas or multiple facilities | 100% machined and assembled in Fort Worth, TX |
| Support | Call center-based | Direct relationship with builder |
| Lead Time | Immediate availability | Custom build timeline |
This comparison illustrates why shooters seeking maximum performance choose custom AR-10 builders. The premium investment returns measurable dividends in accuracy, reliability, and longevity.
Chambering Options for Long-Range AR-10 Builds
Selecting the right chambering depends on intended use, recoil tolerance, and barrel life considerations.
.308 WIN / 7.62×51 NATO
The original AR-10 chambering remains popular for good reasons. Ammunition is widely available and relatively affordable. The .308 WIN delivers excellent terminal performance on medium to large game at typical hunting distances. Recoil remains manageable for most shooters.
For long-range AR-10 applications, the .308 WIN loses velocity faster than some newer cartridges but remains effective to 800 yards with proper ammunition selection and shooter skill.
6.5 Creedmoor
The 6.5 Creedmoor has revolutionized long-range shooting since its introduction in 2007. The cartridge fires high-BC bullets that resist wind drift and retain velocity better than comparable .308 WIN loads. Factory ammunition from premium manufacturers delivers consistent accuracy that once required handloading.
We chamber our BRC-10 Sentinel in 6.5 Creedmoor with 24-inch carbon fiber barrels, optimized for precision rifle shooting and extreme long-range applications.
22 Creedmoor
This necked-down variant fires .224 caliber bullets at velocities exceeding 3,400 fps. The combination of high velocity and excellent bullet BC makes the 22 Creedmoor devastating on predators and varmints while offering surprisingly mild recoil. Barrel life is shorter than larger caliber options, but shooters prioritizing flat trajectory often accept this tradeoff.
8.6 Blackout
Developed for suppressed shooting, the 8.6 Blackout pushes heavy .338 caliber bullets at subsonic velocities. The cartridge offers devastating terminal performance at close to moderate ranges while remaining hearing-safe with appropriate suppressors. We offer the BRC-10 Sentinel in 8.6 Blackout with 16-inch barrels at Beal Rifle Company.
.243 WIN
This classic cartridge bridges the gap between varmint and deer rifles. Moderate recoil makes it accessible to newer shooters or those sensitive to kick. The .243 WIN remains an excellent choice for deer-sized game at typical hunting distances.
The Custom Build Process: What to Expect
Working with a custom AR-10 builder differs substantially from purchasing a factory rifle. Understanding the process helps buyers make learned decisions.
Initial Consultation
Quality builders begin with detailed discussions about intended use. A rifle optimized for 1,000-yard competition shooting differs from one built for backcountry elk hunting. Barrel length, weight, chambering, and accessory mounting all flow from this primary purpose definition.
Our configurators allow buyers to select chambering, barrel specifications, handguard style, Cerakote finish, including our signature Tiger Stripe patterns, and trigger options. Our customer service team guides buyers through options to match configurations with intended applications.
Component Selection
Custom AR-10 builders maintain relationships with premium component suppliers. Buyers benefit from the builder’s experience in identifying which brands and specifications deliver reliable performance versus marketing hype.
We use top-tier materials throughout, including match-grade carbon fiber barrel options and CMC precision triggers. We design and machine many components in-house at our Fort Worth, Texas, facility.
Assembly and Testing
Hand assembly by experienced gunsmiths catches issues that automated processes miss. Proper torque specifications, thread locker application, headspace verification, and gas system tuning all happen during this phase.
Every rifle we build is tested and tuned before shipping. This includes function testing and accuracy verification to confirm the rifle meets specifications.
Delivery and Support
Custom AR-10 purchases include FFL transfer through the buyer’s local dealer, as required by federal law. Quality builders provide documentation, maintenance guidance, and warranty support.
At Beal Rifle Company, we back every rifle with a Limited Lifetime Warranty, demonstrating confidence in our craftsmanship and commitment to customer satisfaction. We also offer discounts for Military, LEO, First Responders, and Teachers, making custom AR-10 ownership more accessible to those who serve their communities.
Making the Investment Decision
Custom AR-10 rifles command premium prices compared to factory alternatives. Evaluating this investment requires an honest evaluation of shooting needs and budget constraints.
Recreational shooters who fire a few hundred rounds annually may find factory rifles perfectly adequate. The accuracy difference between a 1.5 MOA factory rifle and a sub-MOA custom build matters little if the shooter cannot hold groups tighter than 2 MOA anyway.
Serious competitors, dedicated hunters, and those who demand the best benefit most from custom builds. The precision AR-10 that prints half-MOA groups at 600 yards provides confidence that the rifle will perform when conditions demand it.
For shooters in Fort Worth, Texas, and surrounding areas, working with a local custom AR-10 builder offers additional advantages. Direct communication with the builder, local warranty service, and the satisfaction of supporting a veteran-owned local business add intangible value to the transaction.
Taking the Next Step
We invite shooters to explore our BRC-10 Sentinel Collection for purpose-built precision AR-10 platforms. Each rifle is designed, machined, and assembled in Fort Worth, Texas, by American craftsmen and veterans committed to excellence.
Whether your goal is long-range AR-10 competition, precision hunting, or simply owning a rifle built to the highest standards, Beal Rifle Company delivers firearms crafted for a lifetime. Contact us at (817) 888-3000 or [email protected] to discuss your custom AR-10 requirements with our knowledgeable staff.
Our BRC-10 Sentinel represents what happens when veteran discipline meets Texas craftsmanship. For shooters who demand precision AR-10 performance backed by a Limited Lifetime Warranty, the choice is clear.