What's the difference between these two red dots? I know the M3 can have multi-reticles but besides that what's different. Looks?

1.) I think the micro dot has a smaller red dot. 2.) The M3 is the style of scope.

Both have 3MOA dot.

They use different batteries.
MicroDot 1,000hrs. M3 200hrs.

M3 with tall AR mount weighs 9.125oz. [My MicroDot with PA riser weighs 6.25oz.]

Microdot accepts Aimpoint style risers that have varying heights for lower 1/3 and absolute cowitness.

MicroDot accepts Killflash.

MicroDot has a much smaller diameter tube.

M3 with AR mount is less expensive.
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IMO, MicroDot is more versatile in that it works well on pistols too.





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ChattanoogaPhil, thanks for all the info!

Just received my micro dot today. I can't wait to get it mounted then go shoot. I used to have the M3 but the rifle fell sideways and the scope hit a metal pole a couple months ago. And since then it would waste the battery. I always turn the red dot off but it would still kill the battery. Had to just take battery out each time i was done for the day.

About how much smaller is the tube? I know the M3 is 30mm but I couldn't find any numbers for the MicroDot.

Is a smaller tube a benefit or a negative? My initial thought is that a larger tube would be better, but I'm new to red dots myself.
I have been really interested in both of these PA optics, largely due to the high praise they receive on here.