Best red dot for $150 or less?

[bob barker]

I want to throw a red dot on my AR, but as I don't shoot it that much I would like something reasonably priced. Max distance I would shoot it would be 100yds, with most of my shots at 50 yds. Mainly plinking and picking off a few prairie dogs within a 100yds.

Anybody have any success with some of the lesser redots?

 

[JoeMal]

For around $200 you can get a Vortex SPARC. Shop around and/or look for a coupon code and you can probably get it for around the $150 mark. They come with a lifetime warranty and honestly I would trust it more than any 'Wal-Mart' red dot you'll find for under $100

http://www.vortexoptics.com/product/vortex-sparc-red-dot-scope

 

[LNK]

Vortex strikfire.....$150 delivered. Lifetime warranty. Dot is 4 moa and nice and clear and round.

LNK

 

[downingducksdowneast]

Primary Arms. You'll find they have quite a following here and other places like ar15.com. I like to trade/buy/sell a fair number of my guns that I don't shoot/use/lost interest in over the years...the only thing that has stayed the same is my PA Microdot that gets mounted on them. Look up the reviews...you won't be disspointed. I certainly haven't. they also have EXCELLENT customer service. I lost my adjustment caps at the range once and asked to buy another set and they sent me a replacement pair for free, priority mail.

I should note they have some combo packages that include bases that do various levels of co-witnessing.

 

[pikid89]

you can get some of the Late model long body Aimpoints for that price point...IMHO that would be the way to go for sure
I use a 2x aimpoint on my 10/22 and its awesome
http://www.ebay.com/itm/AimPoint-Mo...ultDomain_0&hash=item1e6a3c40b2#ht_500wt_1153

 

[1KPerDay]

Primary Arms, IMO. Stay away from the $30 BSAs and Miradots and such, IMO.

 

[OpticsPlanet]

I like my SPARC, but I like my Fastfire II better - narrower and lighter. I didn't use the 2X magnifier on the SPARC nearly as much as I thought I would.

With the release of the FastFire III last week, there might be some good pricing on the II soon.

Mark H.

 

[Kernel]

I use an Ultra Dot 30 on a .44 Mag handgun. It's not state-of-the-art, but it's stood the test-of-time for over 10 years. Same handgun killed a number of Millett, Tasco, and other red dots. Have another UD30 on a .50 cal Knight MK85 muzzleloader (for deer hunting, my State does not allow magnified scopes on muzzleloaders).

I like the fact that the UD30 accepts common 30mm rings, which you can get from any manufacturer in any style, finish, and price point. Hundreds of choices. A lot of red dot's take weird one-of-a-kind proprietary rings, so you don't get any choice.

Ultra Dots were very common in handgun competition years ago, before the sponsors got into the sport in a big way and started giving away scopes. Ultra Dots were preferred by top shooters when they paid their own way because of their durability and no BS warranty.

http://www.ultradotwest.com/ultradot_2008_004.htm

 

[tydephan]

I have this one for my Sig 522 and I absolutely love it. It has a few good ratings on Midway as well. 1.5 MOA dot.

I've recommended it to two other guys that have purchased and also been very pleased. It's never seen use on one of my centerfires, but I wouldn't hesitate.

http://www.amazon.com/ADCO-International-Black-Alpha-Sight/dp/B00162NSI2

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/117695/adco-alpha-red-dot-sight-30mm-tube-1x-15-moa-dot-matte

 

[bob barker]

I picked up a Vector surefire today for $149 form Cabelas. Seems like a nice red dot.
Thanks for all of the options.

 

[JFtheGR8]

https://www.primaryarms.com/Primary_Arms_s/586.htm

I bought one of the blems and honestly can't see a thing wrong with it. Well under your price point.

 

[RetroMan]

Vortex strikfire.....$150 delivered. Lifetime warranty. Dot is 4 moa and nice and clear and round.

What he said. I have one. Plus its red/green and the high mount will co witness nicely.

Only fault is the magnifier isn't of good quality.

 

[chaser_2332]

Primary arms

 

[RangerHAAF]

For basic red dots I use Millets or BSA: http://www.millettsights.com/scopes/sp-series-red-dot/

 

[Psa1m144]

Vortex SPARC +1
Scrape together another $50, it's worth it!!

 

[Hunterdad]

I have this Barska red-dot and love it. Of course, Barska certainly isn't the best, but I couldn't be happier with it.

http://www.natchezss.com/product.cfm?contentID=productDetail&prodID=BKAC10984

 

[jrdolall]

I am like you in that I don't shoot my AR all that much but I went through 3 wallyworld and Academy cheap red dots before I bought the Vortex Strikefire. The cheap ones were difficult to see in bright daylight. I got a refund each time so I was not out any cash but the pain in the rear of buying, mounting, removing and returning is not worth the trouble.

 

[Creature]

Lucid HD7 (chinese made) is getting extremely good reviews.

Specifications:
Frame: Cast Aluminum
Two Modes of reticle brightness operation (Manual & Auto-Brightness)
100% Waterproof & Fog proof
Fully Rubberized Armor
100% Shockproof (.458 SOCOM)
1x Parallax free (2-5x maginfier available)
Weight: 13oz
Battery: (1) AAA (Included)
Aprox. 1000 hours Battery life
Auto Shut off Function (after 2 hours)
Mounting Style: 1913 Picatinny Rail (Built in)
Adj. Click Value: 1/2 MOA
Variable Reticle Style (4 options)
Warranty: Limited Lifetime


...$195 here:

http://gunkings.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=178&zenid=8e3m8330v4sdn65svfv5c1jk32

 

[pingpingping]

I bought one of the blems and honestly can't see a thing wrong with it. Well under your price point.

I bought a "blem" primary arms for like $60, don't know if they still have them...but what a deal!