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  #1  
Old 03-03-2011, 04:03 PM
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Default Primary arms M3

I am looking at Primary Arms M3 for my 1522. I have very little experience with red dot sights, this my first M16 type rifle. What are your thoughts on this sight, I don't want to dump a lot of cash but don't want to buy junk either. Thanks
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Old 03-03-2011, 04:21 PM
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That's what I have, and it serves me well for plinking. I would say it's a nice fit for the 15-22. The MOA is not as precise as others, but for the $ it can't be beat.
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Old 03-03-2011, 05:17 PM
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PA read dots are GTG in my book.

As you can see i have the m4 on the 1522 and the m3 on the real AR15

I would recommend u get the m4 as it uses a double A battery

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Old 03-04-2011, 01:28 AM
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I'm tuning their m4 on my 15-22 without issue. went with that because I like the fact is uses a aa battery, easy to find and cheap.
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Old 03-04-2011, 03:57 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by corpulent View Post
That's what I have, and it serves me well for plinking. I would say it's a nice fit for the 15-22. The MOA is not as precise as others, but for the $ it can't be beat.
The MOA is not as precise?? What's that mean?

My experience with the PA M4 multi-reticle, which has a 2 MOA, has been excellent. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend the M4. And it comes with a mount that 1/3 co-witnesses on the 15-22.
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Old 03-04-2011, 04:15 PM
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I'm also using the M4 on my 15-22, and I am totally happy with it. I too chose it because of the AA battery and the reduced MOA.
Great company to deal with as well.
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Old 03-04-2011, 04:17 PM
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I'm only a noob at this stuff, so take what I say with a grain, but everything I have read states that the M4 is 2 MOA and the M3 is 4 MOA.

Maybe "precise" wasn't the right word.
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Old 03-04-2011, 04:52 PM
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I bought the M3 multi 2 weeks ago because PA was out of stock on the M4 and they sent me a $10 promo code for the M3 multi. I bought a cant high mount with it so I could 1/3 co-witness on my new 15-22.

I've only had it to the range once with the M3 on it, but it only took 4 clicks up to zero it in at 25 yards. Co-witnessing worked great. The dot is 2 MOA I believe and is crystal clear when you focus on the target itself. I shot about 250 rounds that afternoon and didn't notice any drift on the dot.

Although I would have preferred the M4 only for the AA battery, the M3 is a great RDS and I have no complaints about it at all. PA was also great to work with, answering my email questions within minutes.
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Old 03-04-2011, 05:00 PM
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I ordered one yesterday with the high mount. I got the M3 because the M4 was out of stock. Can't wait to try it, thanks for all the replys.
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Old 03-04-2011, 07:10 PM
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Primary Arms are excellent people. Their optics are very reliable. I've run several on everything from my Smith .22 to an F2000 and a couple AK's in x39. Always holds zero.

The M3 is probably a better choice than the M4. Sure, the AA battery thing is nice, but the M4 also has the changeable reticle feature....this is cool to have, but its also one more part to go bad, and occasionally certain reticles sit at an angle
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Old 03-04-2011, 07:34 PM
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I'm a fan of PA. I have their micro red dot on my AR and have found it to be very accurate and reliable.
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Old 03-05-2011, 03:45 AM
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PA is great and i have their m3 & m4 as well as magnifiers... Brent and Marshall are stand up guys to deal with... They got a sale going on now on the m3...


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Old 03-05-2011, 10:23 AM
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I have a PA M4 and love it. Tried the Eotech but didn't like the reticle. The red dot on the M4 is small enough not to occlude the target and the brightness adjustment makes it practical for both indoor and outdoor.
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Old 03-06-2011, 12:35 AM
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I've had the PA M4 w/removable magnifier for really a year. Work great! It's not an Aimpoint....but you can't beat the price and service for Marshall.

Aim Small,

TAT
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Old 03-07-2011, 09:08 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by corpulent View Post
I'm only a noob at this stuff, so take what I say with a grain, but everything I have read states that the M4 is 2 MOA and the M3 is 4 MOA.

Maybe "precise" wasn't the right word.
Now I understand what you are talking about. I agree it's easier to shoot more precisely when you have a smaller dot on the target.
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Old 03-07-2011, 09:13 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by lloydkristmas View Post
Primary Arms are excellent people. Their optics are very reliable. I've run several on everything from my Smith .22 to an F2000 and a couple AK's in x39. Always holds zero.

The M3 is probably a better choice than the M4. Sure, the AA battery thing is nice, but the M4 also has the changeable reticle feature....this is cool to have, but its also one more part to go bad, and occasionally certain reticles sit at an angle
PA has two versions of the M3. One is multi-reticle with a 2 MOA dot, the other is 4 MOA if I'm not mistaken. I'd take the 4 reticle, 2 MOA version with no hesitation. My M4's with multi reticles have been totally reliable and no problems with sitting at an angle.
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  #17  
Old 03-08-2011, 02:21 AM
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I think the M4 style is a way better deal. I wonder how long it will take to get the M4's back in stock.
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  #18  
Old 03-08-2011, 11:21 AM
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Just got my M3 and red dot is very easy to see in day light. Haven't had chance to sight it in yet but it looks great. I am very satisfied.
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Old 03-17-2011, 01:10 PM
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Default Lining up the 3X with the M3

Just got my M3 Multi with the high cantilever mounted and zeroed yesterday. I dialed it in to the iron sights at home, then at the range it was just a couple of clicks to finish. Makes shooting a lot more fun.

I also got the 3x Magnifier with the optional quick disconnect mount. They line up, almost kinda sorta. When the mounts are locked down, the 3x seems to be at an angle that views like 3/4 of the M3 view, and the red dot is always on the edge. I have tried moving the 3x forward and backward, and spinning it in it's mount. The only way I have been able to get the dot close to the middle and have the full view of the M3 is to disconnect the mount and tilt the 3X slightly.... then it lines up great.

