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Rifle Scopes Red Dot Recommendations?

CMH

CMH

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Minuteman
    • Dec 17, 2010
    1,955
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    Billings, MT
    I had a Barska ElectroSight holographic sight on my Smith and Wesson M&P 15-22. I know it is cheap, but it was just on a plinking 22, and it worked well for its intended purpose. Had an issue with the rifle and sent it back to Smith for some warranty work. Got it back, put it in the safe. Took it out to shoot last weekend and promptly noticed the glass in the sight was cracked. Way too late to do anything about it shipping/insurance-wise. So, I am in the market for something to replace it. Was considering just getting the same thing again, but thought I would throw a line out here and see what others might suggest looking into before I buy. $200 would be absolute maximum budget on this.

    Suggestions to look into?

    Casey
     
    Re: Red Dot Recommendations?

    +1 on the SPARC . Its a great sight and actually can use the same mounts at the micro's from Aimpoint.

    Another one you may want to look at if you want to keep your budget low is teh Bushnell TRS-25 . Its not a Aimpoint, but I've used one on my 870 and its never let me down. For a red dot under $100, its a nice buy. Just need to pair it with a 1'' riser and you are all set. Just another option for you.

    Trevor B.
     
    Re: Red Dot Recommendations?

    The strikefire is pretty decent, also has a 2x magnifier, but on a .22 one of the smaller/lighter untis mentioned might be more fitting.
     
    Re: Red Dot Recommendations?

    keep in mind, the vortex has a life time warranty, i don't think any other red dot can make that claim
     
    Re: Red Dot Recommendations?

    ^^^^^^^ those are all good suggestions. Might want to take a look at some of Burris' offerings as well. All of their red dot type optics are very light weight and compact.

    Good luck

    Edit: didn't see the suggestion for fast fire right before my post... They also offer a smaller tube design as well. Also, you can probably get a pretty good deal on the older fast fire design since it has been updated.
     
    Re: Red Dot Recommendations?

    When I was running red dots, I got to a point where it was Aimpoint or nothing. In my 25 years or so of using them (my first one was anodized blue), I've never been let down by an Aimpoint.

    If I was to buy another red dot, but didn't want to spend the money on an Aimpoint, I'd go with a Vortex, if for no reason other than their customer service and the way they stand behind their products.
     
    Re: Red Dot Recommendations?

    I own a Vortex SPARC, purchased because we have a lending library of products so that we can become more familiar with our products, and my Eotech 512 and EXPS2 weren't night vision compatible. My decision was influenced in large part by this review on ar15.com:

    SPARC Review

    In the price range you mentioned, I own a Burris FastFire II
    Burris FastFire II

    in the Burris AR-F3 mount:
    Burris AR-F3 mount

    The FastFire III addressed my only complaint about the II, the II has only auto-adjusting brightness, while the III adds three presets in addition to the auto-adjust.

    The III is not compatible with the AR-F3 mount (it will fit the mount, but you can't access the on/off switch). Burris says they will have a redesigned AR-F3 "in the fall".

    The Leupold DeltaPoint has an auto-adjust brightness, and it's brighter than the FastFire II in the same conditions, but the DeltaPoint was also about twice the price of the FastFire II.

    If I want to go light, I use the FastFire II and the AR-F3 on a build with a pencil barrel, otherwise I use the FastFire II on a Weaver Tactical 45 degree mount, as a backup to a magnified optic.

    Mark H.
     
    Re: Red Dot Recommendations?

    Millet actually makes a decent little red dot. I got one fifteen years ago, still works great. I use it for a 10/22.
     
    Re: Red Dot Recommendations?

    I have used the strikefire on a couple of different rifles including a 45-70 for moose. It works well.
    I have a Burris FastFire and love the field of view and simplicity.
     
    Re: Red Dot Recommendations?

    I have a Primary Arms M4 clone on my Spike's ST-22. It includes an integral mount, and it uses common AA batteries. It's held zero with problems, and zeroing it was easy. The only two cons to it are a "mushy" feeling brightness switch (versus the stiff switch on my Aimpoint ML3 and R1) and a slight blue tint to the glass. Shipping was quick and Primary Arms has a reputation for providing excellent customer service.

    If it was stolen tomorrow, I'd get another one.
     
    Re: Red Dot Recommendations?



    imo the best value out there,especially for someone wanting a really tough rds,is the bushnell zoom dot at about $230. it is not a clone of anything,plus the 1 moa dot is great for precision and the 10 moa for up close,..i can also range with a 10 moa dot.

    i can give you the specs if you think it's not tougher than an aimpoint. it was designed specifically for a military contract(always doubtful given aimpoints are well established) but didn't get.

    it's battery life is that of the M68 aimpoint(1K-10K hours) because at the time it was designed,that was the standard.

    it's without doubt the most underrated rds out there and anything that comes even close to it's price point should not be considered unless your looking for a specific feature.
     
    Re: Red Dot Recommendations?

    Funny that the Bushnell Zoom Dot is discontinued.
    I got one of these a few months ago and am impressed.
    Seems like a great optic at that price point.
     
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