Posted: 1/25/2011 8:42:45 PM EDT



Long before Colt started producing the SP1, someone at Armalite or Artillerie Inrichtingen sensed a market for civilian ownership of modern, military-style firearms and produced the "Armalite Sporter AR102".







(I believe that may be the design of my next rifle case––right down to the AI logo!)



According to one source online, there were 24 of these rifles produced "for the USA non-military market. However the US authorities saw this weapon unfit to sell it to civilians." (No citation given for that statement, no word why it would be unsuitable.)



According to Stef, these were a regular "Portuguese variant" AR10 lower, but with the sear pin holes welded closed and the mag well cut off at an angle to allow the easy use of a 5 or 10 round magazine.



Also, the flash hider was different than the standard military rifle. Looks like they simplified the design and eliminated the bayonet mount. (A politically-correct "civilian" flash hider, 30+ years before the US "Assault Weapons Ban"?? More proof that the Armalite designs were ahead of their time!)



Unfortunately, there aren't many photos on the Internet showing the complete rifle but I snagged a couple more…(notice how the roll mark has been rearranged to accommodate the angled mag well).











Incidentally, Stef has been an incredible source of AR10 info (I'll post info on additional models later) and he tells me there's a guy in Holland working on a new book about these rifles. The writer is a collector and a former employee of AI so I am really hoping for some new information. We just need to make sure it becomes available in an English translation!



Now, for those who want a closer look, here are some shots from a book showing the cycling of a cutaway AR102 (along with my best translation of the captions)...







Pic 1 shows the weapon closed and uncocked. The hammer is resting against the back of the "striker". The "clincher has been bolted" (the bolt is locked).







Pic 2 shows the "clincher bearer" (bolt carrier) having moved approximately two centimeters rearward. The bolt has turned and unlocked. The back of the bolt carrier has started to press the hammer back and downwards.







Pic 3 shows the mechanism in its fully-back position. The hammer has been pushed all the way down and is held by the "tuimelaar" (...which translates to "tumbler", "toggle" or "bottlenose dolphin"…you choose).







Pic 4 shows the bolt locked. The hammer is cocked and the weapon is ready for the next shot.



A lot more info about the early AR10 family will be forthcoming...Stand by!

OK, most of you have seen " Before there were AR15's ". Well, thanks to forum member "ar10stef", here's a new (old) variation...Long before Colt started producing the SP1, someone at Armalite or Artillerie Inrichtingen sensed a market for civilian ownership of modern, military-style firearms and produced the "Armalite Sporter AR102".(I believe that may be the design of my next rifle case––right down to the AI logo!)According to one source online, there were 24 of these rifles produced "for the USA non-military market. However the US authorities saw this weapon unfit to sell it to civilians." (No citation given for that statement, no word why it would be unsuitable.)According to Stef, these were a regular "Portuguese variant" AR10 lower, but with the sear pin holes welded closed and the mag well cut off at an angle to allow the easy use of a 5 or 10 round magazine.Also, the flash hider was different than the standard military rifle. Looks like they simplified the design and eliminated the bayonet mount. (A politically-correct "civilian" flash hider, 30+ years before the US "Assault Weapons Ban"?? More proof that the Armalite designs were ahead of their time!)Unfortunately, there aren't many photos on the Internet showing the complete rifle but I snagged a couple more…(notice how the roll mark has been rearranged to accommodate the angled mag well).Incidentally, Stef has been an incredible source of AR10 info (I'll post info on additional models later) and he tells me there's a guy in Holland working on a new book about these rifles. The writer is a collector and a former employee of AI so I am really hoping for some new information. We just need to make sure it becomes available in an English translation!Now, for those who want a closer look, here are some shots from a book showing the cycling of a cutaway AR102 (along with my best translation of the captions)...Pic 1 shows the weapon closed and uncocked. The hammer is resting against the back of the "striker". The "clincher has been bolted" (the bolt is locked).Pic 2 shows the "clincher bearer" (bolt carrier) having moved approximately two centimeters rearward. The bolt has turned and unlocked. The back of the bolt carrier has started to press the hammer back and downwards.Pic 3 shows the mechanism in its fully-back position. The hammer has been pushed all the way down and is held by the "tuimelaar" (...which translates to "tumbler", "toggle" or "bottlenose dolphin"…you choose).Pic 4 shows the bolt locked. The hammer is cocked and the weapon is ready for the next shot.A lot more info about the early AR10 family will be forthcoming...Stand by!