After some research on this board and a few others, and reading reviews from Cabelas, Buds, etc, I finally settled on one of these.
I had a few reasons for wanting one.
1. Low light shooting
2. Faster target acquisition
3. Greater precision.
I am running an M & P 15 Sport, which has a carbine length system and a fixed front sight. This has many advantages, but also the downside of a permanently short sight radius. The FSB being so close results in the post covering more of the target zone. I felt like with the rifle being as accurate as it is (MOA regularly with PMC Bronze when using a magnified scope from a backpack, not too bad I think), it deserved more precision even without magnification. I basically have two configurations now for this rifle instead of just buying another one.
I ordered the Bushnell red dot from Amazon.com for about 80 bucks, here in two days. I intended on a close to true cowitness, with the dot resting just above the sight post. After some use, I ended up mounting it on a lower 1/3, which although it took some getting used to, eventually paid off.
In case any of you are considering this sight...when I was researching micro red dots, I was looking between the Primary Arms and this Bushnell. I read many glowing reviews and some not so glowing of each, so I was unsure as it seemed to be mixed reviews on both, although largely positive. I also read that the Primary Arms was a 2MOA dot, but also that that it was a 3MOA dot, and the same with the Bushnell. I read a few more that listed the Bushnell as a 2MOA, so I went with that. In actual practice, the dot goes from very very small to decent size depending on the brightness setting (it has 11 or 12 on an easy to use dial.) I was suprised how much the size of the dot changed depending on brightness. I actually have come to appreciate this feature.
I really don't have any complaints about this optic. It is very light, I barely noticed the difference in what is already one of the lightest stock ARs. I have been running it with a Magpul forearm and VFG. No flashlight, no bipod, or bayo, or laser, or grenade launcher, etc. It is very light and handles very well.
I decided to align the dot with my irons, using the rear MBUS in the process. This worked perfectly. I dropped the MBUS down and the thing was just hitting dead center on everything I looked at. I was literally laughing as I checked my targets. I've run drills with it two days now, and couldn't be happier. My groups tightened, and my times got faster, note I have run nothing but irons for most of my life. No screws are loose, the mounting is fine, and has held zero through some decent hiking and drills. I realize that many people hold that an Aimpoint or Eotech is the only optic they would "trust their life to" but so far I like this one just fine. (not that I wouldn't love to have an Aimpoint, just don't have the dough sitting around). If you are looking to step up speed and accuracy at closer ranges for under 100 bucks, I would definitely recommend this little red dot. Possibly the best thing about this (and any red dot) is that if there is ever a problem, not only can I detach without tools in seconds, but all I have to do is flip up my rear sight and I can shoot right through the scope as if it isn't there.
Hope this is helpful for anyone considering buying a micro red dot right now.
DISCLAIMER: I have never used an EOTECH, AIMPOINT, or PRIMARY ARMS optic. I intend no offense to any user of any of these, and have nothing to say about them as I have no experience with them. I hope to own one some day.
I had a few reasons for wanting one.
1. Low light shooting
2. Faster target acquisition
3. Greater precision.
I am running an M & P 15 Sport, which has a carbine length system and a fixed front sight. This has many advantages, but also the downside of a permanently short sight radius. The FSB being so close results in the post covering more of the target zone. I felt like with the rifle being as accurate as it is (MOA regularly with PMC Bronze when using a magnified scope from a backpack, not too bad I think), it deserved more precision even without magnification. I basically have two configurations now for this rifle instead of just buying another one.
I ordered the Bushnell red dot from Amazon.com for about 80 bucks, here in two days. I intended on a close to true cowitness, with the dot resting just above the sight post. After some use, I ended up mounting it on a lower 1/3, which although it took some getting used to, eventually paid off.
In case any of you are considering this sight...when I was researching micro red dots, I was looking between the Primary Arms and this Bushnell. I read many glowing reviews and some not so glowing of each, so I was unsure as it seemed to be mixed reviews on both, although largely positive. I also read that the Primary Arms was a 2MOA dot, but also that that it was a 3MOA dot, and the same with the Bushnell. I read a few more that listed the Bushnell as a 2MOA, so I went with that. In actual practice, the dot goes from very very small to decent size depending on the brightness setting (it has 11 or 12 on an easy to use dial.) I was suprised how much the size of the dot changed depending on brightness. I actually have come to appreciate this feature.
I really don't have any complaints about this optic. It is very light, I barely noticed the difference in what is already one of the lightest stock ARs. I have been running it with a Magpul forearm and VFG. No flashlight, no bipod, or bayo, or laser, or grenade launcher, etc. It is very light and handles very well.
I decided to align the dot with my irons, using the rear MBUS in the process. This worked perfectly. I dropped the MBUS down and the thing was just hitting dead center on everything I looked at. I was literally laughing as I checked my targets. I've run drills with it two days now, and couldn't be happier. My groups tightened, and my times got faster, note I have run nothing but irons for most of my life. No screws are loose, the mounting is fine, and has held zero through some decent hiking and drills. I realize that many people hold that an Aimpoint or Eotech is the only optic they would "trust their life to" but so far I like this one just fine. (not that I wouldn't love to have an Aimpoint, just don't have the dough sitting around). If you are looking to step up speed and accuracy at closer ranges for under 100 bucks, I would definitely recommend this little red dot. Possibly the best thing about this (and any red dot) is that if there is ever a problem, not only can I detach without tools in seconds, but all I have to do is flip up my rear sight and I can shoot right through the scope as if it isn't there.
Hope this is helpful for anyone considering buying a micro red dot right now.
DISCLAIMER: I have never used an EOTECH, AIMPOINT, or PRIMARY ARMS optic. I intend no offense to any user of any of these, and have nothing to say about them as I have no experience with them. I hope to own one some day.
