Red dot scopes--is bigger generally better?

[benEzra]

Looking for a "starter" red-dot for my SAR-1 (will be riding on an Ultimak rail). Due to price constraints, my choices are a BSA 30mm or a Tasco Pro Point 42mm. I have never shot a rifle with a red dot, so I was wondering if the bigger scope would be easier to use, particularly regarding target acquisition.

(Please, no "save up and buy an EOTech/Aimpoint/Leupold" recommendations; I can't afford that right now.)

 

[GunGoBoom]

I would say, YES, bigger is generally better, because, since a *good* red dot is going to be parallax-free at all angles, why not take advantage of this fact and have a larger 2-D surface area within which to acquire the red dot as you shoulder the rifle (from any angle), which will give you faster target/sight acquisition. And by definition, a rifle on which the dot is the optic of choice decided upon, it is more important to have quick acquistion than precision (if it was a precision rifle, you'd have a magnified optic). My two cents.

 

[browningguy]

I've got the Propoint 42mm on my .50 Beowulf, a BSA RD30 on my SU16A, and a Propoint PDP3 (25mm) on my SKS. Between the larger two their really isn't much difference for me, the Propoint is maybe a little clearer, but not a lot of difference. However the $89 PDP3 is more accurate for me. It's a little slower to pick up for fast shots but I like it a lot.

 

[rockstar.esq]

Just a question to piggyback, The dot brightness seems like a hugely significant factor for all around useability for a red dot. Are all the brightness ranges sufficient? Are there points where it's too bright but the next step lower is too far? Inquiring minds want to know.

 

[Marshall]

Generally you can always pick up your dot unless you facing into the sun. I prefer the smallest yet brightest setting for accuracy. A big fat harry dot makes it tougher.

 

[Don't Tread On Me]

Fact: NO reddot is truly parallax free. Even the Aimpoint has a little bit of parallax under 15 yards.


In my experience, sub-$100 reddots all have weak dots that wash out in the bright noon sun. Burris Speeddot, Nikon, Aimpoint, EOtech, C-more/ATN style sights all are nice and bright on their higher settings. I'd like to handle an Ultradot soon.


BSA, Tasco et al, are all weak and I easily lose them in bright sun. You have to be under alot of shade, and be using a black target to pick up the dot. And no, I've used new batteries - so it's not that.


I hate putting a price tag on what is minimum quality - but the $40-$70 dots seem only good for dark indoor ranges.



Bottom line - DON'T BUY A DOT OPTIC UNLESS YOU GET TO LOOK THROUGH ONE. Don't buy sight unseen - you might be disappointed.

 

[Too Many Choices!?]

Get the BSA, For the money it can't be beat..

Mine is surprisingly parallax free...It does have to be set very high in bright light but is still easily picked up, on 10 or 11(11 is the highest setting)...battery life is adequate(but runs down quick because of the need to use the high setting in day light)... Makes 80yds double taps on soda cans almost too easy with my M4 and AR-pistol(my ak muzzle brake probably helps) ...

BSA- The Wolf ammo of optics....Cheap, but works.

PS- I keep atleast two spare batteries for all my optics in the buttstock(m4), or in the grip(ARpistol)...

 

[Aguila Blanca]

Mine is surprisingly parallax free...It does have to be set very high in bright light but is still easily picked up, on 10 or 11(11 is the highest setting)...battery life is adequate(but runs down quick because of the need to use the high setting in day light)... Makes 80yds double taps on soda cans almost too easy with my M4 and AR-pistol(my ak muzzle brake probably helps) ...

BSA- The Wolf ammo of optics....Cheap, but works.

PS- I keep atleast two spare batteries for all my optics in the buttstock(m4), or in the grip(ARpistol)...

I respectfully disagree. I slao have a BSA, and it is useless on a bright day. Tasco is at the same price point and I suspect they roll out of the same factory, so I don't think it's going to be any better. The 42mm will be better in low light, because the larger objective will gather more light and let you see the target beyond the dot better.

 

[AK103K]

I have a couple of different dot sights. They all seem to work pretty well and price isnt always an indicator of how well they will work. I have a cheapie, $40 BSA 30mm sight that has been on and off a half dozen rifles and works fine. I also have a $100 Bushnell sight with changeable reticules that wont hold zero between them when you switch. If you leave it alone, its fine.

I have a Tasco 26mm Pro Point on my SAR on an Ultimak. It works well and allows you to co-witness your iron sights.(the BSA will co-witness too) Its on low Weaver rings that screw down. This sight has both red and green dots. I like and use the red the most, but supposedly the green is better for daylight use. Personally, I dont see that it is.

I also have an Aimpoint ML2 on a Larue lever mount on my AK103K, also on an Ultimak. It wont co-witness, but it comes right off.(it will let you co-witness at the 400m setting) As far as I'm concerned, Aimpoints are the only way to go. I know you said you didnt want to hear it, but really, start saving, the Aimpoints are well worth the extra money.

One thing you can do if your sight is capable of taking flip cap covers, like the Butler Creek type, is to use it with the front cover closed. You dont need a killflash this way and it gives you a black background if your dot washes out. Yes, you can still shoot with it this way, as this is how the originals(Trijicon OEG type) worked. You shoot with both eyes open and your brain does the rest. Also doesnt show any light from the front in the dark.

 

[benEzra]

Does anyone know if the 42mm ProPoint sits low enough to co-witness the irons if it's mounted on an Ultimak rail?

 

[AK103K]

I'm going to say, yes, probably, but I dont have one to say for sure. My BSA is of that type and does so without any problems. The mount being attached to the sight in that manner makes it basically sit on top of the rail, so I'm pretty sure it will work. On most of the "tube" types, like my Pro Point and Bushnell, you have to use the lowest rings possible to get it to work, and even then it may not work. Its not going to happen with any of the heads up type sights like the Eotech, due to how they are set up.

If you use a mount or rings that can come off without tools, its really no biggie if they dont co-witness. The dot sight can be gone pretty quick to instantly depending on what you go with.

 

[boofus]

Size of the tube shouldn't matter if you aim with both eyes open.

 

[atblis]

The BSA dots

cost about what they are worth. They work most/some of the time.

30mm seems about right (42 is okay). Bigger than that, and they would start getting clunky.

The ATN Digital Ultrasight was almost okay, but got returned because it had a few quirks. Despite being "parralax free" it the poa shifted with head position. It was kinda annoying that it changed settings evertime the gun was fired.

I was not impressed with the ACOG reflex. Yes, the both eyes open thing works, but when a little precision is required it is nice to have some decent optics to look through. I did like the fact that the ACOG seemed rugged. Chances are it'll work.