What Red Dots do you own that work and are cheap?
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M2 Carbine
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I like the size of those. Might have to try one out.
Justin Holder
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I've had a BSA 30mm red dot on my Ruger 22/45 since '04 and have nothing but good things to say about it. It has never lost it's zero and is only on it's second battery.
M2 Carbine
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I hardly ever change a battery because it's worn out but I do change them a good bit because I forget to turn off the sight.
atblis
Member
1" Ultra dot.
Today I went crazy and ordered:
Bushnell Trophy red/green dot scope 1x32 with a t-dot Liked DR. Robs and reviews
leatherwood-hi-lux-optics-1x30mm-red-dot-tactical-sight
TSR-25
Got all three from Opticsplanet and they should arrive in a couple of days. All will go on .22s unless they get here and I decide I do not like them. There may be some swapping around to get the best sight on the best weapon but am still thinking the Sparc needs to go on the YHM 7.62x39 upper that is still not here!!!
Bushnell Trophy red/green dot scope 1x32 with a t-dot Liked DR. Robs and reviews
leatherwood-hi-lux-optics-1x30mm-red-dot-tactical-sight
TSR-25
Got all three from Opticsplanet and they should arrive in a couple of days. All will go on .22s unless they get here and I decide I do not like them. There may be some swapping around to get the best sight on the best weapon but am still thinking the Sparc needs to go on the YHM 7.62x39 upper that is still not here!!!
Regarding Primary Arms, I've had bad luck or something. My first PA M4 developed intermittent battery contact failure almost immediately. Warrantied with another M4, that worked well on an AR for a lot of rounds, moved it to an SKS as an experiment. It lasted exactly six shots before the little mirror came loose. Warrantied for an PA Micro Dot. On the same SKS it lasted almost 30 shots before the brightness dial went to crap. Warrantied for a Vortex Sparc. The on/off switch doesn't work properly, but the night vision button turns it off completely, that isn't the way it's supposed to work, but it's acceptable for my use.
The SPARC is pretty nice, I have a lot of rounds on it now, all through an SKS. There are two issues with it that I see, first it has a lot of parallax, even out to 100 yards. Second, if you shoot both eyes open, the control panel on the left side of the sight is pretty large and interferes with my vision a little bit more than I'd like, but not a deal breaker. You gotta love Vortex's warranty though, it's good enough for me to keep the SPARC. At this point I believe it's plenty durable.
But for the PA stuff - their return policy is great but the products seem iffy at best. A sight that's constantly in the warranty process is pretty much useless and I'd never trust one anymore.
The SPARC is pretty nice, I have a lot of rounds on it now, all through an SKS. There are two issues with it that I see, first it has a lot of parallax, even out to 100 yards. Second, if you shoot both eyes open, the control panel on the left side of the sight is pretty large and interferes with my vision a little bit more than I'd like, but not a deal breaker. You gotta love Vortex's warranty though, it's good enough for me to keep the SPARC. At this point I believe it's plenty durable.
But for the PA stuff - their return policy is great but the products seem iffy at best. A sight that's constantly in the warranty process is pretty much useless and I'd never trust one anymore.
HJ857 I agree somethings a less expensive anything seems like you can get a good one or have a run of the same product that never meets expectations! Same with pistols and rifles; one persons darling is another ones nightmare!
The Sparc I have not had any problems with so far but I have not put it through what I would consider a good hard eval either. I figure if I ever finish all the stuff I have planned then I can do an honest eval of the red dots to included what they are mounted on etc etc. I will say this; if anything from Vortex does not work as advertised back to the company it goes. I have really not had problems with mine acting up.
The Sparc I have not had any problems with so far but I have not put it through what I would consider a good hard eval either. I figure if I ever finish all the stuff I have planned then I can do an honest eval of the red dots to included what they are mounted on etc etc. I will say this; if anything from Vortex does not work as advertised back to the company it goes. I have really not had problems with mine acting up.
I agree with what Ak103k says, the higher end red dots will save you money in the end, because of batteries and the fact that your not wasting $100 on a cheapy to begin with. I bought the cheap one first and regreted it, buyt once cry once.
I do want to try the vortex Strikefire thought it looks like it might be an exception to the rule.
Oh and iron sights and trigicons don't need batteries, so you save even more.
I do want to try the vortex Strikefire thought it looks like it might be an exception to the rule.
Oh and iron sights and trigicons don't need batteries, so you save even more.
