Sub $200 Optic for my new Sport 2?

[Gaucho59]

I just brought home a Sport 2 today. Had a hard choice between the Ruger, the Sport and a Mid-Moe but went with the Sport 2. The optics I've been considering are:

Bushnell AR Optics 1x MP ( [ame="http://www.amazon.com/Bushnell-Optics-Illuminated-Reticle-Riflescope/dp/B0019SS8CE/ref=sr_1_5?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1451336619&sr=1-5&keywords=bushnell+ar+optics"]Amazon.com : Bushnell AR Optics 1x MP Illuminated Red/Green T-Dot Reticle Riflescope, 1x32mm : Gun Scopes : Sports & Outdoors@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41kSpPrcJTL.@@AMEPARAM@@41kSpPrcJTL[/ame] )

HOLOSUN HS403G ( [ame="http://www.amazon.com/HOLOSUN-HS403G-Paralow-Micro-Turret/dp/B00OTNR8PO/ref=cm_cr_pr_pl_footer_top?ie=UTF8"]Amazon.com : HOLOSUN HS403G Paralow Micro Red Dot Sight with T1 Mount/High E/W Turret : Sports & Outdoors@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41e3x0PeGEL.@@AMEPARAM@@41e3x0PeGEL[/ame] )

Vortex Optics StrikeFire 2 ( [ame="http://www.amazon.com/Vortex-Optics-StrikeFire-Cantilever-SF-RG-501/dp/B00MAJKX9M/ref=sr_1_fkmr1_2?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1451331778&sr=1-2-fkmr1&keywords=vortex+fastfire"]Amazon.com : Vortex Optics StrikeFire 2 Red/Green Dot Sight with Cantilever Mount (SF-RG-501) and FREE Vortex Hat : Sports & Outdoors@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41zrkvh3akL.@@AMEPARAM@@41zrkvh3akL[/ame] )

I'd like to set it up for absolute co-witness but I'm open to 1/3. Any suggestions?

 

[Florida J Frame]

I'm very happy with my Lucid.

 

[cyphertext]

I would remove that particular Bushnell from the list. If you go with Bushnell, the TRS 25 is great for an inexpensive optic, and it is less than $100.

If you are thinking about the Holosun, I would recommend giving Primary Arms a look, particularly Primary Arms Advanced Micro Dot with Push Buttons MD-ADS | Primary Arms

Primary Arms is easy to do business with and more accessible for any warranty claims.

Lots of folks like the Strikefire. I've never used one.

 

[ChattanoogaPhil]

Bushnell TRS 25 for range use.Buy it including the riser you want. Palmetto or Primary Arms usually has the sight/riser combo.

I don't think much of the $200 priced red dots. Just don't see the value in spending more for a sight that isn't battle worthy. If you want a better red dot than the TRS get an Aimpoint.

 

[BAM-BAM]

Bushnell TRS 25 for range use.Buy it including the riser you want. Palmetto or Primary Arms usually has the sight/riser combo.

I don't think much of the $200 priced red dots. Just don't see the value is spending more for a sight that isn't battle worthy. If you want a better red dot than the TRS get an Aimpoint.

Have to agree..... do have the TRS25 on my Beretta CX4 Storm (home PDW).....it gets some extra protection from the rear "rabbit ears"......

 

[andyo5]

I have a Vortex Strikefire on my MOE model. It comes with a screw on doubler that really helps for long distance shooting. I love it for what I do with it.
If actual combat were on the agenda, I'd prefer the much more costly Aimpoint optics, only because they never need to be switched off or on. Battery life is 5 years with continuous use.

 

[sgtsandman]

Of the ones you listed, Vortex.

What cyphertext and ChattanoogaPhil said is good advice. They won't steer you wrong.

 

[Gaucho59]

Thanks for the replies so far. I looked at the TRS25 and it seemed like most folks liked the TRS32 better. Anyone have experience with one of those?

[ame="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ABP3XNU?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=ox_sc_act_title_1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER"]Amazon.com : Bushnell AR Optics TRS-32 Red Dot Riflescope with 30mm Tactical Ring, 1x 32mm : Rifle Scopes : Sports & Outdoors@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41Mmp228ViL.@@AMEPARAM@@41Mmp228ViL[/ame]

 

[cyphertext]

The TRS 25 has a smaller dot. I prefer the smaller 3 MOA dot, than the larger 5 MOA dot of the TRS 32.

 

[Tbat]

Thanks for the replies so far. I looked at the TRS25 and it seemed like most folks liked the TRS32 better. Anyone have experience with one of those?

Amazon.com : Bushnell AR Optics TRS-32 Red Dot Riflescope with 30mm Tactical Ring, 1x 32mm : Rifle Scopes : Sports & Outdoors

I guess, that I am not most folks. I initially bought a TRS 32, but wound up taking it back and exchanging it for a TRS 25, and have not looked back. I have since bought several more TRS 25's for everything from AR15's, Saiga rifles to Ruger .22's.

 

[mbliss57]

I have the Vortex SPARC2. $168 shipped from Amazon. It can mount low or high & 1/3 co witness.. as you like. It's rugged, Small and very easy and accurate. I use this on range and play AR.

 

[snm8510]

Meh if you have to be in the ~$200 price range, I'd go vortex.. Probably the Sparc II

I'd try to save a little more and go with the Aimpoint ACO or PRO.. You might cry at first, but shortly after, you won't be upset anymore.

