Inexpensive Red Dot

[Kobayashi]

I'm working on a new rifle, my first project in a while. I've never tried a red dot sight, but I'd like to try one with this 556/223 setup. The rifle is cheap, and the sight needs to be also - as cheap as possible without buying a piece of crap. There are plenty of online reviews for these things, but I wanted to get some anecdotal info from you more experienced guys.

What's a good cheap red dot?

 

[AirOpsMgr]

I'm working on a new rifle, my first project in a while. I've never tried a red dot sight, but I'd like to try one with this 556/223 setup. The rifle is cheap, and the sight needs to be also - as cheap as possible without buying a piece of crap. There are plenty of online reviews for these things, but I wanted to get some anecdotal info from you more experienced guys.

What's a good cheap red dot?

Vortex sparc; I've got one I'm not using if you want to try it out and send it back

 

[AirOpsMgr]

correction: I see the original sparc is no longer available and the sparc II is going for $199 (I bought my original sparc for around $100, hence my suggestion). Will still lend it to you if you want.

Another cheap red dot I've used is the Millett, cheaper and larger than the sparc, but does the same thing.

 

[Kobayashi]

Vortex sparc; I've got one I'm not using if you want to try it out and send it back

Thank you sir. I need to get a rail first, but I might just take you up on that.

 

[AirOpsMgr]

Thank you sir. I need to get a rail first, but I might just take you up on that.

Just let me know, both are just sitting here collecting dust.

One reason they are sitting is because I personally prefer a larger sight picture; not sure if you have compared red dots to reflex sights, but just throwing that out there

 

[Kobayashi]

Just let me know, both are just sitting here collecting dust.

One reason they are sitting is because I personally prefer a larger sight picture; not sure if you have compared red dots to reflex sights, but just throwing that out there

I probably have and just don't know the difference. The reflex sights have a lower profile, correct? More like what I want.

 

[boss_hawg]

The primary arms basic red dots are very good for a sub $100 optic. The bushnell trs-25 (?) also gets very good reviews.

I have owned five of the primary arms optics and all were reliable with basic functionality. I have no experience with the bushnell.

I have owned one vortex sparc and I was not impressed. The on/off button failed after several months. Disappointing for a $150-200 optic. Their customer service is good - as many will tell you - but that's only because everyone has used it.

My advice would be to stick with the primary arms or - if you want to go for something a bit more high end - save a bit more for the aimpoint pro or aco. Black Friday is coming soon and there should be some deals on those models in the $360 range.

 

[DirectorOfCompetition]

The cheapest I would do is a Burris TR25 .....or it may be a bushnell ...but it's a TR25. They can be had usually anywhere from $60 to $100 with mount.

 

[DoglegArms]

Primary Arms is decent for the money. I had a Vortex Strikefire I had to get repaired after 2 weeks b/c of the buttons didn't work.

 

[AirOpsMgr]

I probably have and just don't know the difference. The reflex sights have a lower profile, correct? More like what I want.

Both reflex and red dots come in all different sizes and profiles, It all depends upon your use and preference. I prefer larger reflex sights for faster acquisition on my short range rifles. As @boss_hawg mentioned, Primary arms has many good quality options that won't kill the wallet.

Examples: http://www.primaryarms.com/red-dots-store/c/130000/

 

[AirOpsMgr]

Primary Arms is decent for the money. I had a Vortex Strikefire I had to get repaired after 2 weeks b/c of the buttons didn't work.

It's funny how Q/C work on optics; believe it or not, I have a cheap $89 SightMark reflex sight I bought years ago that I have beat to hell and it still holds zero on a AR. Battery life is kind of crappy, but oddly, it actually works well

 

[Kobayashi]

Thanks for the input guys. You've given me more stuff to consider.

 

[AirOpsMgr]

Just out of curiosity, you mentioned 5.56/2.23, I assumed this was going on a flat-top AR, or are you looking at another platform?

 

[BackWoods]

Vortex Sparc or Strikefire II or Spitfire II
bushnell TRS-25
Holosun

 

[Nicaburns]

http://palmettostatearmory.com/bushnell-trs-25-hirise-ar-optic-ar731306.html

 

[Red Dawn]

I shot an AR this weekend with a Vortex Sparc on it. Very nice super bright and I was plinking steel at 100 yds with it easy.

 

[Leshaire]

Primary Arms 79 or 89 dollar dots (89 has removable base) are the best bang for your buck IMO. I have several and love them over similarly priced competitors.

 

[Kobayashi]

Just out of curiosity, you mentioned 5.56/2.23, I assumed this was going on a flat-top AR, or are you looking at another platform?

Yes, this is going on a Remington 7615P.

 

[Laufen]

Primary Arms is probably your best bet.

A 1.5-4x scope might not be a bad option either. I'm considering doing away with my red dots in favor of low power scopes.

 

[TattooedGunner]

Does anybody have any experience with the Primary Arms Advanced micro dots? I know when they came out they were supposed to be great but I haven't heard much about them since.