CJS06
Member
I have Aimpoints on a couple of rifles, an T1 and a PRO. I also have a Primary Arms M3 that I put on top of an M4gery I assembled intending to replace with another Aimpoint PRO. That PA dot is still riding the top almost a year and a few (4+) thousand rounds later. It does not have the lifespan of the Aimpoint batteries, and if I really had to rely on one dot with my life I would stick with the Aimpoint. That said, for the carbine courses I have done and use I have put it through it has been a very good value.
Batty67
Member
Mounted my Vortex SPARC with no issues on my "tacticool" Auto Ordnance M1carbine. Zeroed it in no problems yesterday at an outdoor range at 70 m and put 200 rounds downrange. The ultimak rail got HOT and so did the SPARC but no issues holding zero and shooting well at closer ranges= so far, so good.
We'll see how it does the next time I take it shooting. Oh, even though it has 10 brightness levels with my fuzzy right eye, though I shoot both eyes open, I used the lowest brightness setting on a partially overcast day. I cannot imagine using a much brighter setting.
We'll see how it does the next time I take it shooting. Oh, even though it has 10 brightness levels with my fuzzy right eye, though I shoot both eyes open, I used the lowest brightness setting on a partially overcast day. I cannot imagine using a much brighter setting.
Yes Batty67 your experience with the Vortex is the same as those I know who have purchased a Strikefire or Sparc. Again I am not pushing either they are just less expensive sights that seem to work well for their owners. I liked the company and the Strikefire so much I purchased a Viper scope from them a while back. Glad I did.
kurt1305
Member
I bought a Millett red dot with variable sized dots for $59 at Academy Sports. It needs taller rings to work with a flat top AR, but seems to function well especially considering the price.
Red dots came in yesterday but I only got to mess with two of them.
Bushnell Trophy red/green dot scope 1x32 is what Dr. Rob was using and I must say I really do like the reticule of that unit. Have not shot it yet or even mounted it but "IF" it works as good as it looks then "THANK YOU Dr. Rob"!
Mounted the little TSR-25 on the GSG-5. Did not get to shoot it yet but from my initial impression it will co-witness with the front sight which I really wanted. The size of the scope is perfect for the rifle.
Bushnell Trophy red/green dot scope 1x32 is what Dr. Rob was using and I must say I really do like the reticule of that unit. Have not shot it yet or even mounted it but "IF" it works as good as it looks then "THANK YOU Dr. Rob"!
Mounted the little TSR-25 on the GSG-5. Did not get to shoot it yet but from my initial impression it will co-witness with the front sight which I really wanted. The size of the scope is perfect for the rifle.
doc540
Member
If you can find a Kobra...snag it
They seem to have become scarce.
They seem to have become scarce.
Elbert P . Suggins
Member
I have one nobody has mentioned and that is a Trueglo and it is mounted on an AK with no problems and also have a Burska on an AK. And the other two are a Eotech on an AK and Aimpoint on a Bushmaster. All are equal as of this writing. The Eotech is my favorite though.
Ok something I should have brought up when this thread was started. When you look through a Red Dot even before mounting and you move your head left and right or up and down and the dot changes it's location on the target...don't even think about putting it on a pistol. It will work on a rifle because of cheek weld and basically putting your eye balls in the general same location.
I mounted and got to sight in the TSR-25, Vortex Sparc, and the leatherwood-hi-lux-optics-1x30mm-red-dot-tactical-sight.
All were mounted on .22 caliber rifles and I will come back and do a review of what I like and do not like about each one. To tired and hungry now!
I mounted and got to sight in the TSR-25, Vortex Sparc, and the leatherwood-hi-lux-optics-1x30mm-red-dot-tactical-sight.
All were mounted on .22 caliber rifles and I will come back and do a review of what I like and do not like about each one. To tired and hungry now!
AK103K
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Parallax can be a problem with the cheaper sights, but generally isnt a problem with the more expensive models. With the Aimpoints, where the dot is, is where the bullet goes, regardless of where the dot is in the tube.
They are starting to become popular on handguns now too, as you see more and more being mounted.
Livnoutdoorsxd9
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Primary arms m3 with 4 reticles has been fantastic so far!
My aimpoint is parallax free as far as I can tell. Just something inside me that will not let me mount it on a .22? Also a 4 MOA dot is great for big creatures but not to good IMO on small varmints at 50 to 75 yards.
