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View Full Version : help me pick a new red dot



DrScaryGuy
02-28-2017, 01:36 PM
Where are we at on modern red dot optics?

I'm finally sending back my 2 eotech kits with flip magnifiers, and getting a hefty sum back. Now that it's coming back as a lump, it's kind of embarassing that I spent the money in the first place, even if it was spread out in two lumps.

So what optics should I be looking at. I want red dot. I want easy mounting. Most of all, I want good battery life - major complaint about the eotechs (aside from the recall stuff). lighter weight is better.
At least one of them should be auto-on when it senses movement. This would be a major bonus, but I've learned that at home defense ranges, as long as what you're looking at is inside the tube, you're within ~1/2 minute of man accuracy.
Price is obviously important. I don't want to way overspend (again), but I'm not looking for low end barska or TRS-25 sights either (which is a fine sight for fun guns). Any money not spent on optics is probably going towards silencers.

So what optics are proven enough to spend money on? I'm leaning towards a couple of aimpoint PROs. I might take a chance on a holosun for a plinker. and I do like the vortex guarantees, but i'd rather never need to rely on it.
I've also been looking at meprolight. not light, not cheap, not sure if proven?

give me advice! what shop has different sights i can check out?

hunterspirit
02-28-2017, 09:45 PM
I went with a couple used Aimpoint ACO's ($280 ish) primarily for a little less weight than the PRO They are on a BCM and 6920 . The 2 new black friday Holousun 403's( $130 ish) have a good dot with motion on feature and are on a couple generic 16" carbines . Good for a range toy

The used SPARC AR ($150 ish) is nice but blurry and is on a 6920. The used Gen I SPARC ( $75ish)on the M1 A O Kahrbine and has a blurry dot and a hard to find battery

Your opinion seems to match my experience
I do shop around for deals also.

TylerV76
02-28-2017, 10:08 PM
From what I've been looking at for a few months there's 3 categories and I keep placing the same manufacturers in those categories.

Shtf/life depends on it - aimpoint/trijicon
Range gun - vortex
The unknown - holosun

The holosun 503c is extremely intriguing and some nice specs. I believe battery life is listed at 50,000 hours but who knows. What I like is the instant on, reticle, and solar panel. The issue I have is they really aren't proven and I don't know if I would trust it without extensive use over a long period of time. I'd say I'd need to use and abuse it for 3 or more years before it went on my go to rifle.

Vortex is great for the range but I'm honestly not impressed with them as defense options. The SPARC 2 I had lost zero every range trip almost. Granted it was very minimal but still lost it. My strike eagle however has been incredible and even after taking it on and off it has yet to lose zero.

The aimpoint has a proven track record and you know what you're getting. I feel the trijicon falls in that same category.

Again, this is just my opinion from my research. I'm personally leaning towards the holosun because it wouldn't go on my shtf rifle but if it survives for 3 years or so it very well could go on it.

Sent from my MHA-L29 using Tapatalk

hunterspirit
03-01-2017, 06:53 AM
My Holosuns are on the market at a gun specific forum..

The Vortex SPARC looks to be next on the trading block

somecrazygreek
03-01-2017, 03:53 PM
I'm picking up an Aimpoint Pro next week, I hear amazing things about them.

$450, rugged as hell, one battery lasts for 3.5 years of constant on run time, and they hold 0 forever.

You can just turn it on, put in in the safe, and forget about it.

DrScaryGuy
03-01-2017, 04:54 PM
I'm picking up an Aimpoint Pro next week, I hear amazing things about them.

$450, rugged as hell, one battery lasts for 3.5 years of constant on run time, and they hold 0 forever.

You can just turn it on, put in in the safe, and forget about it.

See if your dealer will give a solid discount on multiple. group buy!

somecrazygreek
03-01-2017, 04:55 PM
See if your dealer will give a solid discount on multiple. group buy!
.. My dealer is amazon.com :D

Sent from my LG-H918 using Tapatalk

DrScaryGuy
03-02-2017, 10:47 PM
so i noticed that amazon has them for $460. Which is more than most places according to google shopping (https://www.google.com/shopping/product/11633662851887061428?q=aimpoint+pro&rlz=1C1LENP_enUS554US554&espv=2&biw=1366&bih=650&bav=on.2,or.r_cp.&bvm=bv.148747831,d.amc&ion=1&tch=1&ech=1&psi=LuG4WNqlO6X-jwTLtoNI.1488511280543.7&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjxuZXdtbnSAhVK8IMKHdBFBHYQ8wIIxgIwAA).. .
Academy sports has them for $433. That would be a tidy savings even if I didn't have a $75 gift certificate form the time I bought a scope from them.
I suppose I should hold off and wait until I can get a 10-20% discount from one of the cheaper sites... or just use my academy gift cert.

hunterspirit
03-03-2017, 06:59 AM
Got the BF deal from PSA
PRO + 8 PMags for $432 shipped
I sold the PRO the same day I got the heavy optic

I just sold my 2 Holosun 403's last night.

