Low power scope or red dot?

[Kestryll]

Which would serve better in a 'scout mount' on a semi .223,
a red dot or a low power pistol scope?
It would mainly be used for HDR\home defense duty and occasionally taken to my inlaws ranch to help with the coyote problem.
I'll admit I am leaning towards the red dot sight but I'm not sure.
Thanks in advance for the input.
Kest

 

[Hk Paul]

personally I would go with the red dot. The reason being is I use powerd scopes for long range, if Im short range I can pick up the target easer with a reflex red dot. Not to mention at night.
And most of the red dots are tough as nails.

 

[Onslaught]

I've got both, and I use the red-dot a lot more often. I use irons most of all, but the red dot is great! I mentioned earlier in the week that I wanted a lightweight hunting carbine specifically for <100 yards... If/when I get one, I will probably put a red-dot on it rather than the 2x8 I originally had planned.

They're faster to acquire, you can keep both eyes open, you can follow your quarry, lead, etc.

Definitely the red-dot. Get a good quality red-dot for HD, and later on, if you still want a scope for hunting coyotes, buy an inexpensive scope when funding permits.

 

[Texas Gunman]

I have both, but use a Millett red dot sight on my AR & AK, they work great, faster than using iron sights.

TG

 

[Hkmp5sd]

I've been pondering a red dot for my AR. What is a good one that balances quality with price (ie the best for the cheapest)?

 

[Gordon]

Aimpoint Comp ML2 can't be beat for CQB, out to 150-200 meters., up close is where the difference shows up most!

 

[444]

Red Dot, hands down.
Unless you are shooting formal target matches, the red dot is the only sight you need right out to the effective range of the rifle/shooter combination.

The ONLY way to go is the Aimpoint ML2, non magnifying, 4 moa dot.

 

[Futo Inu]

HKMP5

Right now Natchez has a Closeout on Redfield Red Dots - they have one that has a selector with 4 dot sizes (4, 8, 12, and 16MOA) - it "regular" price is $289.00 - closeout is $139.99 - dunno anything about them, but they look nice and it says "these are Japanese optics, not the cheaper Chinese red dots."

http://search.cartserver.com/search...p05tics&keywords=redfield+red+dot&go=Find+It!

Another thing - a friend of mine has the Meprolight reflex - it's very nice because it has the FO-illuminated dot like the Trijicon reflex, without the cost of the Trijicon - I want one actually. I wish Trijicon would make one that has both switchable dots (4, 8, 12 MOA), and variable 1-2x, in addition to a FO- illuminated dot, of course.

 

[wardog]

I am also considering a red dot for my 16" AR-15. I am looking at Redfield and Millett for $100-$150. I have the A2 model, so the carry handle is not removable. I can't decide whether I want to forward mount it with one of those expensive mounts, or use a cheap one that puts it a little too high necessitating a cheek piece.

 

[BillL223]

I don't recommend mounting any optic on the top of the carry handle. Your head position is too high and at close range you have a significant (4") difference between point of aim and point of impact. I have had good experience with the Millet in a variety of applications.

 

[Onslaught]

What is a good one that balances quality with price (ie the best for the cheapest)?

OKO Red Dot! Excellent quality optic for half the price of an Aimpoint with mount, but not half the quality...

I have had a few G.I.'s ask to fire my OKO topped AR at the Ft. Benning range, and they commented that they like it much better than the Aimpoint (except they called it something COMPLETELY different) on their M4's. As one of them commented, it's like a cross between an Aimpoint and a Trijicon Reflex. Of course, you can't scuba dive with it, or drop it off a Huey, but it's plenty enough for my Civilian needs. It's a favorite on AR15.com too. It's got a super clean red-dot, a great heads-up feel, and it co-witnesses perfectly without any additional mounts.

I do have the SC4 protective cover, which makes it QD...

WarDog, they also have a forward carry handle mount that's under $70.

 

[Jake 98c/11b]

I think the Army calls the Aimpoint the Mk 68 Close Combat Optic or something like that.

I will be the lone dissenting voice here, even though I am a fan of the Aimpoint I have a decided preference for low powered variables for general purpose guns. The 1.5-5 Leupold is one of my favorites and may still be available with the illuminated reticle, giving some of the advantages of the red dot as well. A fixed 2 power (or up to 3 power) might give some benefits in a forward mount. Reading Coopers comments on the scout scope will say it better than I can.