Searaching for an AR scope.
- Thread starter grahng
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BsChoy
Member
The ultra dot, unless put on a riser, will be too low to use and will not co-witness iron sights at all. The same with the Trophy. The Burris will need a riser as well. Of those I would go with the burris and buy a Larue Irondot mount. It protects the sight and puts it on the right plane for your eye and co-witnessing irons.
There are lots of good alternatives at AR15.com. Primary arms makes aimpoint clones that are very well liked and and are inexpensive.
There are lots of good alternatives at AR15.com. Primary arms makes aimpoint clones that are very well liked and and are inexpensive.
Yeah, if you want to stay on the cheap, check out Primary Arms. At least they are straight forward enough not to try to convince you that their stuff is as good as the real thing (although they do sell the real thing too). The knock offs that they sell are as good (if not better) than any other, but they stand behind their product and customer service is really good too.
Ultra Dot makes good products, but if I recall, their dot is on the big side and is more suited to action pistol shooting. You can get the Ultra Dot to the right height using either high or ultra high rings. The only other downside to the Ultra Dot is that it's not going to have that "tactical" look to the rig.
The bushnell is a bushnell. Some love 'em and some hate 'em.
Can't comment on the Fastfire, except to say that the combo with the Larue mount will run around $350, which kind of defeats the intention of staying on a budget. At that price, you could get a deal on a used M series Aimpoint.
I'd check out primary arms and get one of the Aimpoint knock offs if you are on a budget. If you are not on a budget, but are only considering those listed because you weren't aware of other options, I'd consider an Aimpoint M3, Aimpoint T1 or an ACOG TA44SG-10.
Ultra Dot makes good products, but if I recall, their dot is on the big side and is more suited to action pistol shooting. You can get the Ultra Dot to the right height using either high or ultra high rings. The only other downside to the Ultra Dot is that it's not going to have that "tactical" look to the rig.
The bushnell is a bushnell. Some love 'em and some hate 'em.
Can't comment on the Fastfire, except to say that the combo with the Larue mount will run around $350, which kind of defeats the intention of staying on a budget. At that price, you could get a deal on a used M series Aimpoint.
I'd check out primary arms and get one of the Aimpoint knock offs if you are on a budget. If you are not on a budget, but are only considering those listed because you weren't aware of other options, I'd consider an Aimpoint M3, Aimpoint T1 or an ACOG TA44SG-10.
Z-Michigan
Member
Best cheap red dot is the Vortex Strikefire, and it's available with a mount intended for an AR-15 to co-witness. $150 complete, some places include shipping in that price (Liberty Optics, Opticsplanet). It's durable, good quality, and if it ever breaks Vortex will replace it. A few extra bucks would be well spent, IMHO. (I own one, as well as an Eotech, some cheapies, and formerly owned an Aimpoint.)
Hey guys........Some really great thoughts. I appreciate your time. I do want to stay with a tactical look of course. Just curious, tony, why the M2?
For now, I'm at the range mostly. Will the 4 moa dot work for 50-100 yds?
Thanks again.
For now, I'm at the range mostly. Will the 4 moa dot work for 50-100 yds?
Thanks again.
I forgot about the Vortex products too. They get good reviews, but I don't know personally.
As for the M2, I think I mentioned the M3. I mentioned that just because I prefer it to the M4. I suggested the M3 over the M2 because of battery life and for no other reason. Actually, you may be able to make a killer deal on an M2 and if you can, you should. It doesn't have the battery life of the newer models, but it's no slouch.
4 MOA will work fine at any distance. It's just that for many, they can shoot more precisely with the 2 MOA dot. All I do with a 4 MOA dot is to zero using the top of the dot rather than the center. That way, it will hit pretty much where you aim up close, but will allow more precise shooting at distance.
As for the M2, I think I mentioned the M3. I mentioned that just because I prefer it to the M4. I suggested the M3 over the M2 because of battery life and for no other reason. Actually, you may be able to make a killer deal on an M2 and if you can, you should. It doesn't have the battery life of the newer models, but it's no slouch.