JohnJak
03-03-2017, 08:42 AM
Wallmart $437.00.

DrScaryGuy
03-03-2017, 09:08 AM
Wallmart $437.00.

but you gotta pay tax at walmart. Now if they had a 10-20% off coupon...

elwarpo
03-03-2017, 10:27 AM
I returned 4 Eotechs and went out and bought some replacements. I have had both the Meprolight RDS and Aimpoint PRO for several years along with the Eotechs. I happily traded in the inferior Eotechs (when compared to the 2 others). I picked up 4 more RDS and still pocketed $800 after the rebate from Eotech. I chose the RDS over the Aimpoint Pro for a few reasons:
1) Prefer the sight picture of the RDS
2) RDS uses simple to find AA batteries (however you use a lot more of them compared to the PRO)
3) RDS is night vision compatible
4) RDS is used by the Israeli Military (well their pro version).

I much prefer the meprolight to the aimpoint (except for battery life), especially if you wait for the 30% off meprolight sale (happens twice a year), they cost about 280 each.

Viking
03-06-2017, 09:21 PM
I recently got and mounted and used a SigSauer Romeo 4(c) as an optic for my newest addition to the collection.

Starting with current Con points,
-Coin battery, I think CR2032
-some reviews report that there is a slight movement in the red dot when your sight picture/cheek weld are not 100% consistent, but I think that's relatively common.
-a little bit smaller lens than I'd like but it could easily be a positive point due to small size/profile, sleek.

Pro..
-a, b, c, d and if i remember correctly an e variation, some of which with 65moa circles around the red dot, and the C variant having a backup solar option for dead battery, other variants higher waterproofing ratings etc.
-automatically turns off when it does not sense movement after a minute or two, and instantly turns back on when you blow on it or look at it funny.
-50k hour lifespan on battery on top of turning itself off automatically, or maybe that's with turning itself off automatically, but either way that's a good lifespan for a coin battery.
-easy mount with quick detach, comes with a mini screwdriver tool for initial mounting, removal of battery cover, and adjusting windage and elevation.
-pretty light, especially since it doesn't take heavier AA batteries.

I spent approximately 380+tax at a gander mtn, so it is considerably cheaper than most eotech models, and most similar trijicon models.

Something to perhaps look at, I like mine.

mitommy
03-06-2017, 09:34 PM
Depending on intended use. For a non-HD application I just picked up a Sig Romeo 5. It comes with a co-witness mount. Has much of the same features that Viking mentions. I got it from a Optics Planet got $140 after a 10% discount. If interested, in a discount code at Optics Planet, let me know. I think I still have a couple that are good until the end of March.



I recently got and mounted and used a SigSauer Romeo 4(c) as an optic for my newest addition to the collection.

Starting with current Con points,
-Coin battery, I think CR2032
-some reviews report that there is a slight movement in the red dot when your sight picture/cheek weld are not 100% consistent, but I think that's relatively common.
-a little bit smaller lens than I'd like but it could easily be a positive point due to small size/profile, sleek.

Pro..
-a, b, c, d and if i remember correctly an e variation, some of which with 65moa circles around the red dot, and the C variant having a backup solar option for dead battery, other variants higher waterproofing ratings etc.
-automatically turns off when it does not sense movement after a minute or two, and instantly turns back on when you blow on it or look at it funny.
-50k hour lifespan on battery on top of turning itself off automatically, or maybe that's with turning itself off automatically, but either way that's a good lifespan for a coin battery.
-easy mount with quick detach, comes with a mini screwdriver tool for initial mounting, removal of battery cover, and adjusting windage and elevation.
-pretty light, especially since it doesn't take heavier AA batteries.

I spent approximately 380+tax at a gander mtn, so it is considerably cheaper than most eotech models, and most similar trijicon models.

Something to perhaps look at, I like mine.

BarnDweller
03-09-2017, 01:15 AM
Do not forget to go to smile.amazon.com and set up MGO as your charity. It cost the same and MGO gets a small kickback. I have gotten them over 9$ in just over 6 months I think.

DrScaryGuy
03-09-2017, 06:45 AM
I'm not allowed to set up smile for mgo. My wife set it up for the charity she helps run.
The joke is on her though since I just renewed her mgo membership a little bit ago.

Cocowheats
03-11-2017, 07:04 PM
I'm happy with my Trijicon MRO. I own or have owned RMRs, few Aimpoints, few Vortex, few Burris, and probably some others...

The MRO is USA made by a USA company, has a 7075 forged housing, large objective lense, and 5yr battery life when left on setting 3(which is my go to do all setting anyways). Leaves ya with not too much to hate or more to want, IMO.

I personally would steer clear of the Sig optics. They're just rebranded Holosuns....and even if they aren't, they're still made in China. I'm not fond of the thought of Chinese parts on a to hell and back gun.

