Need advice on red dot for AR.

rabidravens · Jan 31, 2016

I am trying to pick out a red dot for my recent build. I would like to keep it under $250. I will manly use it for plinking but do intend to take some carbine classes later this year. I was looking at the Vortex SPARC II and the Primary Arms Advanced micro dot. Any opinions or thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

5.56blaster · Jan 31, 2016

I use Aimpoint. They are worth the cost.

BigSteve57 · Jan 31, 2016

5.56blaster said:
I use Aimpoint. They are worth the cost.

Same here. I have a comp M4 with 3x magnifier and a T1 and have been very happy.

rabidravens · Jan 31, 2016

I would love to put a comp M4 or T2 on it. But I have a hard time justifying that much for an optic, when I have many other wants. I plan on purchasing an Aimpoint in the future but need something durable and decent to bridge the gap.

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gre24ene · Jan 31, 2016

Look into the Holosun. They are the maker of the primary arms red dot. I have several and they work well.

dreadpirate · Jan 31, 2016

Aimpoint PRO ~ $400 [Worth every penny]
Vortex StrikeFire II ~ $180
Primary Arms Micro Dot With Removable Base & riser ~ $155
Bushnell TRS25 w/ riser ~ $100

You get what you pay for, but the list above seems to be a pretty good value for the price point.

rouchna · Jan 31, 2016

rabidravens said:
I am trying to pick out a red dot for my recent build. I would like to keep it under $250. I will manly use it for plinking but do intend to take some carbine classes later this year. I was looking at the Vortex SPARC II and the Primary Arms Advanced micro dot. Any opinions or thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

Can't go wrong with the two options listed. I'm a big fan of the Primary Arms Micro. Having said that, I've been slowly replacing them with Aimpoint H1 micro dots.

Indiana Jones · Jan 31, 2016

Vortex Strikefire II. They are tested with 1000rds of 375 H&H...they are alot better than given credit for. I love mine.

MikeTF · Jan 31, 2016

BigSteve57 said:
Same here. I have a comp M4 with 3x magnifier and a T1 and have been very happy.

What brand of Magnifier?

kgain673 · Jan 31, 2016

rabidravens said:
I am trying to pick out a red dot for my recent build. I would like to keep it under $250. I will manly use it for plinking but do intend to take some carbine classes later this year. I was looking at the Vortex SPARC II and the Primary Arms Advanced micro dot. Any opinions or thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

You can't skimp on optics if your intending on taking carbine classes you would be better served with irons then a cheap optic. The reason is that reticle will shift point of impact. The batteries will die and the mounts will fail to hold zero. Regardless of what anyone tells you on the forums about their experience with cheap optics. trust me, if you don't mind adjusting your point of aim every time you go shooting then get a cheap optic. I'm not trying to bash anyone's purchase but optics are not created equal. Period. one carbine class will cost you approx 500$ in ammo and tuition. if you intend to shoot 100-200 rounds per year then let your rifle sit in the safe then a cheap optic is what your looking for. It amazes me that people spend hundreds of dollars on accessories but go cheap on optics. If your patient palmetto state armory runs rock bottom sales on aimpoint optics.

BigSteve57 · Jan 31, 2016

MikeTF said:
What brand of Magnifier?

Aimpoint.

cap6888 · Jan 31, 2016

Another vote for the Vortex Strikefire. Absolutely love it. Very accurate and holds zero. Another plus for me is. That I prefer the green reticle instead of red. Many other of the lower end "red dot" optics only have a red dot, no option for green.

Wayne1one · Jan 31, 2016

rabidravens said:
I am trying to pick out a red dot for my recent build. I would like to keep it under $250. I will manly use it for plinking but do intend to take some carbine classes later this year. I was looking at the Vortex SPARC II and the Primary Arms Advanced micro dot. Any opinions or thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

I have both, nothing wrong with the SPARC II but I would get the Primary arms just because it's a bit cheaper.

gungate · Jan 31, 2016

Hey everyone if you are in the market for a new car, I highly recommend a Rolls Royce. I PROMISE you that you won't be disappointed! :rolleyes:

Rack&Roll · Jan 31, 2016

Funny!

I think people should have both: an Aimpoint and a $75 Bushnell TRS. You're covered for whatever.

RDF5186 · Jan 31, 2016

I'm a big fan of the vortex spare series, but again PRIMARY ARMS makes affordable alternatives with fantastic customer service! Any issues they are more than willing to replace or refund with no issues.

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c4snipar · Jan 31, 2016

I have an ampoint pro, works pretty good. But if you want to stay under $250, vortex is way to go. I have a trs25 on my ak pistol, works pretty good but only shot about 200 rounds with it so really can't testify on it.

MKR03 · Jan 31, 2016

For another $150 (less if you find a good sale) you can get an Aimpoint PRO. Buy once, cry once.

Doobie · Jan 31, 2016

I've been looking too. Although I'm financially embarrassed, I'm tired of buying bottom barrel products just because it's what I can afford. I'm saving my $ until I can get an AimPoint Pro. I use to be one of those "This here only cost me x$ and will do the exact same thing as product z for 1/4 the price." Sometimes it's true...but I don't think so when it comes to Red dots. Riflescopes...different story for ME. I can't afford and won't justify the price of a NightForce and similar on deer and casual target rifles. My Swift, Simmons, and Leupold have served me well enough. Off topic...wife wanted a juicer. I bought a cheap one with a decent warranty that had good reviews. Didn't even last a month. Luckily I was able to return it. This time I'm gonna spend a lil more $ and get a better quality one. Buy once cry once.

kgain673 · Jan 31, 2016

gungate said:
Hey everyone if you are in the market for a new car, I highly recommend a Rolls Royce. I PROMISE you that you won't be disappointed!

Well let's see: Ar-15= 700-1200 dollars. Cost of carbine class=250-500 dollars. Cost of ammo for said carbine class=150-300 dollars. Accessories for AR-15: are going to run you 150-300 dollars or depending on how tacticool you get. Then you buy a case or carry bag. Then next you have to have a tac vest or chest harness. The most important things on any defensive AR-15 rifle are the optic if your going that route, ammo choice and reliable mags. I would never tell someone to buy the most expensive optic like a H-1 or T-1 when there are cheaper options that are just as durable and reliable. It's just amazes me people buy an expensive weapon platform and spend a lot of money on training classes and fail to invest in QUALITY optics or budget for ammo. You can drop your rifle once on the range moving from a station and need to zero your rifle again with a poor choice in optic.

Need advice on red dot for AR.

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