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AR-15 Build

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JAHpow
Posts: 7282 - Karma: 17,161
As I promised, here's my AR-15 build post. It was really fun and a great learning experience to put together. I highly recommend building if you plan on getting an AR.

Any questions just ask!


Parts List

- Palmetto State Armory Complete Lower
- Aero Precision Stripped Upper
- Green Mountain Barrel - 16" Mid-Length 1x8 Chrome Lined
- Hera Arms IRS Keymod Handguard
- Palmetto State Armory Full-Auto Bolt Carrier Group
- Ergo F93 Pro Stock
- Seekins Precision K20 Foregrip
- Vela Industries Charging Handle w/ Badger Ordnance Extended Latch
- Magpul MOE Grip


****no need for a shitstorm, keep your butthurt to a minimum please****
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Oct 29 2015 9:02PM
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.butterz.
Posts: 75 - Karma: 153
I built an AR-15 within the past year. Nothing like seeing it all come together and shooting it for the first time.
Mar 2 2021 11:03AM
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JAHpow
Posts: 7282 - Karma: 17,161
.butterz.I built an AR-15 within the past year. Nothing like seeing it all come together and shooting it for the first time.

Congrats on finding parts over the past year lol

I have parts to complete another 16" upper, but I might start selling off pieces. I'd rather do a couple upgrades on my other ARs.
Mar 2 2021 11:51AM
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Twinjibber77
Posts: 6239 - Karma: 2,356
Mr.PandaI WANT to get a Unity Tactical hub to mount a RISE from Cloud Defensive but Unity Tactical stuff has been sold out for like 9 months.

It will get the Trijicon MRO I have laying around as the optic to start. Still need irons on it though.


I've seen a couple hubs on tac swap, so give a look there and see if you get lucky.

The RISE looks sick! A dude I know has been posting videos of it compared to modlight and it's very impressive. I got an OWL for shits 'n giggles and it's very effective; I'll likely offload though because I'm not a fan of the size/fixed pad.

In other news, the stuff I didn't think I'd be able to find right now has been magically appearing (minus unity mounts). At the same time, stuff I bought pre/right around COVID is sold out *seemingly* for eternity.
Mar 2 2021 12:02PM
1 0
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Twinjibber77
Posts: 6239 - Karma: 2,356
.frenchyany of you guys use cerakote? what colors do you suggest?


Bring back BOOT Frenchy.
Mar 2 2021 12:03PM
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byubound
Posts: 1636 - Karma: 9,870
Anybody got tips for getting into assembling my own uppers? I've done lowers and stuff but idk where to even start with uppers. Any helpful resources would be appreciated
Mar 2 2021 12:19PM
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Twinjibber77
Posts: 6239 - Karma: 2,356
byuboundAnybody got tips for getting into assembling my own uppers? I've done lowers and stuff but idk where to even start with uppers. Any helpful resources would be appreciated


I'd recommend a gunsmith or findings someone that can show you the ropes. Youtube says it's easy and it is, but also just as easy to mess up and have to deal with the consequences. You gotta learn sometime though, so if you're set on doing it yourself then I recommend purchasing the best Wheeler tool kit you can afford and following the tutorial threads on arfcom. Also, watch as many school of the american rifle videos on youtube that you possibly can before you put anything in a vise. Get a good vise too.

One more thing on the wheeler kits: they are the best bang for your buck and cheaper than buying individual tools, but some of the slightly more expensive castle nut/barrel wrenches are much better. If you're not willing to shell out for a proper TORQUE wrench from a notable brand then I would seriously take it to an AR centric gunsmith.
Mar 2 2021 12:28PM
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JAHpow
Posts: 7282 - Karma: 17,161
Anybody stumbling upon ammo anywhere recently?
Mar 2 2021 12:41PM
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iFlip
Posts: 4541 - Karma: 19,088
JAHpowAnybody stumbling upon ammo anywhere recently?


I’ve had a little bit of luck finding ammo recently. I’m very picky when it comes to my hunting ammo and was worried about not having enough duck loads for this upcoming season. I’ve been checking all the usual sites several times a day. Randomly a case of my preferred loads popped up and I was able to grab it. Just that one case was available and obviously it only lasted a few minutes before I grabbed it.

