Bipod & optic

[avg.joe]

OK,

So, an AR-10 is almost completely planned out...

The basics, it will be a JL Billet, faxon 18" barrel, MLock JL hand guard.

Is the Harris bipod worth it, or is this Tip Top a better deal? http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...=ABAYYZWJCI1QN

I figure I need a Harris adapter too? http://www.jlbillet.com/m-lok-bi-pod-mount/

As for optics... I was originally thinking an ACOG or Vortex. Now I've discovered the IJK brand made in Czech Republic. Anyone like those? Are they durable? 2003RAO8000 4-16x50 is the model I'm considering

How do you like the range finding scopes?

Has anyone used these? http://www.shepherdscopes.com/

Thanks for your input, greatly appreciated!

[avg.joe]

Also, any recommendations on mounts & BUIS that will fit under a mount?
I want BUIS under the scope if practical. I don't think 45 degree off set is too good on a .308.

[HK Dave]

1) yes the Harris is worth it. As for the adapter, I suggest you get a quick release one, better yet one that is already part of the Harris to lighten it up a bit. Something with an ADM or Larue QD. If bobro makes a QD for bipod it would be a no brainier for me.

2) don't buy anything from a communist country unless you enjoy being disappointed.... Well except maybe for an AK. Get the Acog or Vortex.

3) Troy flip up sights should fit under most scopes on a properly raised mounts. I know some other companies have come out with low profile mounts and I'm sure someone will chime in on them. I just never saw a reason to move away from Troy personally. As for your mount, since you're running Buis, you probably want a QD scope mount, Bobro is your best choice.

[FMJBT]

The Amazon bipod is likely not too bad. It looks like another version of the Blackhawk or Champion bipods which are pretty decent. The Blackhawk and Champion versions are typically cheaper though, so it may be worth looking at those as well. One thing all these bipods have in common is that the legs are not notched, and are spring loaded to retract rather than deploy. I'm not sure why they designed them like that, but I find that I much prefer the notched legs that deploy under spring pressure like the Harris SBR-M and Caldwell bipods use. I actually like to run a hybrid of these bipods made from the Blackhawk/Champion base with Caldwell notched legs. Walmart sells the Blackhawk bipods for $39.00, and you can often find the non pivoting versions of the Caldwell for less than $30.00, so for around $65-$70 you end up with a pretty decent bipod that has notched legs and a pretty stout pivoting base with pod-lock lever.

I'd steer well clear of the IJK scopes. Those are definitely not made in Eastern Europe. I've seen them at gun shows and frankly, they are probably the worst Chinese made scopes I've seen. I'd run Barska, Leapers or even NcStar optics before using IJK stuff. For budget optics, I'd suggest checking out the SWFA SS scopes, Primary Arms or even the BSA Tactical 4-14X44 FFP sold through Midway USA. Your original suggestion of Vortex is an even better idea. The Viper PST line has several scopes that would be ideal on a 308 AR. In the same price range there are several options from Bushnell Elite Tactical and Burris XTR II scopes that would also be excellent choices. You can go a little bit cheap on optics, but past a certain point with cheap scopes you are literally just throwing money away.

For low profile back up sights, I'd look into the Magpul MBUS Pro sights. Very heavy duty steel sights for a decent price. Also check Ebay for KAC 600M micro rear sights. You can sometimes find the surplus USMC versions of them for around $50-$60 for the rear sight.

[HK Dave]

I have to agree with FMJBT.. a lot of the "cheaper" bipods actually work just fine for most applications. The only ones I'd stay away from are the airlift specific china made junk.... like the copycat Atlas... my God what a POS.

Since you mentioned the ACOG and Vortex.. I'm assuming you're looking as high as $1K. Unless you want the ACOG for a very specific reason, you might have more fun with a larger magnification zoom scope. The ACOG gets boring... and... well it was never built to be "fun", but to quickly kill bad guys.

I'll add to FMJBT's remark about the Magpul MBUS... just be sure you buy the correct generation and that they will fit under the ocular of the scope you intend to put on your rifle... I know some of the original gens were super fat and didn't work with a lot of larger scopes.

[FaxonFirearms]

We're flattered to be selected. Sounds like a great build!