Side note: both CMMG uppers worked like they were supposed to. The GSG-5 is lucky I did not throw it in the trash bin; FTE fully and having to dump the mag every two shots really got me P.O.ed. I have 7 mags and had the problem with all of them; I think it is short stroking but I do not even want to look at the stupid thing! Left it in the car dirty as punishment!!
Side note: both CMMG uppers worked like they were supposed to. The GSG-5 is lucky I did not throw it in the trash bin; FTE fully and having to dump the mag every two shots really got me P.O.ed. I have 7 mags and had the problem with all of them; I think it is short stroking but I do not even want to look at the stupid thing! Left it in the car dirty as punishment!!
JohnBT
Member
"The only draw back for me is the 4 MOA dot."
Look at an UltraDot MatchDot - "2, 4, 6 and 8 MOA"
"Every MatchDot comes complete, with a battery, polarizing filter, tube extension, lens covers, mounting rings and hex wrench and is backed by our LIFETIME WARRANTY! "
www.ultradotwest.com/ultradot_2008_005.htm
Larry's Guns also sells them.
Look at an UltraDot MatchDot - "2, 4, 6 and 8 MOA"
"Every MatchDot comes complete, with a battery, polarizing filter, tube extension, lens covers, mounting rings and hex wrench and is backed by our LIFETIME WARRANTY! "
www.ultradotwest.com/ultradot_2008_005.htm
Larry's Guns also sells them.
I have a bit of free time so I thought I would do a short write up of the Vortex Sparc.
http://youtu.be/16ZB4itTusM is a pretty good review and I thought I would add my thoughts on the Vortex Sparc set up.
The lens cap covers are connected together by glorified oversize hard rubber straps that broke the first day. I removed the straps by cutting and now the soft rubber caps work and seem to stay on. You would think a better lens cap would have been supplied or made available.
There has always been a possible problem with the Vortex red dots power on switch being bumped and turning the system on w/o you noticing. Has not been a problem for me but if the rifle is placed in a tight case I could see it happening. One bump "on" and about 3 to 5 seconds pushing the rubberized switch to shut the unit off.
The scope does come with a good solid mount with an extra 2 shims for height adjustment. A nice touch IMO were the screws provided to attach the scope to the provided mounts. They were pre-blue-loctited; anyone with large hands and fingers will appreciate this. The mount looks like a solid block, holds via one tighten down Allen headed screw. The 2x magnifier was not used or tested.
I placed this scope on a CMMG .22 upper without any shims and it co-witnessed perfectly. All controls are easily identified and are mostly on the left side of the scope barrel. Actually kinda cheated for I got the dot on target then moved the rear sight to the dot and turned the front sight down almost one full turn to make the co-witness.
The elevation and windage adjustment provided positive feed back in the form of both aural and tactile clicks. The protective covers are well made and there is a rubberized seal that should keep the water out.
The reticule is 2 MOA and the brightness level of the Sparc is more than I can imagine anyone ever needing.
To zero in I had a lead sled and got on paper at 25 yards. Simple to do with the sled. I shot one round aiming at the center of the target. The round impacted approx 3" high and 1.5" off center. I knew the sight would be close because I had eyed down the barrel and sight before I left the house. I moved the dot to where the bullet impacted and then shot for the center of the target again. The impact was 1/2" to the left and approx 1/2 low of my aim point. Reset the dot to POI and fired 3 rounds for center. Two rounds were 3/8 seperation and one was approx 6/8" from the first round shot. Barrel seemed to have decent consistancy for a .22 not even broken in yet?
I then changed over to the 55 yard target set up and shot 3 rounds. All three were approx 2.5" high but pretty much center of aim point; approx 2.5" spread. Moved the dot to center of impact zone and shot 3 more rounds. All rounds impacted in the center of target with about a 2.0" spread. At this point I cleaned the barrel.
I had shot 10 rounds before I started sighting in the scope to insure the new upper would function properly.
After cleaning the barrel I went back and shot 3 more rounds and again they were about the same spread of MOA. This was all done with Federal (brick) ammo. I plan on shooting CCI or Remington 22 vipers in these uppers but had mags loaded with the federal bulk so that is what I sighted in with.
I have always had good luck with Vortex ( Viper scope and Strikefire red dot) and am not really worried about this scope not holding zero. I will be looking for some flip up lens caps for the Sparc and that should make everything the way I like it.