 

[TheMaineEvent]

I went with a cheap(er) red dot. It crapped out after two years so I went with an Aimpoint Pro. You may be fine with a 200 red dot, but they are made in China so don't be surprised if it craps out on you at some point.

A rifle is only as good as its sights. I don't understand people spending the money for a quality rifle only to turn around and save money on optics. Not saying you need to go with a a Leupold, but why not spend a little more to know you are buying a quality product? Buy once cry once.

 

[PPCSHOOTER]

I HAVE PLENTY OF RED DOTS. AIMPOINT, EOTECH, VORTEX, BURRIS 332,532. AND THE BUSHNELL TRS32.
FOR THE MONEY, THE BUSHNELL TRS32 IS THE WAY TO GO. YES IT HAS A 5MOA DOT, YES THE TRS25 HAS A 3 MOA DOT. THE TRS32 HAS A WIDER FIELD OF VIEW FOR FASTER TARGET ACQUISITION. 5 MOA IS PLENTY GOOD FOR 200YDS AND IN. OUT TO ABOUT 250YDS WHAT EVER THE DOT COVERS YOU'LL HIT HOLDING DEAD ON WITHOUT KENTUCKY WINDAGE. AND HIT IT FAST. JP

PS I EVEN HAD ONE SLIDE MOUNTED ON A 1911 FOR BULLSEYE. MY ULTRADOT WAS SENT BACK TO THE FACTORY FOR REPAIR AND I NEEDED A DOT ON MY 1911. THE TRS32 WAS ALL I HAD UNMOUNTED. I PUT ABOUT 1500 RDS THROUGH THE 1911 WITH THE SLIDE MOUNT. THE TRS32 NEVER HAD A PROBLEM. KEPT ZERO, CLEAR LENSES. EVEN WITH THE G FORCES OF THE SLIDE SLAMMING BACK AND FORTH. THE ONLY REASON I PUT THE ULTRADOT BACK ON WHEN IT RETURNED WAS TO KEEP ALL THE PISTOL WITH THE SAME SIGHT PICTURE. JP

 

[JWH321]

I put a Strikefire II on mine. I had a TRS25 but it was stolen by my son-in-law. I like both of them, but I like the Strikefire II the best. It just seems to be very high quality. I looked at the EOtech and Aimpoint things. They are great, but I can't afford them. The Strikefire seems to be every bit as good for my purposes. And mine co-witnessed perfectly with my Magpul sights, right out of the box.

 

[cyphertext]

FOR THE MONEY, THE BUSHNELL TRS32 IS THE WAY TO GO. YES IT HAS A 5MOA DOT, YES THE TRS25 HAS A 3 MOA DOT. THE TRS32 HAS A WIDER FIELD OF VIEW FOR FASTER TARGET ACQUISITION.

With the red dot mounted forward on the receiver and shooting with both eyes open, field of view is unlimited.

 

[johnnyflake]

I have two Ruger 10/22 rifles and have a very inexpensive 4x32 Compact Aim-Sports on both of them. It is an amazing scope for the price.

Aim Sports Tactical 4x32 Compact 223 308 Scope w Rings Lens Cloth | eBay

 

[Wee Hooker]

The Vortex is good but to be honest, this one has become a favorite on my M4. It is a 2.5 power but magnification is barely noticeable. 42mm gathers allot of light in dim conditions. I can co-witness my sights right through it as well. I paid $110+ for my first one. They seem to have come down in price lately.


[ame="http://www.amazon.com/Truglo-Red-Dot-Sight-2X42mm-Black/dp/B000OICEUM/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1451672868&sr=8-4&keywords=truglo+42"]Amazon.com : Truglo Red-Dot Sight 2X42mm Black : Rifle Scopes : Sports & Outdoors@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41aur5yZmCL.@@AMEPARAM@@41aur5yZmCL[/ame]

 

[Rastoff]

I don't think much of the $200 priced red dots. Just don't see the value in spending more for a sight that isn't battle worthy. If you want a better red dot than the TRS get an Aimpoint.

Phil and I have disagreed on this before, but it's always fun to get different opinions.

If a 1x red dot is your thing, I recommend the Primary Arms Advanced Microdot. It is a sub $200 optic and so far has been very good. It has every feature of the Aimpoint stuff, but is much less money. In fact, I can't find a single advantage to spending more money, including for durability. Battery life is even supposed to be 50,000 hours at the middle setting.

I had my battery go out at about 6 months, but I believe the battery was bad. I have since installed a new batter and am testing the veracity of the battery life claim. I'm 5 months into that test and the battery is still going strong. If it lasts a full year, I'll call it good.

 

[ChattanoogaPhil]

Chinese quality control optics work great until they don't.
These are the more pricey Holosun/Primary Arms red dots.

Holosun A fail
Holosun B fail
Holosun C fail

Unsuitable at Any Range: A Holosun Review - The Firearm Blog

I've probably got more Chinese made red dots than most others here. They are great for recreational use. Expectations beyond recreation, no thanks.

Reminds me of the guy who posted pics on the Net of his PA Advanced Micro image shift. Horrible. He sent it back and got another that he said wasn't so bad. Chinese quality control is like a box of chocolates.