I have seen some .223, but it’s $1/round which seems insane for non-performance ammo. Buying for larger calibers is seemingly impossible. I’m really glad I have a bit of a personal supply. I do really need a case of goose loads before the September season. Hopefully somewhere gets them in stock.
Mar 2 2021 1:06PM
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.frenchy
Posts: 18212 - Karma: 12,256
Twinjibber77Bring back BOOT Frenchy.

hahahaha fuck youuuuu

for what its worth my AR came cerakoted brown from daniel defense :-)
Mar 2 2021 5:23PM
1 0
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byubound
Posts: 1636 - Karma: 9,870
iFlipI’ve had a little bit of luck finding ammo recently. I’m very picky when it comes to my hunting ammo and was worried about not having enough duck loads for this upcoming season. I’ve been checking all the usual sites several times a day. Randomly a case of my preferred loads popped up and I was able to grab it. Just that one case was available and obviously it only lasted a few minutes before I grabbed it.

I have seen some .223, but it’s $1/round which seems insane for non-performance ammo. Buying for larger calibers is seemingly impossible. I’m really glad I have a bit of a personal supply. I do really need a case of goose loads before the September season. Hopefully somewhere gets them in stock.

It's tough out there man. I bought some wolf steel case .223 for .24 cpr last summer and thought I was getting ripped off. How naive of me
Mar 2 2021 5:34PM
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JAHpow
Posts: 7282 - Karma: 17,161
byuboundIt's tough out there man. I bought some wolf steel case .223 for .24 cpr last summer and thought I was getting ripped off. How naive of me


Atlantic Firearms is selling that stuff for .70 cpr now lol
Mar 2 2021 5:53PM
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Twinjibber77
Posts: 6239 - Karma: 2,356
JAHpowAnybody stumbling upon ammo anywhere recently?

Cabelas/Bass Pro are selling at pre-COVID prices when they get it in (.60 cpr 5.56/.29 cpr 9mm) with limits of 5-8 boxes per transaction. I'm not sure if that limit is the corporate policy or regional though.

I'd buy whatever I find, but it's kind of a bummer how much gouging is going on. Major retailers are selling at the same prices which leads me to believe small shops are either getting worked by their distributors or are just working customers themselves. The struggle is real.
Mar 2 2021 7:27PM
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JAHpow
Posts: 7282 - Karma: 17,161
Twinjibber77Cabelas/Bass Pro are selling at pre-COVID prices when they get it in (.60 cpr 5.56/.29 cpr 9mm) with limits of 5-8 boxes per transaction. I'm not sure if that limit is the corporate policy or regional though.

I'd buy whatever I find, but it's kind of a bummer how much gouging is going on. Major retailers are selling at the same prices which leads me to believe small shops are either getting worked by their distributors or are just working customers themselves. The struggle is real.


Fenix Ammo up in Michigan said they're having to sell at much higher prices because the suppliers of primers, brass, etc are charging a lot more just for the "ingredients". If they could sell at regular pre-insanity prices they would, but they can't, otherwise they'd take a loss.

They sold out of 100,000 rds of 9mm in like 140 seconds last week.
Mar 2 2021 7:57PM
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dolanslebensraum
Posts: 5959 - Karma: -13,100
brett_fisher


**This post was edited on Jan 10th 2018 at 5:52:18pm

This is cool
Mr.PandaVortex for the price is NEAR impossible to beat.

The Vortex Viper PST as an example the 6-24x50 is just over $1000 comes with a FFP, exposed turrets, ILLUMINATED, has 4 different reticles to choose from, and has a zero stop system.

You want that from NightForce its near $1500. Schmidt or US Optics? Be lucky if it's under $2500.

Vortex also has their lifetime warranty. Damn thing could burn up in a fire and yous end it in and they'll replace it with the same thing you lost or the current model if the other one is discontinued.

I really want one of these for my 6.5 Creedmoor build:


It's like $2500 though at best. And I have a standard Viper in 6-24x50 with a mil dot but not FFP. I need something for my AR10 though and I've been looking at Black Spider Optics. Inexpensive, good glass, and they have a 1-4 scope and the AR10 I want to use to hunt if I so desire and in western WA I doubt I need much more than 4x.

I dont know why it takes 2500$ to get a really good scope. Like where is some fucking competition when you need it?
There should be plenty of opportunity for a company to come along and build scopes that match the performance and reliability of the 2000$-4000$ scopes but cost lest than 1000$

The 500$-1000$ scopes cant be THAT bad...

can they?
Mar 2 2021 10:31PM
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Dustin.
Posts: 13839 - Karma: 7,704
Mr.PandaThat’s my hope. I have the muzzle brake for my .308 build. Try to get a Sandman and just keep swapping them back and forth.


I put a Rugged Micro 30 on my 300 Blackout build and I won't be going back to bigger cans. So small, so legit.
Mar 2 2021 10:58PM
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Mr.Panda
Posts: 17711 - Karma: 564
Twinjibber77I've seen a couple hubs on tac swap, so give a look there and see if you get lucky.