JohnJak
03-12-2017, 02:08 PM
Vortex=China

Cocowheats
03-12-2017, 02:43 PM
Vortex=China

Some of it is actually made in Japan and the Philippines...Not that it means much of anything though.

Burris is mostly Philippines too...

Good range optics but nothing I'd take to hell and expect it to survive.

oldmann1967
03-12-2017, 07:30 PM
Meprolight RDS or RDS pro
53610

edknn
03-14-2017, 06:59 PM
Try Optics Planet chat. They always come up with a cheaper price. If you don't get a good price, start chat again with a different rep. Got my Sparc AR for $150/ free ship no tax and a Crimson Trace universal rail mount laser that goes for $159 for $95.00. They matched the $95 price at experticity.com even though experticity.com would have added about $16 in fees and tax. That laser has a $50 rebate on top so $45 net cost. Great deal. I even got them to sell the Vortex Strike Eagle for $250. Should have bought it but went with the Sparc AR instead.

50 BMG
03-24-2017, 10:17 AM
Just got a flyer from Midway today:

Aimpoint PRO, $437 + free ship + $50 Midway Gift card...
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/514855/aimpoint-pro-red-dot-sight-30mm-tube-1x-2-moa-dot-with-picatinny-style-mount-matte
(I think the gift card shows up at checkout?).
I own 4 PRO's; hard to beat for the money. Durable, great battery lide... REALLY nice mounted in front of a PVS-14 NV monocle...
;-)

Primary Arms just put the Trijicon RMR on sale too; W/American defense mount and scope cover: $602 (only 1 per house though)
http://www.primaryarms.com/Kit-RM06-Mount-Cover?utm_source=bronto&utm_medium=email&utm_content=SLOT_4&utm_campaign=17_03_Ad17_FREE_Hat&_bta_tid=01535474145476422957898217649119948758052 41616011461506745193820143473524936837271835753528 2252934272532

Trij MRO is nice too, but I hate how Trij doesn't easily accommodate scope covers on their stuff...

DrScaryGuy
03-24-2017, 01:06 PM
Just got a flyer from Midway today:

Aimpoint PRO, $437 + free ship + $50 Midway Gift card...
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/514855/aimpoint-pro-red-dot-sight-30mm-tube-1x-2-moa-dot-with-picatinny-style-mount-matte
(I think the gift card shows up at checkout?).
I own 4 PRO's; hard to beat for the money. Durable, great battery lide... REALLY nice mounted in front of a PVS-14 NV monocle...
;-)

Primary Arms just put the Trijicon RMR on sale too; W/American defense mount and scope cover: $602 (only 1 per house though)
http://www.primaryarms.com/Kit-RM06-Mount-Cover?utm_source=bronto&utm_medium=email&utm_content=SLOT_4&utm_campaign=17_03_Ad17_FREE_Hat&_bta_tid=01535474145476422957898217649119948758052 41616011461506745193820143473524936837271835753528 2252934272532

Trij MRO is nice too, but I hate how Trij doesn't easily accommodate scope covers on their stuff...
I've been bouncing around on the different sites looking at the best possible deal for a PRO.
I saw joeboboutfitters is selling them for $400 shipped (and you get a free tshirt), but that works out to $10 less at midway...
if there was any other discount I'd probably buy it without thinking hard...


EDIT - where do you see the $50?

Cocowheats
03-24-2017, 04:14 PM
I paid $380 shipped for my MRO with the factory low mount....BUT I caught a sweet deal too.

DrScaryGuy
03-25-2017, 12:55 PM
says the gift card can be downloaded as soon as the purchase is made... which means if you're planning to buy two, you can apply the code to a second order right away.
Also, buying 2 sights in one order only gets you one gift card, so that seems to be the way to go.

Slimbo
04-09-2017, 08:00 AM
Trijicon. Light weight, never needs batteries...........beautiful thing!

hunterspirit
04-09-2017, 01:52 PM
Just picked up a M68/ML2(4moa) and a LT150 for $275 shipped

DrScaryGuy
04-09-2017, 02:14 PM
Just picked up a M68/ML2(4moa) and a LT150 for $275 shipped

seems pretty good. where from?
Does it have anything over the PRO? aside from being $100 less? i see it has a considerably shorter battery life... which is something I want to avoid sacrificing for at least the rifle I'm thinking of.

hunterspirit
04-09-2017, 03:03 PM
used online
The Larue Tactical QD mount is wonderful. I have one on a ACO and a ML3. I have a ACO on BCM with the factory mount that is only crappy

hunterspirit
04-09-2017, 03:26 PM
The guy said it was 5 years old and I hoped it was a ML3 or even a ML4,so I jumped on it.
I can always resell it with the ACO mount for the same price or more and earn a free LT150.:deal2:
http://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?107000-Aimpoint-PRO-vs-ML2

DrScaryGuy
04-09-2017, 08:41 PM
just ordered the PRO, finally. I checked a few sites and nobody could really match midway's price after shipping, tax, etc.
waiting on the $50 gift cert to decide if I should order a second one...