Need help with a red dot for an AR

[Steve H]

Red dot optics are new to me. Today I decided to put a red dot on the new AR. Problem is I know very little about red dot optics. What I think I want is the type of red dot that does mot look like a scope. I want to describe this as a "ring" or "halo" around the glass. My budget is around $300. I have seen this type of sight on pistols. Can anyone steer me in the direction it think I'm talking about?

 

[1KPerDay]

VERY GENERALLY SPEAKING:
The two basic types are the "holographic" type (EOtech and Bushnell copies) which have the little ring around the central dot (unless it's another variant) and the Aimpoint type, which come in either 30ish mm diameter (Comp M2/M3/M4) tubes or the Micro type (H1/T1) which are smaller and lighter.

Personally I like the aimpoint micro (or the Primary Arms copies).

You used to be able to get an Aimpoint PRO for about $300 on sale but those days are gone for a while, I fear. Micros start about $500.

You might be able to get an EOtech for about $300 if you look around. Battery life isn't as good as the aimpoints. But you can get AA battery variants.

 

[Steve H]

I saw this Leupold DeltaPoint Reflex Sight (Cross Slot Mount) 3.5 MOA Dot. It was at Amazon http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1389517282&pf_rd_i=507846

Is this type suitable for AR use? What mounts would it need for a flat top?

 

[1KPerDay]

Yes it is... a bit small for most people's taste as a primary optic for a rifle. some run them as backups or on handguns, etc.

 

[1KPerDay]

As for mounts, you need anything that says "picatinny" or M1913 rail mount. But AR optics also need risers, generally, because the stock is straight back from the flat top.

 

[Jenrick]

Check out primary arms for lower cost optics.

-Jenrick

 

[mizer67]

Aimpoint Pro is the only thing I'd recommend in this price range. $400 if you shop around.

 

[wally]

Not everyone can adjust to using red dots. You have to overcome all your training to focus on the front sight or the scope reticle and instead focus on the target and look "thru" the dot. Its while they rule in CQB as not matter how well trained, tis damn hard to not look at the target when the bullets are flying both ways!

So I recommend the Primary Arms as a first one, and if they work for you and you like them then you can buy better for your next one.

I like them so much I've half a dozen of the PA red dots on various rifles and pistols, if any of them break I'll replace them with the $400 Aimpoints, but so far in 3+ years of usage none have given any issues other than short battery life compared to the Aimpoints -- but they use CR2032 batteries which are PC clock batteries and are dirt cheap from places like cyberguys.com.

 

[M1key]

I just ordered an Ultradot for my AR carry handle. I'll let you know how I like it.

M

 

[Justin]

Spend the money and get an Aimpoint Micro.

 

[Welding Rod]

Spend the money and get an Aimpoint Micro.

I agree, or an Aimpoint M4s. It cost about $100 more than a T-1, but comes with a proper height mount for an AR.

 

[Okiegunner]

I have a couple of fairly cheap sights. A Vortex Strikefire and a Sightmark QD holographic.

Allow me to say this...My short term sight goal is to buy a Mako "Meprolight 21" QD holographic sight, used by the IDF. Around $480.00 or so.

Anyhow, the Vortex is a very nice lower priced red-dot sight (around $160.00-170.00). However...I really like the Sightmark QD sight. You can purchase these for $100.00-130.00 on the internet. Very simple to use with 4 different power settings and 4 different reticles.

 

[highpower]

I searched around and did some research and went with a Vortex SPARC. At about $200 delivered, I felt it was the best deal for what I wanted. So far it has been 100% reliable.

 

[gotigers]

Primary Arms has all of them. PA has great prices and better customer service.

I like Eotech's sight picture and reticle better. Aimpoint has much better batter life. For a civie, the Eotech battery life is fine. At least for me it is. Both are great manufacturers.

Burris and Vortex have nice red dots that might work for you.

If you plan on getting a magnifier with your red dot, then think of a 1-3x or 1-4x scope as an option. The magnifier will add weight. A 1-3x or 1-4x scope allows fast and close shooting with both eyes open and can zoom out for 300-400 yard shots. If you do get a magnifier, then get a QD mount.

 

[csa77]

I just recently bought myself a red dot , I did a lot of research between the aimpoint and eotech . Both are excellent for what they are.

I ended up buying a eotech xps2. I like the large window and mostly the 1 Moa dot , i also read that the eotech is superior when magnified due to the image being micro laser dots as opposed to a led

on the other hand aimpoint is damn near indestructible and has absurdly long battery life, depending on the model it can be the lightest option

 

[Jenrick]

What do you want the optic for, range work or social purposes? If it's the first, pretty much anything will work okay. If it's the later, the manufactures to use go down to a handful.

-Jenrick

 

[Browning]

What I think I want is the type of red dot that does mot look like a scope. I want to describe this as a "ring" or "halo" around the glass. My budget is around $300. I have seen this type of sight on pistols. Can anyone steer me in the direction it think I'm talking about?

What I think you're talking about are the older type C-More red dot sights.

C-More RDS (*Click*)

They work fine, but it's older technology and they're a little more fragile that the current crop of RDS's. Personally I'd save up and get one of the smaller and lighter versions of the EOTech, but it's up to you.

EOTech Red Dot Sights (*Click*)

 

[Browning]

Unless you're talking about a Trijicon RMR.

 

[Steve H]

OK I have looked (online) at the Trijicon RMR, Amipoint Pro, C Mor and a couple of others. It sure gets confusing. Why the wide variations in MOA? It would be nice to have them in front of you for a side by side comparison

 

[bpl]

It would be nice to have them in front of you for a side by side comparison

Got a Cabelas near you?

 

[1KPerDay]

larger dots are faster and easier to see shooting up close, or holding the optic at arm's length (handgun, forward mount on rifle).

smaller dots are better for accuracy.

 

[Steve H]

I wish..............almost 4 hours away. The Stores in St. George UT are about 40 minutes away but stock there is almost nonexistent

 

[Fishbed77]

Aimpoint Pro is the only thing I'd recommend in this price range. $400 if you shop around.

Ditto. The Aimpoint PRO represents a tremendous value for $400. It's basically a a package deal that includes the 2 MOA dot CompM3 optic plus an excellent (if slightly bulky) QRP2 mount.

Battery life is measured in years. I've had one for two years and have never turned it off. I love the fact there are no buttons to fumble with in an emergency, and the dot and glass are of the same clarity as any other Aimpoint (which is to say better than any other brand of red dot).

 

[willroute]

Aimpoint

Aimpoint pro is a great value. comes with nice mount and battery life is awesome.


you can get them at Gt distributors now for 400. I would buy one soon if I were you.


http://www.gtdist.com/ProductDetail.aspx?PartNumber=AP-12841

 

[b7tac]

I have an Aimpoint PRO on my middy, but its a bit out of your price range ($400).

My shooting buddy just picked up a Vortex Spark and it seems to be solid. He said he paid
$200 or so for it.