4 MOA will work fine at any distance. It's just that for many, they can shoot more precisely with the 2 MOA dot. All I do with a 4 MOA dot is to zero using the top of the dot rather than the center. That way, it will hit pretty much where you aim up close, but will allow more precise shooting at distance.
sleepyone
Member
Nikon makes an AR-specific scope. If it anywhere near as good as my Buckmaster rifle scopes, I would consider it. If I get an AR this weekend at the gun show, I'm going to look at that one. I really don't have an interest in a illuminated scope that has all kinds of whiz bang stuff on it. More stuff to break and mess with. I will be using my AR to hunt hogs and do long range shooting; all of it during the day. Don't see a need for red and green illuminated optics with multiple brightness levels.
MoDerN_WarRioR
Member
I have mentioned the Vortex Strike fire on thise site many times and i will continue too. Great company to deal with if you have problems. The Strikefire is based of the Aimpoint profile so it really looks very tacticool and it really really is a solid and well built sight. Comes with the red/green dot with 10 brightnesses. Night Vision mode... and a 2x magnifier if you want to put it on there or not. I own a couple of them and will continue to purchase more. At $150 each, they really got their stuff together!
+++ Vortex Strikefire!
+++ Vortex Strikefire!
benEzra
Moderator Emeritus
A brand new Eotech 516 (lower 1/3 cowitness without a riser, <1 MOA dot in a 65 MOA circle) is about $439 and runs on batteries available at Walmart. I agree, once you get into the mid-300's, you are only a small step away from top-tier optics.
Uncle Mike
Member
A very important point for the SHTF type guys, it'll be terribly hard to get 'anything' during these times, much less an odd, or specialized battery!
GIJOEL
Member
What about c-more? There sights start around the 200 mark, and offer a holographic sight picture. I havnt used one in years but I remember the c-more was pretty nice once sighted in.
wally
Member
C-more is a very good red dot, but it is not holographic, its just a reflex like the Fastfire.
On a budget IMHO the Vortex Strikfire is the best, as has been said -- perfect co-witness if you get the AR model and compact enough to leave decent room for BUIS at the back.
I also like the Bushnell "T-Dot" but is a bit on the large size and won't leave room for BUIS unless you can mount it over the delta ring -- works great on my Colt 6940 full length rail.
terminalguns
Member
- Joined
- May 28, 2010
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any comments on a great carry handle mount for my 6450. im looking for one and price is no object?
benEzra
Moderator Emeritus
If price is no object and you are looking for a good carry handle mounted optic, I am really impressed by this setup (Trijicon Reflex II):
http://www.thehighroad.org/showpost.php?p=6530141&postcount=6
And another thread, by another THR member who just bought one:
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=530303
Sgt. Stiglitz
Member
I just stuck this one on one of my AR's. I stuck it on my .50 Beowulf and it is holding up fine with theh recoil you won't have an a .223.............
http://www.leapers.com/production/prod_detail.php?mitem=Optics&level1=Brand&level2=AccuShot&itemno=SCP3-M3124AOMD-A&status=&mtrack=1m1
Here is a link to a photo of it on my Beo.............I wanted a short variable scope and this works fine. You can't beat the 3X12 or adjustable Parallax Setting: 10 Yds - Infinity!
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=530158
http://www.leapers.com/production/prod_detail.php?mitem=Optics&level1=Brand&level2=AccuShot&itemno=SCP3-M3124AOMD-A&status=&mtrack=1m1
Here is a link to a photo of it on my Beo.............I wanted a short variable scope and this works fine. You can't beat the 3X12 or adjustable Parallax Setting: 10 Yds - Infinity!
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=530158
I don't think it's a big deal...will Wal Mart be open if the "S" truly hits the "F?" Anyway, the Aimpoint H/T1 batteries are available everywhere and I have 2 spares now...so if I still kept it always on, with the 3 bats total, I should get 3-6 years battery life depending. After that, I guess I'll be running irons...unless I turn it on and off (instead of constant on) and get a decade plus out of it!
The other sights burn through bats a lot quicker.
MoDerN_WarRioR
Member
The control module is a metal/casing that has rubber push buttons and the whole control module is rubber coated. I have a great story to share about my experience with the durability of the control module if you care to hear it.
-Chris
killchain
Member
Could look into an EoTech 511 if you don't mind N batteries, or a 512 if you want to use standard AA batteries.
I use the 511 because I like the shorter design. Allows a BUIS on my rig without extending the holosight to the fore end.
I use the 511 because I like the shorter design. Allows a BUIS on my rig without extending the holosight to the fore end.
MoDerN_WarRioR
Member
Story time!
I actually wrote Vortex an email about this particular scope and incident telling them how happy i was with their product's durability.
