Infantry Weapons

AR-10 Super SASS

Also known as
  • SuperSASS
  • AR-10 SuperSASS

The AR-10 Super SASS is ArmaLite's AR-10-based 7.62x51 mm NATO semi-automatic sniper rifle, built around a precision barrel, adjustable stock, and suppressor-ready gas system. ArmaLite introduced the Super SASS commercially at the 2006 SHOT Show, and later reporting placed the rifle in ISWAP training footage during the 2009 Boko Haram Insurgency.

AR-10 Super SASS, Semi-automatic sniper rifle, Infantry Weapons
Image source: AR-10 A-Series SuperSASS Gen II

Role in Conflicts

Profile / Specs

Profile

Origin
United States
Built by
ArmaLite
Type
Semi-automatic sniper rifle
Service note
Modern 7.62 mm AR-10-pattern precision rifle
Designer
ArmaLite, based on the AR-10 platform
Designed
2006
Unit cost
ArmaLite lists the AR-10 A-Series SuperSASS Gen II at $3,824, with availability shown separately from the listed price.
Produced
Introduced commercially in 2006; current Gen II model listed by ArmaLite.
Number built
Not publicly reported

Specifications

Crew
1 marksman, often paired with a spotter
Caliber
7.62x51 mm NATO / .308 Winchester class
Action
Semi-automatic AR-10-pattern rifle with rifle-length SASS gas system
Barrel
20 in stainless steel barrel on the current AR-10 A-Series SuperSASS Gen II
Twist rate
1:10 RH on the current AR-10 A-Series SuperSASS Gen II
Overall length
43 in on the current AR-10 A-Series SuperSASS Gen II
Weight
11.2 lb on the current AR-10 A-Series SuperSASS Gen II
Magazine
20-round Magpul PMAG on the current AR-10A-pattern Gen II model
Stock
Magpul PRS Gen 3 adjustable stock on the current AR-10 A-Series SuperSASS Gen II
Handguard
15 in ArmaLite M-LOK tactical handguard on the current Gen II model
Trigger
Timney 662S two-stage trigger on the current Gen II model
Muzzle device
ArmaLite Tactical Brake on the current Gen II model
Charging handle
Ambidextrous Radian Raptor charging handle on the current Gen II model
Effective range
Small Arms Review reported a 1,000 m effective range for the original Super SASS configuration.
What Makes It Distinct

The Super SASS sits between ArmaLite's XM110-era SASS work and a commercial AR-10 precision-rifle line. ArmaLite materials and later reviews emphasize the suppressor-ready gas system, AR-10 lineage, and current Gen II package.

Suppressor-ready gas system

The SuperSASS manuals describe selectable gas settings for suppressed and unsuppressed firing.

XM110-era lineage

Small Arms Review and RifleShooter connect the Super SASS to ArmaLite's work around the U.S. SASS/XM110 competition.

Current Gen II package

ArmaLite's current product page lists 7.62x51 NATO chambering, a 20-inch barrel, 43-inch overall length, and 11.2-pound weight.

Variants

The SuperSASS designation spans earlier AR-10A/AR-10B magazine-family configurations and the later A-Series Gen II package.

VariantConfigurationDesignation notes
AR-10A SuperSASSAR-10A magazine-family configuration

ArmaLite's A/B SuperSASS manual distinguishes the AR-10A family from the AR-10B family by magazine compatibility while keeping operation and controls functionally similar.

Sources: AR-10A & AR-10B SuperSASS Manual

AR-10B SuperSASSAR-10B magazine-family configuration

The AR-10B SuperSASS uses the older ArmaLite AR-10B magazine pattern documented in the A/B manual.

Sources: AR-10A & AR-10B SuperSASS Manual

AR-10 A-Series SuperSASS Gen IICurrent Gen II package

ArmaLite's current product page and Gen II manual identify the later A-Series SuperSASS Gen II configuration with the 7.62x51 NATO chambering and selectable gas-system package.