The RISE looks sick! A dude I know has been posting videos of it compared to modlight and it's very impressive. I got an OWL for shits 'n giggles and it's very effective; I'll likely offload though because I'm not a fan of the size/fixed pad.

In other news, the stuff I didn't think I'd be able to find right now has been magically appearing (minus unity mounts). At the same time, stuff I bought pre/right around COVID is sold out *seemingly* for eternity.


Yeah, I'm keep my eyes out but worst case I'll just get a SCLARWORKS front sight, magpul steel backup, and then a Haley Strategic offset mount to mount my light on.

JAHpowAnybody stumbling upon ammo anywhere recently?


Every once in awhile my favorite local store will get a shipment but they're limiting purchases to two boxes a piece right now to customers.

**This post was edited on Mar 3rd 2021 at 11:57:41am
Mar 3 2021 11:56AM
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Mr.Panda
Posts: 17711 - Karma: 564
DolansLebensraumThis is cool

I dont know why it takes 2500$ to get a really good scope. Like where is some fucking competition when you need it?
There should be plenty of opportunity for a company to come along and build scopes that match the performance and reliability of the 2000$-4000$ scopes but cost lest than 1000$

The 500$-1000$ scopes cant be THAT bad...

can they?


There is the Diamondback Tactical from Vortex that is in that ramge but you don't get a zerostop.

And for comparisons sake... that Vortex Razor or the Viper PST are about 1200-2000 (the Razor being near 2 grand)... comparable Nightforce, US Optics, or Schmidt and Bender? LIke 3-4k.
Mar 3 2021 12:08PM
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Mr.Panda
Posts: 17711 - Karma: 564
Parts list for my .308 AR that I am just waiting on a BCG for:

- Ballistic Advantage phosphate BCG
- Geissele G2S trigger
- Rainier Arms Ultramatch 18" .308 barrel
- DeadAir Silencers Keymod Brake
- Strike Industries extended latch charging handle
- Ergo Grip Deluxe
- SLR Rifleworks .308 Handguard (M-LOK, it's a 16" but I can't remember the exact model right now)
- BCM gas tube and gas block
- PSA complete upper and complete A2 lower

2 Lancer 20 rounders for mags. I just need ammo now and a scope and I'll be finished with the build.
May 24 2021 5:48PM
2 0
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Session
Posts: 5315 - Karma: 21,335
Mr.PandaParts list for my .308 AR that I am just waiting on a BCG for:

- Ballistic Advantage phosphate BCG
- Geissele G2S trigger
- Rainier Arms Ultramatch 18" .308 barrel
- DeadAir Silencers Keymod Brake
- Strike Industries extended latch charging handle
- Ergo Grip Deluxe
- SLR Rifleworks .308 Handguard (M-LOK, it's a 16" but I can't remember the exact model right now)
- BCM gas tube and gas block
- PSA complete upper and complete A2 lower

2 Lancer 20 rounders for mags. I just need ammo now and a scope and I'll be finished with the build.


Why would you put all that on a PSA receiver?
May 24 2021 7:48PM
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Mr.Panda
Posts: 17711 - Karma: 564
SessionWhy would you put all that on a PSA receiver?


The only AR10 receivers I could afford right now. Don’t want to drop $450 on billet receivers and no idea when Aero will restock.
May 24 2021 9:42PM
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dolanslebensraum
Posts: 5959 - Karma: -13,100
Ive seen so many videos of malfunctioning ARs exploding i would never consider buying one. Like who cares what your rifle can do if it cant be relied on.
May 25 2021 4:11AM
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Session
Posts: 5315 - Karma: 21,335
DolansLebensraumIve seen so many videos of malfunctioning ARs exploding i would never consider buying one. Like who cares what your rifle can do if it cant be relied on.


If a gun exists, it has exploded. Stay in your lane.
May 25 2021 7:54AM
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TheHamburglar
Posts: 3895 - Karma: 3,314
SessionWhy would you put all that on a PSA receiver?


What's wrong with PSA uppers/lowers? I'd love to hear specifics
May 25 2021 8:37AM
1 0
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Session
Posts: 5315 - Karma: 21,335
Mr.PandaThe only AR10 receivers I could afford right now. Don’t want to drop $450 on billet receivers and no idea when Aero will restock.

In stock:

https://www.aeroprecisionusa.com/m5-308-stripped-lower-receiver-anodized-black

But they don't have uppers. Funny seeing as 6 months ago these were like the only thing they consistently had in stock.
TheHamburglarWhat's wrong with PSA uppers/lowers? I'd love to hear specifics

For the poors. Just kidding. PSA is pretty basic bitch which is fine. I just find Aero to have a better fit and finish, as well as more pleasant to build on.
May 25 2021 10:43AM
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JAHpow
Posts: 7282 - Karma: 17,161
If y'all aren't swapping over to 80s ur missing out (even with the ATF being retards). All my builds are swapped.

