ar-15 optics choice-HELP

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digdeep74

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Alright here is the question .
You just purchased your first ar (dpms panther),you've got everything ready quad rail,handle scope mount ,bipod,and new grip.
Now all you have to do is choose a red dot ,acog type sight and you've got 170 bucks.WHICH ONE IS THE BEST FOR THE MONEY?
 
Acog style for 170? Not going to happen unless you are going to buy a cheap chinese knockoff which I dont' reccomend.

Now there is something called the Vortex Strikefire. It is about 150-175 and is good quality. However it is an Aimpoint style sight.

You can read my review of it here: http://m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=30837
 
At the low end of AR optics I really like the Barska M16 Electro Sight. About $80 if you shop around. They seem quite rugged as I've got them on my .223 AR, 7.62x39 AR, & DPMS .308 and they've all held up well so far.

I'd recommend starting here and saving for the really good ones after you've had some time to figure out what you really want.

Remember not everyone likes red dot optics as you have to look through the dot and focus on the target, if you focus on the dot you'll swear they "don't hold zero". This can take some getting used to, as normally you are trained to focus on the front sight or the scope reticle (which should also be the plane of focus for the target image with a quality scope).

--wally.
 
My iron sights are goin to see plenty of shooting as well,but ive always wanted a decent holo or red dot .Ive read several reviews on the barska but they been mixed.
 
burris is coming out w/ an ar-332 w/ 3x magnification maybe? take a look at it. Unfortunately, it's not out yet as they failed quality control or something. I'm waiting for it though... hopefully it'll be one of the better quality burris scopes.
 
depends on your application.. if you want something that will allow for quick target aquisition and follow up shots, go with a reflex type optic or a red dot (millet has a great red dot in that price range). This, however will sacrifice some accuracy... if you are more worried about the accuracy aspect, you will have to sacrifice the previously mentioned benefits of a reflex or red dot type site and spend more money on something with magnification, but such options surpass your listed price range.
 
Kind of a broad question there. What kind of optics are you looking for? Do you need magnification? Do you need it for CQB? Do you need to have submersible waterproofing up to a certain depth? Are you willing to pay more for a set of optics than you did for your rifle?

Be competent in the use of your iron sights first and foremost.
 
I think i like the fast target accusition aspect of the ar ,i already have a decent hunting scope that i could mount for long range .I think my options are red dot and reflex type optic.
And no im not willing to pay 800 bucks for one,170 to 200 is my spending limit.And dont need to be submergible in water for any depth ,just simply waterproof.

Something i can aim quickly and hit body masses at 200 yards
ANYONE GOT THIS ONE
http://www.opticsbestbuy.com/Bushnell-Trophy-1x32-Red-Dot-Scope-730132P.html
 
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Seriously, run the irons until you have the money to buy a quality optic. You will end up buying a quality optic in the long run anyway when the others do not perform well. So you can either half ass it along and waste money, or you can do it right when you have the money.

The iron sights will be far more durable, repeatable, and useful than a cheap red dot or ACOG knock off that won't hold zero or breaks on you. You will also be surprised how fast an aperture rear sight can be at the distances you wish to shoot. I spent most of my time in the USMC using as issued aperture sights, and they work great. I spent one tour in Iraq in 2004 and used both the Aimpoint and the ACOG, and both were tough and useful. I prefer the ACOG, but do not currently own one personally, although I do own an Aimpoint.

I have experience with the various Tasco, and other inexpensive red dot sights, and they are hit or miss quality control wise. Good luck.
 
I like this Bushnell better. Word is they are made by EOTech for Bushnell.
Bushnell-510023-2T.jpg


http://www.nightgalaxy.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=Bushnell-510023&click=2
 
In that Pricepoint:
Vortex Strikefire: $129-149 Lifetime warranty, I have looked through them, will try one for my next AR.
Aimpoint Clones: $89 Some of them, like from Primary Arms are actually pretty decent and they have been reliable for ar15.com members.
 
Save up some more and go with Aimpoint t-1 . Dont waste your time with a crap sight, like a said before you would not put K-Mart tires on Porche! You wont be happy with a cheap sight and will end up getting a good one later anyway. Have have some cheapies that I tried and all failed.
 
burris is coming out w/ an ar-332 w/ 3x magnification maybe? take a look at it. Unfortunately, it's not out yet as they failed quality control or something. I'm waiting for it though... hopefully it'll be one of the better quality burris scopes.

I've also been waiting on this, I sent Burris an email last month and they replied that they hoped to release it late May.

I'd like to see a couple reviews before I purchase though, so may be mid-June for me.
 
Honestly, I'd shoot it w/ your BUIS for a while until you save up for the sight you really want...it's what I did and I really got pretty good w/ iron sights too ;)
 
I'm messing around with a Bushnell 1x32 red dot I picked up for $150 from binoculars.com (free shipping too).

I'm comparing it vs. iron sights vs a fixed 4x on the carry handle. I should have a write up ready soon but I had to scrap my 'range day' due to a broken refridgerator.

We aren't all made of money you know!
 

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burris is coming out w/ an ar-332 w/ 3x magnification maybe? take a look at it. Unfortunately, it's not out yet as they failed quality control or something. I'm waiting for it though... hopefully it'll be one of the better quality burris scopes.


that optic looks nice, i may take a look at it too ;)
 
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