I mounted the cantilever forward - sloping back to me. I doubt that matters, but thought I would throw it out there. I have tried moving the M3 forward and back in it's mount as well just to see if that changes the angle.

Is there supposed to be a gap between the two, or should they meld together and look like one long piece? It can physically be done that way, but the sight angle between the two is still not right.

Any ideas? I though about some tactilectricians tape under the mount, but that would be really hard to be precise.
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Old 03-17-2011, 01:52 PM
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Its supposed to be a gap of some sort, they wern't made to "marry" up to one another, at least in most uses and most magnifiers aren't.

But yours seems a lot off from what you posted. It sounds sort of like you selected the wrong mount for the the magnifier to match up with the sight mounting. Did you contact them to find out which was the correct mount for the magnifier in your case?
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  #21  
Old 03-17-2011, 05:07 PM
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I actually just got back from sighting mine in. I've had the M3 for a few months and finally just got out to try it. Sadly my gun slid off the wall I had it resting against and the knob to adjust the dot size broke off. I was able to drill a hole into the remaining knob shaft and glue a thumb screw from a computer into it. It isn't a fix that will hold up but at least I was finally able to try the sight. uuggghh! Guess I'm going to have to buy another.....
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  #22  
Old 03-17-2011, 06:39 PM
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U should email Marshal and see if there is anything he can do for you.

He is a pretty good guy and may replace it for you.

Whats the worse that happens he says no ?
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  #23  
Old 03-19-2011, 04:58 PM
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Quote:
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U should email Marshal and see if there is anything he can do for you.

He is a pretty good guy and may replace it for you.

Whats the worse that happens he says no ?
Yeah I suppose I can try that. But, it was my own fault really and I'm not sure how well my trying to fix it will go over.
I'll definitely contact him and at least see if there is a better way to fix it.
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Old 03-19-2011, 06:07 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JCKoLnturn View Post
I think the M4 style is a way better deal. I wonder how long it will take to get the M4's back in stock.
They just got them in stock...


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Old 03-19-2011, 09:22 PM
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Quote:
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They just got them in stock...
I zeroed mine for the first time this morning.


Last edited by E6type; 03-19-2011 at 09:28 PM.
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  #26  
Old 03-20-2011, 11:33 AM
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I just ordered the M4. I'm not sure what to do about a rear sight. Remove it and run no rear or get a folding rear.
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Old 03-20-2011, 11:56 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JCKoLnturn View Post
I just ordered the M4. I'm not sure what to do about a rear sight. Remove it and run no rear or get a folding rear.
Since this is my range/plinking rifle, I decided I will not be putting BUIS on it. I will never be in the situation with my .22 that my 1000+ battery life goes out and have to quickly be able shoot back at something. I got a whole pack of AA batteries in my range bag anyway.

I guess tacticool has no limits though...
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Old 03-20-2011, 09:11 PM
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i think you will be surprised on what Marshel will do for his customers.

I would still hit him up for sure though.
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Old 03-20-2011, 09:23 PM
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i think you will be surprised on what Marshel will do for his customers.

I would still hit him up for sure though.
I sent a message through the "contact us" page on the PA Website. Is that the best way to reach him?
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Old 03-21-2011, 04:16 PM
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Update - PA has been absolutely terrific to work with on the alignment issue. They had me try a few things, and when those did not work are sending me different mounts. They clearly are interested in making it work, and making me a lifetime Customer. I love that level of customer service.
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Old 03-21-2011, 09:08 PM
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Quote:
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I just ordered the M4. I'm not sure what to do about a rear sight. Remove it and run no rear or get a folding rear.
The M4 is normally mounted forward of the rear sight such that two sights aren't close to having physical contact. And, with the mount that comes on the M4, you are 1/3 co-witness. Works very well for me. Don't know why you'd want to remove the rear sight unless you think it looks better in which case I'd just remove both front and rear sights.
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Old 03-22-2011, 09:37 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by HalfSwiss View Post
The M4 is normally mounted forward of the rear sight such that two sights aren't close to having physical contact. And, with the mount that comes on the M4, you are 1/3 co-witness. Works very well for me. Don't know why you'd want to remove the rear sight unless you think it looks better in which case I'd just remove both front and rear sights.
I'll try that at first when the sight arrives. I assumed the rear sight would be distracting. You know what they say about assuming. We'll have to wait and see. I did get pretty good with the irons and I would like to keep them. The front post was about twice the width of my smallest spinning target and once all the paint got shot off the targets the lack of contrast was making it tough. I need to buy some thinner or colored posts and a can of some bright paint.
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Old 03-22-2011, 10:55 PM
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I have a feeling when your new sight arrives, you will never use your iron sights again.
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Old 03-23-2011, 12:23 PM
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A common misconception is that if you have a rear sight (like the factory 15-22 rear sight) then you must look through the rear sight aperture to use the red dot. That isn't required. You can look over the rear sight through the red dot optic and you will still be on target with the dot.

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Old 03-23-2011, 01:03 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ChattanoogaPhil View Post
A common misconception is that if you have a rear sight (like the factory 15-22 rear sight) then you must look through the rear sight aperture to use the red dot. That isn't required. You can look over the rear sight through the red dot optic and you will still be on target with the dot.
Say you have front and rear fold down sights, do you still need to co-witness the red dot with the front sight?
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Old 03-23-2011, 01:09 PM
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^The secret to co-witnessing is to use one or the other. It's a bit of a misnomer; irons and optic are not meant to be used simultaneously.

It refers to the ability to use one should the other fail.
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Old 03-23-2011, 01:48 PM
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Gotcha, thanks for clearing that up.
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