Millet or S.P.O.T. red dot?

[ceetee]

This is a version of the "Looking for a cheap red dot" thread. I'm going to be building a flattop AR soon, and I want to get an inexpensive dot sight to see if I like them. Up to now, I've only used irons, or actual scopes, so this is going to be something new to me. Budget is a real concern, as SWMBO has alloted me a strict limit. My choices are narrowing themselves down to this Millet sight which can be had in 1" or 30mm tube, 3moa vs. 5moa dot:

or (if I can cheapen some on furniture and mags) this S.P.O.T. dot sight which comes pretty much 30mm tube and 4moa dot, but which includes a cantilever mount.



Both get decent reviews, the S.P.O.T is nearly three times the cost of the Millet, but neither one even comes close to the cost of an Eotech or the like. Any preferences from those more experienced than I?

 

[JonB]

Check out Bushnell as well.

Thread on AR15.com

 

[Deer Hunter]

I would use the Millet if I were you. They are great optics for the price.

 

[ceetee]

Check out Bushnell as well.

Oh, Geez... another one to choose from! Arrrrrrgh!

 

[kart racer]

I have a spot and is pretty good for the money.The first one I had broke and had a replacement in less than a week.So,if nothing else they will stand behind their product.

 

[JWarren]

The first one I had broke and had a replacement in less than a week

What was the nature of the breakage? That may be a strong indication of any weaknesses in design.

-- John

 

[kart racer]

The front lense came loose.It's the only one I've seen do that.

 

[JWarren]

The front lense came loose.It's the only one I've seen do that.

That sounds like a defect, as opposed to a design weakness. Those things happen.


Can you tell me about the sight picture, the clearness and brightness, and the rectical/dot?


Thanks!

-- John

 

[Shawnee]

Just put a 2x TruGlo, 2.5MOA dot on a Contender barrel a couple days ago. So far it's really pretty nice. $99 incl. shipping.

 

[HJ857]

I was in a similar situation a while back. A friend told me to look into a 1x4 scope rather than a red dot. Similar both eyes open sighting plus better long range effectiveness, and real helpful if you have aging eyes like mine.

I decided to gamble on this idea and went with a Bushnell Banner 1x4 with the circle X reticle.

http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=599425&t=11082005

I also gambled on the cheapest one piece mount I could find. This thing is surprisingly solid. But there are two mount screws under the rings that must be loctited or it'll rattle loose after a hundred rounds or so.

http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=155054&t=11082005

So, the Banner has proven to be a really good scope, it has clarity and contrast that exceeds, by a little bit, my Burris Euro Diamond which cost about 5 times more. It's not a true 1x scope, but I don't have any trouble using it with both eyes open. You have to keep holdover in mind inside 25 yards and I've used it as close as 4 yards. My use has not been bench rested shooting, but more in a 3 gun/tactical competition use - lots of running around and flopping to cover. The Circle-X is pretty sweet. I've used holosights as well and I like this reticle better.

I have around 1500+ rounds through it this winter in this configuration on a M4 Bushmaster flattop and it's not showing any flaws.

I think I'm going to keep this config and replace the Leapers mount with a LaRue quick release at some point, and the scope if and when the Banner dies or when I hit the lottery.

Anyway, just a thought.

 

[strat81]

I'm in the same position right now. I'm looking at:
Bushnell Trophy MP
Burris XTS-135
SPOT Red dot

The Burris is rumored to be the same optic as the SPOT only $50 more expensive and with no mount. Add $25-$50 for one of their XTR rings.

I was leaning towards the Bushnell but the Arfcom guys have been talking about some QC problems lately with them, wonky reticles and such. They're also quite big and heavy.

The SPOT is where I'm headed, I think. It's around $160 inclduing the mount. What's really sold me on them is the Arfcom thread where one guy tortured the thing. He broke the rifle and optic remained zeroed and still worked. He soaked it, buried it in snow, dropped it from 6'-8', tossed it, mounted it on a machine gun (I think it was a 1919). The little bugger always worked.

If you're an Arfcom Team Member, the thread is buried in the archives. PM me and I'll send you the link if you're a team member. Regualar members can't access archives.

None of these are as good as Aimpoints nor do I expect them to be. But, I cannot justify $400-$800 on an optic right now. They show up used on the EE at Arfcom, but I'm leery about buying a used electronic optic that won't have any warranty. The battery life on Aimpoints is great, but I can deal with 200+ hours with a SPOT.

We'll see if I change my mind in the next few days.

 

[kart racer]

Due to my eyesight none of the dots on any red dots seem truly round.It's sight picture is clear has enough brightness levels to work anytime.If it is just for fun and your life isn't depending on the optic,I think you'll like it.

The spot does cowitness fine with the included mounts on a flat top.Mine has an arm rear sight on it.

 

[strat81]

Kart racer, your experience is not uncommon. Some folks see the dots differently than others. Anecdotally speaking, some of this depends on the person, corrective lenses, type of ambient light, and amount of ambient light. I've even heard that the kill-flash on Aimpoints can change it too.

Of course, crooked reticles are another story.