horsemen61
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- Oct 20, 2011
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I have no clue about red dots I am wanting to get one for an AR 15 and no I don't want or need a eotech.
Red dots?
- Thread starter horsemen61
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mdauben
Member
You might want to look at a Lucid HD7 red dot. Its not the cheapest option (~$200), but its got good quality optics and is very strudily made. I've got one on my S&W M&P 15 Sport and I'm very pleased with it.
I also don't know a TON about red dots but after a lot of research and reading various threads like this I ended up buying a Vortex Strikefire.
I really like everything about it, it has held its zero for several range trips, and I like the option to do green, just for fun. However, it doesn't have multiple dot profiles, it is just a dot, and when on the highest brightness gets a bit fuzzy, but is quite precise when used on the lower brightness levels. Some people complain about the button to turn on/off, but I have never had it accidentally turn on while sitting in its case, and still on original battery (which aren't THAT expensive to replace...I bought a 5-pack from Amazon for like $15 that oughta last me a long time). But I have not ran it through any courses or dropped it out of any helicopters so can't vouch for its toughness in that regard.
I really like everything about it, it has held its zero for several range trips, and I like the option to do green, just for fun. However, it doesn't have multiple dot profiles, it is just a dot, and when on the highest brightness gets a bit fuzzy, but is quite precise when used on the lower brightness levels. Some people complain about the button to turn on/off, but I have never had it accidentally turn on while sitting in its case, and still on original battery (which aren't THAT expensive to replace...I bought a 5-pack from Amazon for like $15 that oughta last me a long time). But I have not ran it through any courses or dropped it out of any helicopters so can't vouch for its toughness in that regard.
Ala Dan
Member in memoriam
Tru-Glo makes a lighted (red-green) holograhic sight, priced well south of
$100. Works really well on AR's, pistols, etc. I bought one, until I can afford
the 4x Trjicon that I really want atop of one of my AR's.
$100. Works really well on AR's, pistols, etc. I bought one, until I can afford
the 4x Trjicon that I really want atop of one of my AR's.
SilentScream
Member
The strikefire is a great option, another route you could go is buying a low buck TruGlo red-dot They're only about $55.00 and for the money, they are a very good option. I've had one on and off of a 20" flattop for several years and have not had any issues regarding zero, and reliability. I suggest the TruGlo for the simple reason that you might buy a red-dot and decide it's not for you. With the TruGlo you're not out a bunch of money.
Redlg155
Member
Aimpoint Pro. For $400 you get a sight that is Military grade, has a longer battery life than the majority of red dot sights and quick release mount. I have one on my Sig 556 Swat Patrol that I am very happy with.
JohnBiltz
Member
You pretty much get what you pay for with an Aimpoint. Which is rare with red dots. You could probably go through half a dozen cheap red dots and still be on the same battery with an Aimpoint. If you are going to be using the AR for home defense I think the Aimpoint is the only real option. Anything else you are going to have turn the sight on and set the brightness levels before engaging. With an Aimpoint you leave it on and change the battery once every couple of years. The Pro model is very nice and can be found for around $400. There are reasons you are seeing those things on everything now. While its a fairly hefty chunk of change its worth it.
For the budget category, the Primary Arms microdot and the Bushnell TRS-25 are good choices. Both offer fairly long battery life (1,000 and 3,000 hours respectively). Both run in the high $90 range.
I do have the TRS-25, and I can attest to its 3,000+ battery life. You can leave it on non-stop, just swap a new battery in every 3 months. Also durability has been very surprising. It has lived on my 3-gun AK, and after several forceful encounters with solid objects, it still keeps on going and keeping a zero, minus some paint, of course.
After that, what everyone else said, get an Aimpoint PRO. 30,000+ hour battery life and a quick-detach mount all in 1 package, with NV compatibility and submersion to 70(?)ft, in case you ever go SCUBA diving with your rifle. Usual going rate for new is $400.
For the road less traveled, look into a Trijicon reflex sight. Granted, them washing out when looking from dark environment into a light environment (ie from a indoor room at something outside in the bright sun) is a large reason they are less popular. Up side no batteries, EVER. I think these can be had for ~$250.
I do have the TRS-25, and I can attest to its 3,000+ battery life. You can leave it on non-stop, just swap a new battery in every 3 months. Also durability has been very surprising. It has lived on my 3-gun AK, and after several forceful encounters with solid objects, it still keeps on going and keeping a zero, minus some paint, of course.
After that, what everyone else said, get an Aimpoint PRO. 30,000+ hour battery life and a quick-detach mount all in 1 package, with NV compatibility and submersion to 70(?)ft, in case you ever go SCUBA diving with your rifle. Usual going rate for new is $400.
