Red dot sight info for those with little knowledge

[intercooler]

Hello!

I'm looking for a red dot or similar sight to put on top of a S&W 22A. I see some that look like a window and others that look like a scope. Anyone have info on a good reliable one with nice features? Any benefit getting the scope version vs the window version? I would like to kind of keep it low profile if possible so I don't build alot of bulk. If you have info on these I would love to hear.

 

[Dudemeister]

I used to use a NCStar RedDot on my Buckmark, but found that I prefer to shoot open sights. My son is using it now on his Beretta U22 Neos. Considering how inexpensive it is, it works quite well and it maintains its accuracy (no drift) even after extended hours at the range.

Just Google "NCSTAR Red Dot" and you'll find it all over (like Amazon) for around $30-40

To answer your question about open vs. scope type, this let you keep both your eyes open to easily track the target as it comes into the cross-hairs.

BTW there are a couple of versions, one with red & green illumination and 3 brightness levels and another with red only, but 6 levels of brightness. Both models have 4 different reticles (dot, cross-hairs, large circle with center dot and small circle with cross-hairs).

 

[Rubber_Duck]

NC STar is junk. I had the above cope mounted on a Ruger 10/22 where it wouldn't hold zero. Then I mounted it to an airsoft gun and it broke. Th "real" version of the above is the Mueller Quick Shot which sells for about one bill but I don't have any experience with it.

I have also used the Primary Arms scopes and they are very good for the money, and for use on a rimfire rifle they will suffice.

Check them out here: http://primaryarms.com/product.sc?productId=18&categoryId=419
And here: http://primaryarms.com/category.sc?categoryId=419

You get what you pay for with optics, but on a rimfire gun you can skimp a little and not break the optics since holding zero and reliability isn't a big deal on a range toy.

 

[Canuck-IL]

Points to consider ... the tube type usually have click stops on the brightness adjustment, many of the 'Doctor' or window-pane style don't. The tube type are easier to use in bright light while the pane types washout more easily or are harder to attain. When the lighting is right however, I think the open style are easier to attain rapidly.

I'd agree that anything with the NCStar name is not worth the packaging it comes ... this after experience with 2 of their products (1 scope, 1 spotter).

The most rugged of the tube type is the UltraDot - lifetime guarantee and they're robust enough to be slide mounted on 45s - most Bullseye shooters use this type. They start around $130 and are available in 1 in and 30mm, with fixed 4 moa dot or adjustable dots (more $$ - most guys use the fixed size). Bushnell and many others make less expensive comparable models.

Many open are available from a variety of makers - just stay away from NCStar.
/Bryan

 

[Dudemeister]

I'm surprised at all the negative feedback on the NCStar. I've only used a couple of their red dots, but both have performed fine. Granted I don't think they'd survive a large firearm, but the red dots have worked fine for .22LR pistols (Buckmark and Berreta Neos).

I also have one of them is on a airsoft M4. This is a full auto all metal gas blowback rifle that has more kick than the .22 version of AR15 that S&W sells. This one has been banged around pretty good, and it still works OK.

Points to consider ... the tube type usually have click stops on the brightness adjustment, many of the 'Doctor' or window-pane style don't. The tube type are easier to use in bright light while the pane types washout more easily or are harder to attain. When the lighting is right however, I think the open style are easier to attain rapidly.

This red dot has brightness adjustments, and at it's brightest it more than visible in bright sunlight. The glass is angled back so that it doesn't reflect sunlight, and the light source is set back far enough to not be affected by the sun unless it shines directly into it, which means it would shine directly in your eyes at that point. Let's just say that I've never been in a situation where I couldn't see the red dot.

So for me the NCStar has given me my money's worth. It's also cheap enough to try and see if you actually like using it, If you don't then at least you didn't spend a fortune. I found that I like it on a rifle, but not so much on a pistol. I restored my Buckmark to open sights, and I prefer it that way. My son on the other hand loves it on his Neos.

 

[mott]

red dot

I only know about the BSA scope type red dot.
have one on a buckmark .22 pistol and another just like it on a 10/22 ruger.
these are the rd30 models that I bought through optics planet .com.
only good to say after a year. shipping was also free with an order over $30.
I had to order an extra battery to get the free shipping each time.
I needed to use lock tight on the mounting screws to keep them from walking
off the mounts.
very happy with these inexpensive units.

 

[Japle]

NCStar is junk.

+75

I've got one you can have.

It's interesting.

You turn it on and shoot. It turns off. Shoot again and it turns back on. Sometimes.

It's done that since it was new.

 

[mott]

red dot

intercooler, thought I should say I really use these red dots and guns alot,
they dont set around. We shoot sometimes three times a week.
I believe they mount your 22a with no extra hardwear like my buckmark needed. You would need an extra battery in the case, when it starts to go ,its gone.

 

[LiquidTension]

The Primary Arms micro dot is the only thing I'd consider putting on a plinking rifle other than a real Aimpoint. They seem to hold up pretty well on rimfires and they're only $80.

http://primaryarms.com/product.sc?productId=402&categoryId=419

 

[wally]

I've had zero success with the low cost reflex sights like the NcStar in the photo. I've had near universal success with the cheap tube types including a $20 "Target Sports" from CDNN on a .44Mag revolver. Only the BEC brand has been no good for me.

The Tasco at WalMart is a good starting point. The Primary arms micro I have on an Ultimak gas tube rail has held up fine so far.

 

[rickman]

Here's a pic of a S&W 22A with a Reflex style optic. I've been using this for over a year and it still holds it's zero.