Sources: AR-10 A-Series SuperSASS Gen II, AR-10A Super SASS Gen II Manual

Ammunition Fired

ArmaLite's current product page and a 2007 review both place the Super SASS in the 7.62x51 mm NATO / .308 Winchester cartridge family.

AmmunitionAmmunition typeFiring evidence
7.62x51mm NATO cartridge, NATO-standard rifle and machine-gun cartridge, Munitions7.62x51mm NATO cartridgeRifle cartridge

ArmaLite lists the current SuperSASS Gen II as 7.62x51 NATO, and RifleShooter described the rifle in .308 Winchester, confirming the cartridge family it fires.

Sources: AR-10 A-Series SuperSASS Gen II, Semiauto Sniper: ArmaLite's Super SASS

Timeline

AR-10 Super SASS Key Events

  1. SHOT Show reveal

    Small Arms Review says ArmaLite revealed the Super SASS at SHOT Show in 2006 and presented it as a suppressor-ready evolution of the XM110-era SASS effort.

    Sources: The ArmaLite Super SASS

  2. RifleShooter documents the design

    RifleShooter described the AR-10-based Super SASS as a military-origin 7.62 mm sniper rifle with a fast-attach suppressor mount and adjustable gas settings.

    Sources: Semiauto Sniper: ArmaLite's Super SASS

  3. ISWAP training footage

    ISS reported ISWAP footage from Northeast Nigeria showing young recruits training with the AR-10 Super SASS during the 2009 Boko Haram Insurgency.

    Sources: Lake Chad Basin insurgents raise the stakes with weaponised drones

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Sources

AR-10 A-Series SuperSASS Gen IIPublisher: ArmaLite | Note: Supports manufacturer, product background, specifications, current list price, and image provenance for the AR-10 A-Series SuperSASS Gen II. | Accessed: 2026-07-04AR-10A & AR-10B SuperSASS ManualPublisher: ArmaLite | Note: Supports SuperSASS background, AR-10A/AR-10B family distinctions, magazine details, match trigger context, and suppressor-ready system description. | Accessed: 2026-07-04AR-10A Super SASS Gen II ManualPublisher: ArmaLite | Note: Supports Gen II operational background, 7.62x51 NATO chambering, .308 Winchester ammunition compatibility caveat, and selectable gas-system context. | Accessed: 2026-07-04The ArmaLite Super SASSPublisher: Small Arms Review | Note: Supports background on the Super SASS development from the AR-10 platform, its 7.62x51 mm configuration, adjustable gas system, suppressor-ready design, and precision-rifle role. | Accessed: 2026-07-04Semiauto Sniper: ArmaLite's Super SASSPublisher: RifleShooter | Note: Supports the 2007 review context, XM110 competition background, AR-10-based military-origin framing, suppressor-ready gas system, and 2006 SHOT Show commercial introduction. | Accessed: 2026-07-04Lake Chad Basin insurgents raise the stakes with weaponised dronesPublisher: ISS Africa | Note: Supports 2009 Boko Haram Insurgency direct-use context: ISS reports that ISWAP training footage showed young recruits using the AR-10 Super SASS in Northeast Nigeria. | Accessed: 2026-07-04Insurgents In Northeast Nigeria, Lake Chad Reusing Seized Military WeaponsPublisher: HumAngle | Note: Supports 2009 Boko Haram Insurgency direct-use context: the AR-10 A-Series SuperSASS was fielded by or spotted with ISWAP/Boko Haram-linked insurgent weaponry in Northeast Nigeria and Lake Chad Basin reporting. | Accessed: 2026-07-04The Management of Lethal Materiel in Conflict SettingsPublisher: IPIS Research | Note: Supports 2009 Boko Haram Insurgency direct-use context: the AR-10 Super SASS is listed among selected materiel in service with, or recovered from, Boko Haram factions. | Accessed: 2026-07-04