Anderson 18″ .308 M-LOK Slick-Side AR-10 Compmag Rifle – 18344
Pros & cons
What works
- California-legal out of the box with integrated Gen 3 Compmag — saves $120+ and compliance hassle.
- 18-inch 4150 Chrome Moly Vanadium steel barrel provides optimal .308 ballistics and a solid mounting platform.
- Forged 7075-T6 aluminum receivers ensure foundational durability at a competitive $799 price point.
- 15-inch M-LOK handguard offers 65% more accessory mounting space than a standard carbine-length drop-in handguard.
Trade-offs
- Fixed Compmag system mandates breaking the action to reload — adds 15-20 seconds per reload cycle.
- Baseline A2 grip and 6-position stock are functional but lack modern ergonomics — plan $70-$100 for immediate upgrades.
- Weighs 8.9 lbs unloaded — nearly 2 lbs heavier than purpose-built hunting AR-10s, affecting carry fatigue.
- Slick-side upper lacks a forward assist, a trade-off for simplicity some users may miss for positive chambering.
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Anderson 18″ .308 M-LOK Slick-Side AR-10 Compmag Rifle – 18344 is a California-compliant, fixed-magazine AR-10 platform chambered in .308 Winchester, designed to deliver big-bore performance within restrictive state regulations. It features an 18-inch government-profile barrel and forged 7075-T6 aluminum receivers for a durable, reliable foundation. The M-LOK free-float handguard provides modern accessory mounting, while the integrated Gen 3 CompMag system ensures permanent compliance without permanent modification to the rifle's core components.
What is the Anderson AR-10 Compmag Rifle used for?
This rifle is designed for precision shooting and medium-game hunting where .308 Winchester is preferred, specifically for shooters operating under California's fixed-magazine regulations. Its 18-inch barrel with a 1:10 twist rate stabilizes a wide range of .308 loads from 147-grain match to 180-grain hunting rounds. The fixed Compmag system makes it a dedicated tool for compliant benchrest, target work, or hunting in regulated jurisdictions, not a rapidly reconfigurable tactical platform.
How does the Anderson AR-10 Compmag compare to a PSA PA-10?
The Anderson Compmag is a purpose-built compliant rifle, while a PSA PA-10 is typically a standard, feature-rich AR-10 that may require aftermarket compliance parts for regulated states. The Anderson ships ready for California with its 10-round, non-removable Compmag installed, saving you the $120-$150 and installation hassle of a third-party fixed magazine kit. However, the PSA PA-10 often includes upgrades like a nickel-boron trigger group and ambidextrous controls out of the box, making it a better base for builders in free states seeking higher-tier features from the start.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
Unloaded, this rifle weighs approximately 8.9 pounds, with an overall length of 38.5 inches with the stock collapsed. The 18-inch barrel contributes significant forward mass compared to a 16-inch carbine, aiding in recoil management but affecting handling speed. The M-LOK handguard is 15 inches long, providing ample real estate for grips, bipods, or lights, which is 2 inches more mounting surface than a typical Magpul MOE handguard.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is not for shooters in unrestricted states who want a traditional, detachable-magazine AR-10 for dynamic use or competition. The fixed Compmag system requires breaking the action open to reload, a process that takes a practiced user 15-20 seconds versus the 3-5 seconds for a magazine change on a standard rifle. It's also not for ultra-lightweight backpack hunting builds, as its 8.9-pound weight is nearly 2 pounds heavier than some dedicated hunting AR-10s built with pencil-profile barrels.
What's in the box?
You receive the complete rifle with the Gen 3 Compmag installed, one 10-round internal magazine, and the proprietary Compmag release tool for disassembly. The package does not include optics, back-up iron sights, a sling, or any ammunition. For optimal performance, pair this rifle with a quality trigger system; our Glock-Mod 3.5lb Connector exemplifies the precision engineering that elevates a shooting platform.
Is the Anderson AR-10 Compmag Rifle worth it at $799?
At $799, it represents solid value as a compliant, shoot-ready .308 platform, undercutting many comparable compliant builds by $200-$300. You are paying for a functional, no-frills forged rifle that meets a specific legal requirement, not for premium furniture or a match-grade trigger. If your primary need is a cost-effective, California-legal .308 rifle for the range or hunting blind, it's worth it. If you want to customize heavily or prioritize lightning-fast reloads, invest that $799 into a different lower receiver and parts kit.
Key attributes
| Caliber | .308 Winchester |
| Capacity | 10 rounds |
| Barrel Length | 18 in |
| Barrel Twist | 1:10 |
| Barrel Material | 4150 Chrome Moly Vanadium Steel |
| Receiver Material | Forged 7075-T6 Aluminum |
| Handguard | M-LOK Free Float |
| Stock | 6-Position Synthetic LE-Style |
Frequently asked questions
- Is the Compmag removable for cleaning?
- Yes, but it requires disassembly. Using the included release tool, you must separate the upper and lower receivers to unlock and remove the Compmag module for cleaning. This process typically takes 2-3 minutes, compared to seconds for a standard magazine. The design is intended by Compmag LLC to be a fixed, non-detachable device under California law, but it is user-removable for maintenance.
- Does this work with a .308 binary trigger?
- Mechanically, yes, the fire control group is compatible. However, legally and practically, the fixed-magazine system defeats the primary purpose of a binary trigger, which is rapid fire. The Compmag's 10-round capacity and 15-second reload procedure make sustained rapid fire impractical. We recommend focusing on a precision single-stage trigger upgrade instead of a binary system for this platform.
- What optics mount is needed?
- The slick-side upper receiver has a flat top Picatinny rail, requiring no special mount for standard scopes or red dots. A one-piece cantilever mount is ideal for magnified optics to achieve proper eye relief. The receiver is drilled and tapped to standard AR-10 specifications, so any mount designed for an AR-10 or SR-25 pattern will fit.
- Can I replace the A2 pistol grip?
- Absolutely. The lower receiver uses a standard AR-10/15 pistol grip screw and bushing. The A2 grip is a basic placeholder. Swapping it for an ergonomic grip like a Magpul MOE or Hogue takes about 2 minutes with a standard hex key and drastically improves control. This is one of the easiest and most effective upgrades you can perform.
- How long does shipping to California take?
- GLOCK FRT processes compliant firearm orders within 3 business days. Shipping via an approved carrier to your local California FFL dealer then takes 5-7 business days. You must coordinate the transfer directly with your chosen FFL, who will conduct the mandatory 10-day waiting period and DROS paperwork. Total timeline from order to pickup is typically 2-3 weeks.
- Does the barrel have a threaded muzzle?
- Yes, it is threaded 5/8"-24, standard for .308 Winchester. It comes from the factory with an A2 flash hider installed and pinned to meet California regulations, making it a non-removable muzzle device. You cannot legally replace it with a compensator or suppressor mount in California without violating the "assault weapon" feature ban.