Here is the revised short story:
I was at the range shooting one day. it was a windy day out and i was a couple benches down shooting someones .50cal Rifle so i wasn't paying much attention to my AR sitting on my bench. WELL i dont know if it was the wind or the blast of the .50cal but my AR took about a 4 foot plunge onto the solid concrete ground because my gun wasn't sitting secure on my bench.
SO i picked it up and inspected the rifle... a scratch here and there... but what i noticed is that the scope control area took the direct impact of the rifle and momentum right on the control module! I was sure it was going to be garbage. So i dusted it off, checked the function of the buttons and seriously, it was like nothing ever happened! I figured ok, thats fine but i bet it needs to be zero'ed back in again. AND NOPE!! I has plinking a metal target at 300 yards with out any problem and i haven't had to adjust it since.
SOOO.... Because of this, i realllly like to suggest the Vortex Strikefire. Its one bad @$$ little inexpensive scope! and i know for a fact Vortex will take care of me if i have to replace it in the future because ONE of my other Strikefires, the lens cap broke and they gave me an entire new SCOPE! So this my friend is why i vote for them!
I talked to a sales rep for Aimpoint before and he told me about the tests they do on the Aimpoints... INSANE! They put them through hell! He said one of the scopes was pretty much silver looking because all the black coating was chipped off from them throwing it down on the ground 1000's of times. SO there are the companies out there that have far more durable products but, its going to cost over $450 bucks. Im gonna stick to my $150 Strikefire
Thanks!
-Chris
I actually wrote Vortex an email about this particular scope and incident telling them how happy i was with their product's durability.
Here is the revised short story:
I was at the range shooting one day. it was a windy day out and i was a couple benches down shooting someones .50cal Rifle so i wasn't paying much attention to my AR sitting on my bench. WELL i dont know if it was the wind or the blast of the .50cal but my AR took about a 4 foot plunge onto the solid concrete ground because my gun wasn't sitting secure on my bench.
SO i picked it up and inspected the rifle... a scratch here and there... but what i noticed is that the scope control area took the direct impact of the rifle and momentum right on the control module! I was sure it was going to be garbage. So i dusted it off, checked the function of the buttons and seriously, it was like nothing ever happened! I figured ok, thats fine but i bet it needs to be zero'ed back in again. AND NOPE!! I has plinking a metal target at 300 yards with out any problem and i haven't had to adjust it since.
SOOO.... Because of this, i realllly like to suggest the Vortex Strikefire. Its one bad @$$ little inexpensive scope! and i know for a fact Vortex will take care of me if i have to replace it in the future because ONE of my other Strikefires, the lens cap broke and they gave me an entire new SCOPE! So this my friend is why i vote for them!
I talked to a sales rep for Aimpoint before and he told me about the tests they do on the Aimpoints... INSANE! They put them through hell! He said one of the scopes was pretty much silver looking because all the black coating was chipped off from them throwing it down on the ground 1000's of times. SO there are the companies out there that have far more durable products but, its going to cost over $450 bucks. Im gonna stick to my $150 Strikefire
Thanks!
-Chris
pretty cool Chris..........
I am in such a delima right now. I spent all my money, well, not all, fun moeny we are talking about, on a new Ruger 556. Thats wher my new scope is going. MY otherr AR has a Millett DMS 1 and its awesome. But I want a diff look on the Ruger. So, here I sit....Vortex, sounds like a great sight for $150 or Aimpoint for $450. Many ways to look at this I know. Its guys like you that go along way in helping me decide where to spend that next buck.......seriously. I appreciate it. I think you folks in AZ have it made. You can go ouut and shoot almost any where. Herre in Sunny Florida, it sucks, not many ranges around much less open areas to go out and have a great day shooting.
Thanks again for the story and all the info.
Jerry
I am in such a delima right now. I spent all my money, well, not all, fun moeny we are talking about, on a new Ruger 556. Thats wher my new scope is going. MY otherr AR has a Millett DMS 1 and its awesome. But I want a diff look on the Ruger. So, here I sit....Vortex, sounds like a great sight for $150 or Aimpoint for $450. Many ways to look at this I know. Its guys like you that go along way in helping me decide where to spend that next buck.......seriously. I appreciate it. I think you folks in AZ have it made. You can go ouut and shoot almost any where. Herre in Sunny Florida, it sucks, not many ranges around much less open areas to go out and have a great day shooting.
Thanks again for the story and all the info.
Jerry
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