Inexpensive vs Cheap: Red Dot Sights

[wlewisiii]

My Google-fu is not worth much tonight.

I'm looking for an inexpensive but not cheap red dot for use on a rifle I am building.

VZ-24 mauser type action, 19" barrel, 7x57, synthetic stock, bang around kind of thing. The red dot will be mounted on a scout mount.

Any suggestions?

 

[benzy2]

I have heard lots of good reviews about the Vortex red dots. Also, for a smaller budget, primary arms seems to get good press for their dots.

I have a Sightron red dot and am very happy with it. Adjusting it was easy and accurate, it's held zero well, it came with a sunshade, kill flash, and flip up caps, all for right around $150. It's also made in Japan. The included rings are a bit cheap and were replaced but other than that I can't think of a complaint. It's my go to red dot at this point for a budget friendly option. I doubt it's as tough or durable as a Eotech or Aimpoint but it's nowhere near that price either. I find it to be a large step up quality wise from other China made red dots I've used in the past.

 

[wlewisiii]

Thank you, that's good info that went to the heart of my question.

 

[fallout mike]

Vortex sparc and vortex strikefire are good options under $200.

 

[briansmithwins]

Primary Arms for a dot and mount under $150.

The PA isn't as bright on high or go as low as a Aimpoint Micro, and the battery lasts days instead of years, but it's decent.

I stripped out the screw on the mount on one. PA sent me a new mount free, even though it was damaged by me.

BSW

 

[fatcat4620]

I will second the primary arms but the vortex has a better warranty.

 

[Lloyd Smale]

ive got two strikefires and have found them an excellent value. There not an aimpoint but in that price range there tough to beat

 

[Z-Michigan]

The Vortex dots are decent, though if you spend any time with an Aimpoint you'll see the differences. The Ultradot 30 is another inexpensive option that is fairly high quality. Again, not quite an Aimpoint, but probably the runner up in most ways. It just isn't new or "tactical." However, it IS made in Japan, and has a lifetime warranty as well.

http://www.ultradotusa.com/

I use both Vortex Strikefire and Ultradots, as well as some real Aimpoints (ML3, H1, ML2). If I couldn't have an Aimpoint I would take the Ultradot as my second choice.

 

[jmorris]

If I'm cheaping out, I try and waist as little money as I can. I have a $25 BSA that hasn't broke yet after years of being beat on all sorts of guns, below sideways on my 1919.
Not the best dot I have by far but hundreds less that my Trijicons, Aimpoints and others. I would suggest one and save up for a good one down the road. Heck if you look hard enough you can find a good one for around the price of the cheap ones being suggested here. Why buy a rip off of an aimpoint for $200 when you can pick up the real thing for 3?

 

[Tirod]

Red dots with integrated bases may put the optic higher above the barrel than needed. Most are optimal with the AR15, which has a straight line stock and needs more height to get the sightline up to the eye. Most bolt guns have enough drop at comb to get the irons up, and the optic needs to be mounted lower.

FWIW.

Oh, and Lucid's HD7, if it works out for you.

 

[Zach S]

If I'm cheaping out, I try and waist as little money as I can. I have a $25 BSA that hasn't broke yet after years of being beat on all sorts of guns, below sideways on my 1919.

While I haven't had mine on anything like a 1919, I can say that my RD30 has held up very well.

 

[jmorris]

Red dots with integrated bases may put the optic higher above the barrel than needed. Most are optimal with the AR15, which has a straight line stock and needs more height to get the sightline up to the eye. Most bolt guns have enough drop at comb to get the irons up, and the optic needs to be mounted lower.

That was the case with the 1919 and why I machined a mount so I could mount it sideways/lower. Haven't had to do that on anything else but have never had a red dot sight on a bolt gun. That sounds kind of like mounting mudders on a Corvette, just wrong.

 

[CraigC]

The Strikefire is very good for the money. Not an Aimpoint but it doesn't cost $400 either. I've had mine for about a year and a half and have been very impressed with it. The included mount is good but the magnifier is useless. The Primary Arms sights are also very good for the money. I had to replace the ring with the Burris linked below.

I do not like a red dot sight mounted forward in a scout configuration. The field of view is broader and it covers less of the target area if it is mounted on the receiver. You can get low mounts that will mount them at least as low as a straight tube scope. I like the Burris Xtreme ring, available in a package of one and in a low height. An excellent value.

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/26...l-picatinny-style-ring-matte-low-package-of-1

Nothing wrong with a red dot on a boltgun, not at all like mudders on a Vette.

 

[tundraotto]

bushnell trs -30 (or was it 20?)has been good to me for the money

 

[zxcvbob]

I'm totally impressed with the Bushnell TRS-25 that I bought a couple of months ago for less than $90. I have it mounted on a .22 pistol but it seems sturdy enough for a shotgun or high-powered rifle. And it only weighs 3 1/2 ounces.