Looking for ideas - both on what to look for and what to avoid - on an inexpensive (under $200) red dot sight. I've got a carbine in the works for short-distance (25-50 yards) plinking and such, and would like to get a red dot sight for it. Sure, I would love to toss an EoTech on it (like the Zombie Stopper, of course) or an Aimpoint like the Micro T-1 or even the Trijicon ACOG, but I don't exactly have that kind of scratch kicking around.
I'm looking for a reflex sight primarily, although I wouldn't necessarily be averse to a standard tube-style sight. There's a lot of red dot sights in the $100 - $200 range, and there are some great deals and some not-so-great deals. I put a no-name red dot sight on my 10/22, and I can easily hit a 2.5" steel plate at 25 yards with it all day long - that's exactly what I'm hoping to accomplish with this. Nothing fancy, but I don't want to spend another $50 on a sight that won't hold zero for more than 10 shots...
So what's a good budget red dot sight - or - which sights would y'all stay away from?
That is all.
UPDATE: Looks like a lot of folks like the optics from Primary Arms. Wonder if they might be interested in sending a T&E model for me to run through its paces?
(And of course, if the good folks at EoTech, Aimpoint, or Trijicon want to send something for review, I'd be more than happy to oblige...)
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18 comments:
I like my Vortex (Strikefire, I think it's called). Was $150 at Cabelas.
Burris Fast Fire
-SayUncle
Primary Arms is pretty decent, just ask Oleg.
http://www.primaryarms.com/Default.asp
I have their micro (T-1 clone) on my M&P15-22, I like it. I'm probably gonna put one on my next 5.56 build.
Those primary arms products look nice, thanks Fred. Now if what I wanted was in stock.
Primary Arms does very good work for short money. It's not going to be an Aimpoint (or, if you want glass, it's not going to be Nightforce) but it will keep you hitting beer cans at 50 yards and beyond.
I have also heard good things about Burris, C-More, and Vortex, but I have not used them.
Used Eotechs can be had for perilously close to that budget though, so don't rule them out.
Bushnell Trophy series
http://www.amazon.com/Bushnell-Tactical-Elite-Green-Riflescope/dp/B0019SS8CE/ref=cm_cmu_pg__header
I have two of these, and love them.
+1 for the Primary Arms Micro Dot.
$80 for the fixed base model and $120 for a removable base model including a quick release mount and riser for the flat top AR platform.
I have one on a 9mm carbine and it's great. Serves me well at carbine matches and has never once blinked out on me like some of the other cheaper optics.
Yeah, it's not an Aimpoint T1. If I was deployed or my rifle lived in the back of cruiser I'd spring for the high dollar stuff. Since this rifle is only for matches and plinking I can go with the less expensive optic and spend the savings on reloading components.
http://madogre.com/?p=1964
I got an inexpensive red dot sight from Midway - it's a Truglo, Midway part number 929725. I've been very pleased with it. I've only mounted it on a .22, so I don't know how it would stand up to a heavier caliber, but the comments on it seem pretty positive.
I have a BSA on my ruger charger. My only complaint was the red dot is near impossible to see outside on a sunny day. They now come with multi color oprions so you can switch to suit your surroundings. It's not a high end device but, it works for me and I can strike kicthen matches at 25 yards with it. Good luck.
I haven't used the micro clone, but I have a Primary Arms 1-4x on my 22LR upper. You wouldn't confuse it with the Meopta on my 223, but it's a solid value for 1/6 the price.
I've got at Bushnell TRS25 on a buckmark .22. I like it quite a bit.
I'd second the Vortex Strikefire. They're suppose to have good customer support too.
Vortex SPARC....
Has anyone used the SIG little red dot?
I've got a Bushnell Trophy Series that I picked up at a Garage Sale for $40. Old style, but all it needed was a fresh battery. Works well on my 8mm Mauser, so it's tough enough. But I see they took the Guts and placed them into an ACOG-type body, so you might want to look at that.
Add me to the list of people who recommend the Vortex Strikefire. It has been very dependable for me.
When my son decided he wanted more optical power on his rifle and pput on a 'real' scope, I inherited his ProPoint. It was less than $100 and works well on my SKS. The dot power is intensity adjustable for varried lighting conditions.
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