Red dot/holographic reflex sight question

I decided to move up in the world of optics to red dot for my vZ-58, but went through two cheapies that just didn't work. I looked at SWFA website, was immediately swamped with choices from the cheap to the OMG. What I want is something rugged, reliable, decent battery life, 2 MOA dot or so, reflex, doesn't cost and arm and a leg. Right now, I am looking at an EOtech 512 from Midway forjust over $400, (when I get a certain payment), but have heard a few people say they are suffering from battery wire disconnect issues? Also, looked at the Aimpoint T-1 on a reccomendation, but too much spread, $750+ from SWFA.
What works for you guys? Right now stuck with a $50 Leapers, that does work, I have to admit. But, I would like to upgrade, something fun to use at the range, and useful for HD if needed. Is it an expensive toy? Of course, so we'll skip that argument right from the get go.

 

I have the EOtech. Love it. Hard to find better for the money. I can't justify spending more - well, at least not for now.

 

Just spotted this....

http://thehighroad.org/showthread.php?p=5772166#post5772166

 

Thanks for the hookup, but I don't have my money yet, darn it. Coming soon, according to theory.

 

I'm a fan of the aimpoints and thinks this meets the requirements of what you are looking for:

 

Red Dot

I've had two Doctors, 2 Bushnells, and 2 C-More's. The Doctors are pricey the Bushnells and C-More's little over $250.00 both good buy for the money. The bushnell's run on my competition shotguns and the C-More's run on my Open Guns. The Doctor's gave me trouble had a led crack in half in one and the other a wire came loose. In order to make them work you need to send in and have them worked over for $150.00 not worth the expense. One thing nice about the Doctor's they can be melded into the slide. Evereyone has their preference mine is the Bushnell and C-More.

 

I used Aimpoints and Eotechs when I was in the Army. My personal preference is for Eotechs. If I ever get a new upper for my AR, an Eotech will go on it.

 

You did say how you plan to mount which can make difference or what price range.

Aimpoint T-1 - $600

Aimpoint ML3 - $450

Burris Extreme XTS-135 Aimpoint style sight - $250

UltraDot - around $150

Konus Pro Atomic Aimpoint T-1 style mini RD sight - $99 Lifetime replacement warranty & Excellent customer service from Konus USA


Here is a picture of the Konus T-1 sight. I have two of them and they have held up well. One is on an AK The mount is very durable it has a 1/2" steel hex nut. The dot setting needs to be set on the highest settings 10 or 11 in bright sunlight.




All will give good service. If it's not a SHTF serious rifle I wouldn't drop a lot $ on a RD sight.


GC

 

Yep, the vZ is my everything rifle, so I want good optics. I have a loaner C-More to try as soon as the adapter comes in. Budget is about $400, when I get this payment I am expecting.
Mounting would be on the Zahal/Mako quad rail forearm seen here. Yes, the side rails are missing, don't need them right now. That's the cheapie Leapers on it right now.

 

I have an Eotech. I like it, but I'd probably buy an Aimpoint next time - because the Aimpoint is far ahead in battery life and somewhat ahead in ruggedness, reliability and durability. For what you describe I think an Aimpoint will be best. There are Aimpoints in the $300-400 range, though you'll need to buy a separate mount which isn't cheap. If you really want an Eotech it would also be good, but definitely get the AA battery model (512 or 517) because the "N" battery model (511 and some others) has short battery life with expensive, hard to find batteries - not a good combination.

The Konus is getting good reviews everywhere I look, but if the gun is your SHTF go-to, I'd get an Aimpoint.

 

If you are going to mount it forward and up high I get a RD sight that mounts as low as possible.

The Aimpoint T-1 is the best choice. It's costly but it will have a very good resale value if you ever decided to sale it.

If you don't want to spend $600 the Konus T-1 style sight for $99 is a very good lower cost sight. With the lifetime warranty and excellent customer service how can you lose.

Here is a Konus T-1 on my AK mounted the same way as you plan to mount yours.








GC

 

I've had a Trijicon Reflex II sight for about ten years now. It's been on just about everything I've owned at one time or another, including rifles and magnum handguns. Never needs a battery and is one tough sight, should last a lifetime. Never had one problem with it.

Has nice click adjustments that can be made with a coin or cartridge rim. The triangle 'dot' gives a precise aiming point and is crystal clear.

Spendy, but trustworthy.

 

I've got a couple of Aimpoint ML-2's and have no complaints. Some folks like the Eotechs but they have a reputation for poor battery life.

 

Trijicon makes great optics. You could always go with an ACOG and put a reflex sight on the top (doctor or something) But it will most likely be outside of the $400 budget. Just a suggestion

 

Aimpoint CompC3's here.
http://www.opticsplanet.net/aimpoint-red-dot-sights.html