What is your preferred inexpensive red dot, and why?

A very cheap RDS I've used is a CenterPoint from Walmart. It has withstood the recoil of my Draco AK pistol and still stays on target to 25yards (indoor range unfortunately). I zeroed it on my 10/22 and it still stays zeroed when swapping between guns.

I am also in the market for an entry-level red-dot. Lots of good suggestions in this thread and so I kind of went eenie, meenie, minie, mo...and ordered a TruGlo that will go on the M&P .22 I share with my grandson. If I like it, I'll order another for my Colt .223/5.56.

I put the TruGlo on my M&P 15-.22. It was a real breakthrough for my 8-year-old grandson who was having trouble with the iron sights (he can't close his left eye-lid). All of a sudden he is shooting with both eyes open and putting the rounds in the middle of the target. The smiles are priceless!

I then tried it out on my AR-15...and I was smiling too! I've ordered a second one. I will say that the .223 did cause the screws to loosen up as I shot, but I tightened them up several times as things warmed up and they seemed to snug down pretty well.

Yesterday I went to shoot, and discovered the battery doesn't last a week when you forget to turn it off. That's no surprise, batteries are cheap, and I'll remember to turn it off from now on.

The only problem I haven't resolved is that the dot can disappear on a light covered target in bright light.

Also, I can set up the iron sights on the .22 so they co-witness with the red dot. Although the rear sights were considered an obstruction by my grandson - they didn't bother me. On the AR, my rear sight is mounted on the handle, which I had to remove to mount the red dot. Is the best solution to buy a new rear sight?

Sightmark. Mine has had countless 00buck, slugs and #4s through it and its held zero.

The only problem I haven't resolved is that the dot can disappear on a light covered target in bright light.

Click to expand...

Apparently that problem may have been due to a weak battery. With a fresh battery, I can see the dot clearly against a light target in full light.

If and when I get a cheap red dot for my range/training guns (such as a 15-22) it will be a Primary Arms.

It isn't super-cheap, but it doesn't completely suck ass either, as far as I can tell.

Of course my go-to rifles will continue to wear Aimpoints as far as red dot sights are concerned.

Primary Arms....I too am a fan of their products.

Also have a 2X Tru Glo on my 10/22. It used to be on my Mini14. After a couple thousands rounds it's still as good as new.

Some that have taken a beating from me...

Bushnell TRS-25
Vortex Strikefire
Primary Arms

My choice for cheap is the Bushnell TRS-25. Mid priced is the Vortex Sparc.

Another vote for the TRS-25. I have one on my 12ga and haven't had any issues with it.

Tried a TruGlo on a Hi-Point 9mm carbine (that's a cheap combo!). It didn't last one box of Tula steel 9mm (more cheapness). The dot got big and fuzzy, so I sent it back to Midway USA and got store credit. I have had good luck with Bushnell Trophy red dots; the MP and the regular 28mm tube. Both saw service on 9mm, 7.62x39, and .223 carbines and performed (still) flawlessly.

I have the BSA on an old Win.30/30,and it has performed perfectly.What I love about the red dot is that I can shoot with both eyes open and it seems as though I am seeing the dot with both eyes !

bsa tru glo and UTG are cheap red dots and they work. I had a $30 UTG on on air rifle for 1000's of round of the double recoil and it is like new. battery life is not real good on them and the expensive ones have great battery life. redfield now has a model called counterstrike red/green dot where they claim 5,000 hours for $180 on sportsmans guide that is serious battery life equal if not more then aimpoints

I have a Vortex StrikeFire that is a great red dot, aside from the TERRIBLE button placement. The on/off button is placed out on the side where it is easily depressed accidentally when in a case.

While the term "inexpensive" is relative, it's hard to beat an Aimpoint PRO. I love mine. It's worth every bit of the ~$220 more that it cost versus the Vortex StrikeFire.

Even at $400, the Aimpoint PRO is a raging bargain.