The build of mine in the op has been recently rebuilt too. New stuff-
SLR 12.9 MLOK rail
80 lower (only place I could find any was on gunbroker)
Geissele SSA-E
BCM MOD 3 grip
BCM MOD 0 stock
BCM foregrip
Primary Arms 1-6 ACSS
ADM scope mount
Trex 45 deg mrds mount
Holosun 507c x2
Modlite OKW
Surefire scout tailcap with SR07 pad
Trex mlok light arm


and then I painted the whole thing green

**This post was edited on May 25th 2021 at 11:15:21am
May 25 2021 11:13AM
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Mr.Panda
Posts: 17711 - Karma: 564
SessionIn stock:

https://www.aeroprecisionusa.com/m5-308-stripped-lower-receiver-anodized-black

But they don't have uppers. Funny seeing as 6 months ago these were like the only thing they consistently had in stock.

For the poors. Just kidding. PSA is pretty basic bitch which is fine. I just find Aero to have a better fit and finish, as well as more pleasant to build on.


The biggest issue with AR10 is that you can’t just slap any company upper on any company lower. It’s annoying.

Im admittedly going for a Mk12 clone in .308
May 25 2021 1:46PM
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Dustin.
Posts: 13839 - Karma: 7,704
Mr.PandaThe biggest issue with AR10 is that you can’t just slap any company upper on any company lower. It’s annoying.

Im admittedly going for a Mk12 clone in .308


I did not know that. That's the best part of an AR-15 lower, I'll be careful if I do a 10 build.
May 25 2021 2:46PM
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Mr.Panda
Posts: 17711 - Karma: 564
Dustin.I did not know that. That's the best part of an AR-15 lower, I'll be careful if I do a 10 build.


Yeah. They may look like they fit but there’s so many variances that you have to be careful what kind of upper you get.

Theres:
DPMS High
DPMS Low
Armalite

and it impacts the height of the built in pic rail. Midwest has a good breakdown on their site if you look at AR10 handguards
May 25 2021 6:04PM
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zues
Posts: 6434 - Karma: -5,332
love me some guns. nice weapon OP
May 25 2021 6:16PM
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JAHpow
Posts: 7282 - Karma: 17,161
Everyone should go buy an AR-15 today.

Fuck this atf nomination
May 26 2021 2:36PM
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Mr.Panda
Posts: 17711 - Karma: 564
JAHpowEveryone should go buy an AR-15 today.

Fuck this atf nomination

Panda may have just picked up his finished AR10 upper and now has a Mk12 clone, Mk18 clone, andd a 14.5" as well....... And a complete rifle lower that doesn't have an upper for it which I will probably go buy a Daniel Defense complete upper and slap on it.
Jun 3 2021 4:41PM
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CalumSKI
Posts: 4121 - Karma: 23,046
Guys if you wanted to know, this is my grau build:

-monolithic suppressor
-tempest archangel barrel
-60 round mags
-3.0x vlk sight
and I’m running it fully loaded

I know some may say the grau is dead, but I’d disagree. that and an mp5 or mp7 is hard to beat at both short and long range
Jun 3 2021 5:00PM
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JAHpow
Posts: 7282 - Karma: 17,161
Mr.PandaPanda may have just picked up his finished AR10 upper and now has a Mk12 clone, Mk18 clone, andd a 14.5" as well....... And a complete rifle lower that doesn't have an upper for it which I will probably go buy a Daniel Defense complete upper and slap on it.

Well done, Panda. Firm handshakes. Pics pls

CalumSKIGuys if you wanted to know, this is my grau build:

-monolithic suppressor
-tempest archangel barrel
-60 round mags
-3.0x vlk sight
and I’m running it fully loaded

I know some may say the grau is dead, but I’d disagree. that and an mp5 or mp7 is hard to beat at both short and long range


Take that 3x off and run irons with a tac laser like a man😉

**This post was edited on Jun 3rd 2021 at 5:14:45pm
Jun 3 2021 5:10PM
3 0
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Mr.Panda
Posts: 17711 - Karma: 564
JAHpowWell done, Panda. Firm handshakes. Pics pls



Take that 3x off and run irons with a tac laser like a man😉

**This post was edited on Jun 3rd 2021 at 5:14:45pm



Jun 3 2021 6:19PM
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JAHpow
Posts: 7282 - Karma: 17,161
Mr.Panda


