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Red dot advice

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vamo

vamo

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Mar 18, 2012
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Missouri
Thinking of buying an optics ready rifle. Problem is I am completely clueless when it comes to optics.

What I am thinking about is a red dot with a separate magnifier (probably 2 or 4x). The range I shoot at has a max distance of 100yds so I don't need anything super powerful, and I'm not a hunter so anything too powerful will be over kill.

If I get a quality optic will it be necessary to "re zero" if I remove the magnifier or will it still be accurate?

I'm not brand loyal and hate to pay more for anything than necessary so what are some good bang for the buck brands when it comes to red dots?

I'm also not completely opposed to a low powered traditional scope, but definitely leaning toward the red dot.
 
The red dot sight does all the zeroing, so removing the magnifier won't matter. A red dot without magnifier will almost always be lighter than a traditional scope. Also, at 100 yards max range you really don't even need a magnifier.

As far as which sight / magnifier combo to get can be a little more involved. The two biggest questions are: Will the rifle be used for HD/SD, or will it strictly be a range gun? And, What would you like to spend on the setup?
 
Its going to be a range gun for the most part. As far as price range is concerned I want to get away as cheap as possible without getting a PoS that I am just going to have to re-zero every range trip. Like I said I am a bit ignorant when it comes to optics so I don't know what separates a $30 optic from a $500 optic. Getting away for around $100 for the optic would be nice, but I'll defer to more knowledgeable people as to wether I can get a quality a piece for that.

As far as magnifiers are concerned does quality go up with price? Or is everything more or less equal at the same magnification?
 
You can shoot 100 yards with open sights and one hand tied behind your back!
You can probably throw a rock that far!

However, if you feel you must have optics for 100 yards?

Look into a variable power scope in the 1-4x range.

It will do it all.

http://www.primaryarms.com/Primary-Arms-1-4X-24-Illuminated-Scope-PA14X-p/pa14x.htm

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/33...m-pig-plex-reticle-matte?cm_vc=ProductFinding

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/34...ated-btr-1-reticle-matte?cm_vc=ProductFinding

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/99...llistic-cq-reticle-matte?cm_vc=ProductFinding


rc
 
Wow that vortex is way cheaper than anywhere else has it. I've heard PSA can take awhile to ship firearms, are they generally faster with accessories?
 
vamo said:
Wow that vortex is way cheaper than anywhere else has it. I've heard PSA can take awhile to ship firearms, are they generally faster with accessories?
Click to expand...
I think so. I used to order magazines from them and never had a problem.
 
I'll second the comment that there's no real "need" for optics on a red-dot at 100m.

I run an Aimpoint H1 on my AR and manage "AR size" groups with it at 100m. The sight itself weighs 84g and is bomproof. Buy once, cry once.

I wouldn't recommend getting anything through the internet until you have looked through a few red-dots sights in real life. This is so you can check to see if you suffer from astigmatism - a lot of people do, it's relatively common. The effect is to make a red dot look more like a squiggle than a dot. There are varying degrees of astigmatism, so if you have it you need to check to see if it has a detrimental effect on what you see through a red dot sight. Note also that someone with astigmatism might "see" a clearer, more defined red-dot through one make/model of red dot sight, but see something totally unacceptable through another.

If you have specific questions, please ask.
 
I do want some magnification as I don't currently own any guns with a magnified optic. I know a 100yds is a short distance for most here, but thus far I haven't even come close to mastering it with irons so I feel I'll still find a small magnification to be at least a bit of a challenge. But that's also part of the reason I want a scope + magnifier, if its too easy I can just take off the magnifier.

I don't believe I have an astigmatism, I don't really go to the eye doctor since I don't need glasses so I guess its possible that I could have a mild one and not know. I do currently own a gun with a red dot on it, and see it fine. However, its a cheap gun so I put the cheapest optic I could find on it, and it works well enough for the purpose of that weapon. I'm spending quite a bit more on this weapon so I want what people would consider a decent optic.

Thanks everyone for the advice so far, think I'm leaning toward that vortex, but I'm still open to other ideas.
 
If you ever plan on shooting for speed, a red dot will be faster than irons.
 
I'm kinda in the same boat as the OP. Thought I wanted a red dot, but now I'm starting to lean towards a 1-4x scope to get the added benefit of some magnification.
I like RCModel's recommendations (as usual). I'd also like to add that Leupold has come out with their Mark AR line of low-power scopes - they even have one with an illuminated dot they call the FireDot, which almost turns it into a red dot (green dot?):

Leupold Mark AR MOD 1 Rifle Scope 1.5-4x 20mm 1/10 Mil Adjustments Matte

Unfortunately, it's not a true 1x, it's 1.5x. It also puts it priced about the same (more?) than an Aimpoint Pro if you go with the FireDot model. On the plus side, it's made in the USA, and it's a leupold. Decisions, decisions...
 
I have a Vortex strikefire and IMO its a decent Red dot for the money, very sturdy and holds zero just fine it comes with a 2 x magnifier but you will lose some eye relief while using it nice red dot either way
 
Bang for the buck, I believe it is hard to beat:

-Nikon P223 for low power AR scope ($125)

-Vortex Strikefire for a budget RDS ($130)

-Real deal Aimpoint for a quality, super-rugged RDS ($400 & up)

-Burris Fastfire III for a micro RDS ($240)
 
If you are going for a red dot, a 2 or 3 MOA dot is more than adequate for 100 yard shooting, and no need for a magnifier.
 
The Vortex Strikefire is very nice. I love mine. Primary Arms makes very good optics as well, and offers discounts on their magnifiers if you buy them when buying the red dot. This gentleman did a torture test on the PA micro dot. http://www.tacticalsandwich.com/?p=78
 
i have the Vortex Strikefire and I really like it... I sometimes wish the 4 MOA dot was maybe a 2 MOA, but I still hit fairly easily at 100 yards... I can hit pretty good at 200 yards with it.. I've not tried past that yet...
 
The Primary Arms or Bushnell are about the least expensive I would use. They should hold up just fine to moderate range use.

If you can afford the Vortex, I say go for it. It's a step up from the others I mentioned, and I think you'll be pleased with the improvements for such a small price increase.
 
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