For the road less traveled, look into a Trijicon reflex sight. Granted, them washing out when looking from dark environment into a light environment (ie from a indoor room at something outside in the bright sun) is a large reason they are less popular. Up side no batteries, EVER. I think these can be had for ~$250.
Lincoln4
Member
I had the Vortex Strikefire on my patrol rifle for a year, until the department bought Aimpoint Pros for us. Nothing bad to say about the Strikefire, I just shoot much better with the Aimpoint. I will probably sell the Strikefire and buy an Aimpoint for my own AR.
gidaeon
Member
Let you budget, and overall optic purpose drive your selection. You didn't share your purpose, but if its just paper targets a few times a year will make a difference from say taking expensive classes or serious HD.
I use Aimpoint PRO, Vortex Strikefire, and Primary arms micro dot.
Each of the above costs very roughly double the price of the one following it generally. They all serve their respective purposes, hold zero thus far, and go on firearms of somewhat corresponding values. A "range toy" doesn't demand the same reliability IMO and I have a limited budget.
The aimpoint sees the most use not surprisingly and has gone to a few carbine courses and hopefully will again.
I use Aimpoint PRO, Vortex Strikefire, and Primary arms micro dot.
Each of the above costs very roughly double the price of the one following it generally. They all serve their respective purposes, hold zero thus far, and go on firearms of somewhat corresponding values. A "range toy" doesn't demand the same reliability IMO and I have a limited budget.
The aimpoint sees the most use not surprisingly and has gone to a few carbine courses and hopefully will again.
justice06rr
Member
+1 on a few recommadations including the Bushnell TRS, Primary Arms, and Vortex Strikefire.
Why are you staying away from Eotech's? They are an excellent RDS and can be had for around $400 (512Model), about the same price as the lower-priced Aimpoints.
With the Eotech you can run your iron sights simultaneuosly through the glass. I have an Eotech and I can see my Iron sights through the glass even with the Eotech off. This way I can just grab the rifle and use the backup sights in a hurry if I don't have time to turn on the Eotech. If I'm not in a hurry and want to use the Eotech, then I just turn it on and flip down the Magpul MBUS sights.
Why are you staying away from Eotech's? They are an excellent RDS and can be had for around $400 (512Model), about the same price as the lower-priced Aimpoints.
With the Eotech you can run your iron sights simultaneuosly through the glass. I have an Eotech and I can see my Iron sights through the glass even with the Eotech off. This way I can just grab the rifle and use the backup sights in a hurry if I don't have time to turn on the Eotech. If I'm not in a hurry and want to use the Eotech, then I just turn it on and flip down the Magpul MBUS sights.
M2 Carbine
member
I do not recommend anything but I am a Red Dot fan and use them on everything.
I have several brands but the one I use the most is the $30 BSA, ($20 on sale). I estimate I have over 25 BSA and I'll get 4 more when they put a 22 mount on the new 20 mm sight.
http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/product/SCP-571
Over the years I've had about 5 Red Dot sights fail. Two costly ones, one middle priced one and a couple BSA. I wouldn't take the BSA to war but for every day use they work fine.
Ruger Charger with BSA Red Dot. (but I think I can do a little better with a $400 Aimpoint)
I have several brands but the one I use the most is the $30 BSA, ($20 on sale). I estimate I have over 25 BSA and I'll get 4 more when they put a 22 mount on the new 20 mm sight.
http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/product/SCP-571
Over the years I've had about 5 Red Dot sights fail. Two costly ones, one middle priced one and a couple BSA. I wouldn't take the BSA to war but for every day use they work fine.
Ruger Charger with BSA Red Dot. (but I think I can do a little better with a $400 Aimpoint)
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fanchisimo
Member
I agree with you all that the Aimpoint Pro is a great red dot, but Horsemen61 sounded like he didn't want or need an eotech. If eotech is out, aimpoints are probably a no-go, too. The Strikefire I had was good, only reason I sold it was to go to an Aimpoint. I hear good things about Primary Arms stuff.
armoredman
Member
I had an EOTech, but it went bye bye. I now have a TRS-25 from Bushnell on my SA vz-58, and it works fantastic. I can also attest to the battery life - I actually missed the date on the calender to change, and discovered I had gone 5 months with it on, still glowing bright, BUT, I leave it on at level 2, not 10, for emergency indoor use. For range it goes up to about 8, and that's fine even in AZ sunshine.
M2 Carbine
member
Now days there are pretty good Red Dot sights, in all price ranges, that will do a decent job. Depending on what the job is.
Like my Wife used to ask me when I'd buy something that seemed a bit expensive for the job,
"Are you buying this higher price (thing) because you need the high price one, or you buying it just to impress the other kids at the shooting range?"
