Questions on red dot scopes for rifles

[Trebor]

I need a red dot or holo scope for my Daewoo K2. I can get a mount, so that's not a problem.

I'm looking at either the Aimpoint M2 or ML2 or one of the Eotech Holoscopes.

I don't know much about either one. How do they compare to each other? Which has the better reticle? Which is more rugged?

Btw, what are the practical differences between the "N" battery and "AA" battery Eotechs? I'm leaning toward the AA battery version (if I go with Eotech) but is there an advantage to the N battery version?

 

[Jorg Nysgerrig]

The N is substantially shorter and a bit lighter. The AA lasts substantially longer.

I have the EOTech 512.

I've shot both, and well, it's very much a personal peference kind of thing.

The Aimpoint has a reputation for being more durable and an insanely long battery life.

As far as reticle the Aimpoints have different dot sizes in different models, either 2 or 4 MOA. Kind of seems too big at longer ranges, but up close looks great. The EOTech has a 1 MOA (some say less than 1 MOA) dot in the middle of a 65 MOA circle. This makes it very fast at close ranges and you can still be pretty precise at longer ranges.

I would recommend seeing if you can try both out and see what you think.

Both are nice optics in my opinion.

 

[DougW]

My son is deployed in the sand box, and has had a chance to use the Aimpoint ML2/M4 and the Eotech/M249. (He has switched between the M4 and M249.) He loves the Aimpoint, and the new one he just ordered for his personal M4gery came in yesterday. It is heavy duty, and will be using the A.R.M.S. mount (I had to order a spacer for it before I can mount it).

As jorg said, I think the 4mil dot will be too big for ranges out to 300-400 yerds in my experience. I would prefer a 1 or maybe a 2mil dot myself. My son has not been involved in any urban encounters, mostly open road type of stuff. He had an option for the Eotech on his M249, but prefers it with open sights. The M4/Aimpoint set up is great for CQB though.

In shooting 3 gun matches with my now 50 year old eyes, I have moved to adding optics to help me with those 350 yard shots, but a scope with a low enough magnification not to be a hinderance at 20 yards. My Mid Length A3 rifle has a Nikkon 1.5X4.5 Turkey scope, which works well. I have looked through but not shot with the Leoupold CQ/T, and it is NICE. But, it is limited to 3X, which limits me somewhat. I have a 2.5X7 on my L1A1, which looks to be a great combination.

Good red dots are nice though for up close and personal. However, my "patrol" CAR15 has open sights. I would like to add a nice red dot and a flat top upper to the CAR some day.

 

[Chindo18Z]

Trebor: To a large degree the question is a S&W vs Colt revolver debate...it boils down to personal preference. Both makes are excellent and well proven under hard combat/field use.

Some prefer the wider field of view provided by the Eotechs.
Some prefer the slightly more durable construction of the Aimpoints.
Some prefer the control button layouts of one over the other.

A key consideration (rarely discussed on shooting forums) is battery type vs. weather.

AA battery versions will not operate nearly as reliably in extremely cold weather.

Anyone who has used an AA, C, or D cell flashlight for extended periods outdoors in the winter will understand. The AA batteries will die after exposure to low temps. An all day hunting trip, leaving your weapon and optic in your vehicle trunk overnight...you get the picture.

Use of Lithium AAs mitigates this problem somewhat but the N battery versions last a hell of a lot longer in cold. Something to consider.

I personally prefer Aimpoint and would recommend the Aimpoint Comp ML2 for non-military / non-night vision device use. But, if you like the Eotech, get it. You won't be disappointed either way.

 

[grimjaw]

This thread doesn't cover those two types specifically, but it does have some useful information.

http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=3&f=18&t=280593

I've got an Aimpoint M2. I've used other similar red dots before and I prefered that to the Eotech controls. Plus it's one of the few ruggedly built red dots that will allow cowitness with standard AK sights.

jm

 

[sharkhunter2018]

i have a Aimpoint Comp ML3 mounted on a WASR-10 GP and i have no regrets. and since i have a low profile ring, it allows me to cowitness. i dont know much about the Eotechs. the Aimpoint though is certainly durable. no special procedures required under most extreme conditions (extreme heat and cold, salt air, dust/sand storms and high altitudes). for the majority of them, the only procedure is to keep the lens caps closed and battery and adjustment screw caps are tight. a temp range ranging from -50 F to 160 F and submersible to 135 feet (straight from the manual...lol)

 

[Trebor]

Thanks for the info. Looks like I could still go either way. I think I'll see which one I can get a better price on and decide that way. I wouldn't do that normally, but it still seems to be a toss up for me.

 

[sansone]

battery life is not an issue. I put one back in the safe turned on and pulled it out week later and still burning. (mounted on a pistol). easier to shoot with my tired old eyes. easy to shoot with both eyes open too