Over the past 25 years, CheyTac USA has established itself as a leader in the upper annals of ultra-long-range precision shooting. The company first earned global recognition through the M200 Intervention, a bolt-action sniper system capable of sub-MOA performance well past 2,000 yards. Originally designed for military and law enforcement operations, the Intervention quickly became a benchmark for extreme-range ballistics and bespoke rifle craftsmanship.
That legacy of performance stems from our manufacturing philosophy. Unlike many manufacturers that rely on mass production and commodity parts, CheyTac treats each firearm as a precision instrument. The result is a product line that prioritizes consistency, accuracy, and longevity above all else.
This dedication to precision was maintained as the product line expanded to include our entries into the AR platform market: the CT-10 and CT-15. Our semi-automatic rifles are built for shooters who demand premium materials, tight tolerances, and battlefield-tested reliability in a modular format.
A Closer Look at the CT15 and CT10 Platforms
CheyTac’s entry into the AR rifle market resulted in two purpose-built platforms: the CT15 and CT10. Each rifle reflects the company’s design philosophy, emphasizing precision machining, premium components, and user-focused enhancements.
CT15
The CT15 is our take on the AR-15 platform, chambered in .223 Wylde, 5.56 NATO, .300 Blackout, 6mm ARC, and 6.5 Grendel, depending on the desired application of the rifle. Its core is a precision-machined billet aluminum receiver set that offers tighter tolerances and superior aesthetic quality. This manufacturing upgrade enhances accuracy and component stability.
The rifle kit is available in multiple barrel lengths, which can be selected upon order to match the firearm’s intended application. Longer barrel lengths provide enhanced stability and ballistic control for activities that require long-range accuracy, while shorter barrel lengths reduce weight and improve maneuverability.
A 15-inch free-floating M-LOK handguard, machined from 6061-T6 aluminum, reduces barrel interference and increases attachment options, including integrated QD mounts. Internally, the CT15 is equipped with a Timney Impact AR trigger offering a crisp 3-pound break. The trigger’s billet steel construction, EDM-cut geometry, and carbon nitride coating ensure durability and consistent performance.
For user control, we’ve added the Radian Raptor-LT Ambidextrous charging handle and a B5 Systems Enhanced SOPMOD stock with six-position adjustability and integrated QD mounts. Together with a textured B5 pistol grip, the rifle offers superior ergonomics across varied shooting positions.
CT10:
The CT10 steps up to the AR-10 platform and is available in two chamberings: .308 Winchester and 6.5 Creedmoor. This rifle is designed for shooters who demand long-range accuracy from a semi-automatic system.
Its 18-inch barrel is made from 416R stainless steel, a corrosion-resistant alloy known for maintaining consistency under repeated heat cycles. The 1:8 twist rate in the 6.5 Creedmoor and 1:10 rate for .308 Winchester variants are optimized for stabilizing high-ballistic-coefficient bullets.
The CT10 features an adjustable gas block and a rifle-length gas tube. This allows shooters to fine-tune the gas system based on the type of ammunition and suppressor in use. This seemingly extraneous detail is crucial for maintaining consistent pressure throughout, which helps reduce wear over time.
Trigger control is managed through a Timney 2-Stage AR TARGA trigger, which offers a distinct first-stage take-up followed by a clean, predictable break. A 15-inch M-LOK handguard supports a wide range of accessories for added functionality.
Premium Components Across the Board
Both rifles incorporate Timney Triggers, which provide industry-leading upgrades over the traditional mil-spec trigger group. The smooth, light trigger pull helps to further increase accuracy at all ranges and provides a consistent level of performance.
Real-World Performance and Accuracy Expectations
Our rifles are painstakingly designed to excel in the field where precision, consistency, and adaptability matter most. Whether you’re plinking at the range or hunting deep in the bush, both the CT15 and CT10 have been engineered to deliver repeatable performance under a variety of conditions.
Ballistics and Field Capabilities
The CT15’s chambering varieties make it well-suited for mid-range engagements. While standard 5.56 NATO rounds typically fall off around 400 to 600 yards, the 6mm ARC round is capable of sustaining supersonic speeds past 1000 yards, depending on barrel length.
The added distance doesn’t come at the cost of handling, as the rifle remains lightweight, ergonomic, and responsive. For competitive shooting, personal defense, or tactical training, the CT15 provides an ideal balance of precision and maneuverability.
The CT10, meanwhile, pushes performance into the realm of dedicated marksman and precision rifle platforms. In .308 Winchester, users benefit from decades of ballistic data, versatile ammunition loads, and a reliable energy transfer ideal for medium- to large-game hunting. The 6.5 Creedmoor variant, however, is where the CT10 truly shines.
Known for its extended supersonic range and superior ballistic coefficient, 6.5 Creedmoor produces significantly less wind drift and a much flatter trajectory compared to .308.. Its lighter recoil also supports better follow-up shot accuracy and a less punishing shooting experience overall.
Precision Benchmarks and MOA Ratings
Accuracy is the name of the game when it comes to CheyTac equipment, and the CT10 and 15 consistently match performance metrics with some of the top offerings on the market. The CT15 regularly achieves 1 MOA or less with quality ammunition, a mark that places it among the most accurate factory-built AR-15s available. The inclusion of a premium trigger, free-floating handguard, and high quality barrel contributes to its excellent performance out of the box.
The CT10, built with precision shooting in mind, is optimized for sub-MOA performance. Its stainless-steel barrel, two-stage Timney trigger, and billet receiver construction all work in concert to ensure tight groupings at extended ranges. In 6.5 Creedmoor configuration, the rifle is capable of consistent accuracy at 1000 yards, making it a viable option for PRS (Precision Rifle Series) competitors
Choosing the Right Rifle: CT15 vs. CT10
If you HAD to make a choice between buying one or the other, the decision usually hinges on what you’re looking to do with your rifle. Both the CT15 and CT10 bring exceptional craftsmanship and performance to their respective platforms, but they are tailored to very different shooting needs.
For those seeking a high-end AR-15 experience, the CT15’s lightweight construction, ergonomic components from B5 Systems, and ambidextrous charging handle make it a user-friendly rifle even for newer shooters. Offered in a variety of calibers and constructed with premium materials, this rifle is ideal for both recreational shooting and home defense.
The CT10’s larger AR-10 platform, on the other hand, offers a heavier frame, increased ballistic range, and more stopping power. It’s available in both .308 Winchester and 6.5 Creedmoor, each of which comes with its own strengths and weaknesses.
The .308 variant delivers tried-and-true reliability at a much cheaper price point on a per-shot basis. It’s well-suited for large game hunting and law enforcement marksman roles. The 6.5 Creedmoor variant, on the other hand, is optimized for competitive shooting and long-distance target engagements. Its flatter trajectory and reduced recoil make it a preferred caliber among precision shooters aiming past 1,000 yards.
No matter which variant you choose, the CheyTac line of AR platform rifles is designed and manufactured with the company’s signature attention to precision and quality. To get updates on our expanding line of precision armaments, follow us here to get updates on what’s next for the CheyTac family!