Lookin awesome! What glass are you putting on the ar-10? Also, you better rattlecan those other two.
Jun 3 2021 10:22PM
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CalumSKI
Posts: 4121 - Karma: 23,046
JAHpowWell done, Panda. Firm handshakes. Pics pls



Take that 3x off and run irons with a tac laser like a man😉

**This post was edited on Jun 3rd 2021 at 5:14:45pm


Naw who needs a tac laser when I’ve already got my short range quick to-fire smg
id rather keep the range imo
Jun 3 2021 11:15PM
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JAHpow
Posts: 7282 - Karma: 17,161
CalumSKINaw who needs a tac laser when I’ve already got my short range quick to-fire smg
id rather keep the range imo

I will say, I've been running so little warzone lately. The new legend on apex, Valkyrie, is wayyyy more fun rn imo.
Jun 3 2021 11:28PM
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Mr.Panda
Posts: 17711 - Karma: 564
JAHpowLookin awesome! What glass are you putting on the ar-10? Also, you better rattlecan those other two.


They will be rattlecanned. I want a Vortex FFP either the Viper PST or a Strike Eagle. The Strike Eagle is $300 cheaper than the PST but it’s zero stop system is also not as precise. Want to put it in a Badger Ordnance 1.93 Assaulter mount and then run an offset RMR. Going to get an Atlas bipod and probably a KA broom handle to finish the Mk12 clone.

I have an MRO on that smaller one in the top but kind of want a Vortex Holo sight. This one:
https://www.newschoolers.com/videos/watch/1004870/New-Vortex-UH-1--Huey--Gen-2--Eotech-killer--

I love Vortex stuff. I also have another complete AR15 lower that I want to throw a like 18” DD premade complete upper on it and then like a 1-4 ELCAN.
Jun 4 2021 12:12AM
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Twinjibber77
Posts: 6239 - Karma: 2,356
Mr.PandaThey will be rattlecanned. I want a Vortex FFP either the Viper PST or a Strike Eagle. The Strike Eagle is $300 cheaper than the PST but it’s zero stop system is also not as precise. Want to put it in a Badger Ordnance 1.93 Assaulter mount and then run an offset RMR. Going to get an Atlas bipod and probably a KA broom handle to finish the Mk12 clone.

I have an MRO on that smaller one in the top but kind of want a Vortex Holo sight. This one:
https://www.newschoolers.com/videos/watch/1004870/New-Vortex-UH-1--Huey--Gen-2--Eotech-killer--

I love Vortex stuff. I also have another complete AR15 lower that I want to throw a like 18” DD premade complete upper on it and then like a 1-4 ELCAN.


Badger FTW!!!! Don't sleep on the 1.70 because the 1.93 is not fun in the prone. You might want to consider bumping up to a used Razor because I don't think the Strike Eagle is going to pan out on the .308.
Jun 8 2021 7:52AM
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Mr.Panda
Posts: 17711 - Karma: 564
Twinjibber77Badger FTW!!!! Don't sleep on the 1.70 because the 1.93 is not fun in the prone. You might want to consider bumping up to a used Razor because I don't think the Strike Eagle is going to pan out on the .308.


I’ve never mounted a scope so I have no idea what size Badger I need for a 55 objective. I might save up for a Vortex Viper PST. Razor is a little too expensive for me.
Jun 9 2021 3:19PM
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JAHpow
Posts: 7282 - Karma: 17,161
Mr.PandaI’ve never mounted a scope so I have no idea what size Badger I need for a 55 objective. I might save up for a Vortex Viper PST. Razor is a little too expensive for me.


1.93 is wayyy too high. You're not trying to see over lasers with nvg I assume. 55mm you should be able to use 1.7. Even possibly the 1.54 from Badger (idk if that would fit with scope covers). If you're dead set on the mount, call up Badger and confirm what size. I have a 50mm objective and I run a 1.5 mount with scope covers and there's like maybe .2 clearance remaining.


Rule of thumb is to be as close to the bore as possible.

**This post was edited on Jun 9th 2021 at 6:58:17pm
Jun 9 2021 6:55PM
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JAHpow
Posts: 7282 - Karma: 17,161
Mr.PandaI’ve never mounted a scope so I have no idea what size Badger I need for a 55 objective. I might save up for a Vortex Viper PST. Razor is a little too expensive for me.


I also have an ADM Recon (lpvo mounted on it rn). The description says it is 1.47 and can fit up to 56mm objectives - https://www.primaryarms.com/american-defense-recon-scope-mount-30mm-fde-ad-recon-30-fde

A great mount btw
Jun 9 2021 7:05PM
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