Indecision on Optics

I'll try and make this quick. I own a 16" Spike's Tactical AR15 w/ a carbine length gas system and am torn between two optics already in my possession. The choices are a Bushnell TRS-25 red dot or a Nikon M-223 1-4x scope. This rifle is NOT my primary home defense weapon (a Glock 19 which I carry daily is), rather it serves as protection should my family and I need to bug out to some land shared with friends (some 400 acres) as well as secondary firepower for HD. I chose the scope because it offered the choice of 1x and I feel fairly comfortable with how quickly I can acquire a target in close quarters with it, while still offering me the ability to reach out and poke somebody further away if needed. That being said, I have a preconceived notion that this rifle is better suited for CQB and I should therefore go with the red dot and flashlight (there's no room to mount the flashlight when the scope is on currently - I have a Magpul hand guard but just didn't like it so I went back to the stock guards). Not to mention the red dot is quite a bit lighter and I do prefer it over crosshairs. What do you guys think? Is a scope useless in the dark? I also have concerns of quality/durability between the two and of the Bushnell's ability to hold a zero if dropped vs the much more expensive and better mounted Nikon. Thanks in advance, all input is welcome and appreciated.

- James

p.s. For the past several months as I have been debating this I have simply been switching between the two, as they are both mounted with quick-detach mounts.

Both are good choices, my answer was the TRS-25 which will hold up very well. I have the same issue between scope and red dot. My scope is on a carry handle and I switch between the red dot and scope without loss of zero.

For CQB the red dot will be easier to aquire your target with. Mine rides on my rifle 90% of the time I only switch when I know I will be shooting 100 yards or longer.

Jim

http://i620.photobucket.com/albums/tt284/bigjim_02/SAM_0630.jpg

Jim243,

Nice looking rig.

I see from your photo, that you do not utilize a BUIS. Thats fine, to each his own. (and I certainly do not mean this in any sort of demeaning way)

With the (seemingly Hi-mount of your scope) if you did utilize a BUIS system, would it have a 1/3 co-witness? Or possibly less-to none at all?

If you do not use any sort of iron type sights, then this point is moot.

Anyhow, like I said, good looking rig!! Not trying to stir the pot at all. Just asking.

Just got back out from the range today and while I can't hit the bullseye every time with the red dot at 100yds, I can certainly hit a man or animal-sized target with positive effects I believe. I'm going to stick with the red dot and sell the Nikon.

Both are great optics, but for CQB, that TRS is going to shine.

I spoke with Jeremy from Primary Arms today. They had been out, but do now, have some more Bushnell TRS-25 instock, $99.95 + mount ($9.99)

However, come their Halloween sale, they will (most likely) offer these + mount, for $79.99

IMO, though, the real deal from these guys is when thy finally get their shipment of new micro-dots with mount in. A very close AIM-Point knock off, for less than 1/2 the price. Should be about $175.00 shipped incld. mount.