Like my Wife used to ask me when I'd buy something that seemed a bit expensive for the job,
"Are you buying this higher price (thing) because you need the high price one, or you buying it just to impress the other kids at the shooting range?"
IMO
If you want the best red dot, get an Aimpoint. The PRO is well priced.
If you want something pretty good for the money, look to Primary Arms.
If you want something cheap, it doesn't really matter what you get, cheap is cheap. If it doesn't work or it fails or you don't like it, buy another one or a different one.
JMO
If you want the best red dot, get an Aimpoint. The PRO is well priced.
If you want something pretty good for the money, look to Primary Arms.
If you want something cheap, it doesn't really matter what you get, cheap is cheap. If it doesn't work or it fails or you don't like it, buy another one or a different one.
JMO
Skylerbone
Member
Vortex also offers a lifetime warranty, no questions asked. There are certain strengths to the Aimpoint such as the always on feature but honestly, if I'm "going to war" with a single RDS equipped carbine I don't like my chances. Think I've got 2 years with my StrikeFire (original battery) and just bought a SPARC a few weeks ago.
My Vortex Fury binos have also withstood more than a year of field use including subzero Canadian weather.
My Vortex Fury binos have also withstood more than a year of field use including subzero Canadian weather.
BigN
Member
Walmart has the TRS-25 here for $99. I don't own one but there seems to be a lot of positive comments here about it.
greyling22
Member
trs-25 is $82@amazon. I like mine.
MachIVshooter
Member
OP-
What is your budget? There are decent sights in the lower end, but you need to be much more discerning and not have expectations that are unrealistic for the money spent. I have/had quite a few sub-$100 dot sights. Some were darned good, others were absolute junk.
I have found pretty much universally that sights under $40 or $50 are suitable for non-spring airguns and toys only. Subject them to recoil, they will fail; Electrical connections lost intermittently, wandering zero, or just plain broken.
$50-$100, there are some decent options for recreational use, but nothing terribly good or very tough. You have to shop very carefully in this price range, and I suggest not buying them sight-unseen; Inspect the unit before purchase.
$100-$200 will get you into better sights with more repeatable adjustments, better battery life, clearer lenses, etc., but still not much in there I'd trust in a truly hard use environment.
Get up into the $200-$400 range, you're less likely to get a defective unit, will see longer battery life, more positive and finer adjustment, greater durability, etc.
North of $400, you're getting good durability and quality, and starting to pay for more features and/or greater refinement.
The cheaper Trijicon reflexes are battery powered, and are junk. I played with an MS03 (Was $179 at the LGS), and the dot wasn't even a dot-more of a fuzzy oval. Honestly, my $60 Sightmark Mini shot is a better sight. The dual illuminated Trijicon reflex sights start at about $450.
At the ~$250 mark, I'd take a hard look at the Burris Fastfire III
What is your budget? There are decent sights in the lower end, but you need to be much more discerning and not have expectations that are unrealistic for the money spent. I have/had quite a few sub-$100 dot sights. Some were darned good, others were absolute junk.
I have found pretty much universally that sights under $40 or $50 are suitable for non-spring airguns and toys only. Subject them to recoil, they will fail; Electrical connections lost intermittently, wandering zero, or just plain broken.
$50-$100, there are some decent options for recreational use, but nothing terribly good or very tough. You have to shop very carefully in this price range, and I suggest not buying them sight-unseen; Inspect the unit before purchase.
$100-$200 will get you into better sights with more repeatable adjustments, better battery life, clearer lenses, etc., but still not much in there I'd trust in a truly hard use environment.
Get up into the $200-$400 range, you're less likely to get a defective unit, will see longer battery life, more positive and finer adjustment, greater durability, etc.
North of $400, you're getting good durability and quality, and starting to pay for more features and/or greater refinement.
The cheaper Trijicon reflexes are battery powered, and are junk. I played with an MS03 (Was $179 at the LGS), and the dot wasn't even a dot-more of a fuzzy oval. Honestly, my $60 Sightmark Mini shot is a better sight. The dual illuminated Trijicon reflex sights start at about $450.
At the ~$250 mark, I'd take a hard look at the Burris Fastfire III
needmorecowbell
Member
I just compared most of the models mentioned and ordered the Lucid HD7 last night from Amazon for $193. I really liked the 4 reticule set up, built in mount and 2x screw in magnifier option. Nothing but great reviews too.
ThirdWatcher
Member
Another vote for the Aimpoint PRO. I've got a couple of them and I bought them both on sale (so I gave well under $400). Buy quality and you only cry once (and only a rich guy can afford to buy it twice).
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