Scope vs Laser Dot?

[IRM]

Quick poll: Would yall suggest laser dots or scopes for an AR15? I'd go with a scope for my ar10 or a bolt action, but I tried the red dot the other day and I see why people like them, although, Im not sure its for me. Also, could you post your reasoning on each selection?
Thanks

 

[jhnrckr]

Are you talking about a red dot sight or a laser? Red Dots are good for acquiring a fast moving target but for accuracy they arent the greatest, the dot tends to cover more than 1 MOA on the target. If you are talking about adding a laser, you can do that in conjunction with a magnified optic.

 

[rcmodel]

If all your shooting is at close range, say 100-150 yards or less, the 1x red dot sight is faster to get on target then a scope with very much magnification at all.

If you want to shoot small targets a long range, like coyotes or ground hogs at 300 yards, a scope with some magnification is the only option.

A laser sight is useless in sunlight much past 15-20 yards as you can't see the red laser dot.


rc

 

[IRM]

I just meant the red dot, not a laser or anything like that.

 

[chieftain]

Quick poll: Would yall suggest laser dots or scopes for an AR15? I'd go with a scope for my ar10 or a bolt action, but I tried the red dot the other day and I see why people like them, although, Im not sure its for me. Also, could you post your reasoning on each selection?
Thanks

First it is incumbent on the person asking the question to supply all the data necessary for a recommendation first and foremost, what is the mission of the rifle?

For instance, even though I like the ACOG I have on my SIG 556, and the Aimpoint M3 with their 3x optical multiplier on my XCR, on my primary HD carbine a SCAR (L) MK16s, I run an Aimpoint T1. (Note: all my fighting optics are mounted via Larue quick detach mounts, as Tina used to say, "Simply the Best.") On my S&W M&P 22 I run a red dot too. My Beretta Cx4 Storm runs a Eotech XPS 2-0 used for games where a pistol caliber carbine is allowed.

The T1 is very light, allows me to leave it on 24/7 so I do not have to "turn it on" in case of crisis. Stone reliable, and if it should fail, get hit etc. I can shoot through it with my BUIS, or take it off immediately and go with the BUIS that way.

The optic used is based on expected application. My SCAR is my go to fighting weapon. As a civilian I do not expect to be shooting much over 25 yards, for legal reasons if nothing else. Could I, of course, but not expected. I train out to 300 yards.

Probability always out weights possibility in planning for professionals, and rational folks.

If you plan to use your carbine for play, competition, etc, then other glass may be more appropriate. If I was still marching to the guns, I might consider one of the S&B Short dots, or Leupold's new 1x8. But that is a lot of money for glass I do not NEED, and probably would not deploy. Some competitors use them. To rich and heavy for me but arguably the best.

But for home defense and fighting up close, a clean, light, reliable red dot is what I recommend and use. Keeps my carbine light and handy.

Aimpoints micros, proven durability, light weight, for me cleaner sight picture, and their battery life win out in the end.

Good luck.

Fred

 

[Elbert P . Suggins]

Eotech or Aimpoint are great for fast target aquisition and staying on a running target. I have no laser but would think it would be great for 100 feet or less at home in low light situation. Everything has a place where it works best.