I went down this same road a year or so ago, doing much the same research on the net that you are, including, checking around with this board. And like you, found myself looking hard at both Vortex and PA offerings. Both Vortex and PA have great reputations for product support.

In the end I went with the Strikefire II. It is a good budget optic that fits well the criteria you set out. The 4 MOA dot is not too big at all and should work well on your AR.

You'll find this same discussion in several threads on this forum. Strikefire II has a good reputation and is generally well regarded.

No regrets here with my decision.

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