As with many (all?) cheaper red dots parallax can be a problem. The Sparc is parallax free past 50 yards according to their book. Up close if you move your head off center the dot will move. Again I knew this before the purchase of the Sparc and do not intend mounting it on a pistol. With your cheek weld and normal shooting position the little scope works as expected. I do like the 2 MOA dot much better than a 3 or 4 MOA dot.
Red Dots are really not for super precision shooting or said another way, "you are not going to shoot the eye out of a small critter at 50+ yards unless you are lucky lucky. I usually shoot irons better than I do red dots; BUT a red dot will get you on target for a snap shot very quickly with both eyes open and if you are hunting in brush for some of the faster moving varmints or pigs they work very well; especially in dusk or dawn dim lighting.
Hope this helps if you are thinking about a Sparc.
http://youtu.be/16ZB4itTusM is a pretty good review and I thought I would add my thoughts on the Vortex Sparc set up.
The lens cap covers are connected together by glorified oversize hard rubber straps that broke the first day. I removed the straps by cutting and now the soft rubber caps work and seem to stay on. You would think a better lens cap would have been supplied or made available.
There has always been a possible problem with the Vortex red dots power on switch being bumped and turning the system on w/o you noticing. Has not been a problem for me but if the rifle is placed in a tight case I could see it happening. One bump "on" and about 3 to 5 seconds pushing the rubberized switch to shut the unit off.
The scope does come with a good solid mount with an extra 2 shims for height adjustment. A nice touch IMO were the screws provided to attach the scope to the provided mounts. They were pre-blue-loctited; anyone with large hands and fingers will appreciate this. The mount looks like a solid block, holds via one tighten down Allen headed screw. The 2x magnifier was not used or tested.
I placed this scope on a CMMG .22 upper without any shims and it co-witnessed perfectly. All controls are easily identified and are mostly on the left side of the scope barrel. Actually kinda cheated for I got the dot on target then moved the rear sight to the dot and turned the front sight down almost one full turn to make the co-witness.
The elevation and windage adjustment provided positive feed back in the form of both aural and tactile clicks. The protective covers are well made and there is a rubberized seal that should keep the water out.
The reticule is 2 MOA and the brightness level of the Sparc is more than I can imagine anyone ever needing.
To zero in I had a lead sled and got on paper at 25 yards. Simple to do with the sled. I shot one round aiming at the center of the target. The round impacted approx 3" high and 1.5" off center. I knew the sight would be close because I had eyed down the barrel and sight before I left the house. I moved the dot to where the bullet impacted and then shot for the center of the target again. The impact was 1/2" to the left and approx 1/2 low of my aim point. Reset the dot to POI and fired 3 rounds for center. Two rounds were 3/8 seperation and one was approx 6/8" from the first round shot. Barrel seemed to have decent consistancy for a .22 not even broken in yet?
I then changed over to the 55 yard target set up and shot 3 rounds. All three were approx 2.5" high but pretty much center of aim point; approx 2.5" spread. Moved the dot to center of impact zone and shot 3 more rounds. All rounds impacted in the center of target with about a 2.0" spread. At this point I cleaned the barrel.
I had shot 10 rounds before I started sighting in the scope to insure the new upper would function properly.
After cleaning the barrel I went back and shot 3 more rounds and again they were about the same spread of MOA. This was all done with Federal (brick) ammo. I plan on shooting CCI or Remington 22 vipers in these uppers but had mags loaded with the federal bulk so that is what I sighted in with.
I have always had good luck with Vortex ( Viper scope and Strikefire red dot) and am not really worried about this scope not holding zero. I will be looking for some flip up lens caps for the Sparc and that should make everything the way I like it.
As with many (all?) cheaper red dots parallax can be a problem. The Sparc is parallax free past 50 yards according to their book. Up close if you move your head off center the dot will move. Again I knew this before the purchase of the Sparc and do not intend mounting it on a pistol. With your cheek weld and normal shooting position the little scope works as expected. I do like the 2 MOA dot much better than a 3 or 4 MOA dot.
Red Dots are really not for super precision shooting or said another way, "you are not going to shoot the eye out of a small critter at 50+ yards unless you are lucky lucky. I usually shoot irons better than I do red dots; BUT a red dot will get you on target for a snap shot very quickly with both eyes open and if you are hunting in brush for some of the faster moving varmints or pigs they work very well; especially in dusk or dawn dim lighting.
Hope this helps if you are thinking about a Sparc.
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