Best red dot for under $50?

WarpedWheel · Feb 1, 2012

I know there's been a lot of talk about optics lately, so I wanted to get everyone's opinion of the best red dot optics for under $50.
Part numbers and pics are welcome!

crracer_712 · Feb 1, 2012

Best under 50 bucks is probably subjective. My son uses a cheap Tasco Red Dot found at WalMart (under 40 bucks), it's probably not the best, but considering he hits what he shoots at consistantly, it's apparently a pretty good unit.

c7aea · Feb 1, 2012

Try something from BSA. I have one of their older 42mm red dots without that little sun visor thing. It works, and hasn't given me any problems. I wouldn't call the red dot much of a "dot" though. its more of an elliptical smudge. Their 30mm version can be found for around $30. For a few $ over budget my Bushnell trs-25 ($90) beats is hands down. I also hear good things about primary arms red dots ($80).

JaPes · Feb 1, 2012

https://www.primaryarms.com/Primary_Arms_GEN_2_AA_Battery_Red_Dot_p/pam4g2blem.htm

^$59.99

WarpedWheel · Feb 1, 2012

JaPes said:
https://www.primaryarms.com/Primary_Arms_GEN_2_AA_Battery_Red_Dot_p/pam4g2blem.htm

^$59.99

That seems like a pretty good sale for a minor blemish.

ChattanoogaPhil · Feb 1, 2012

JaPes said:
https://www.primaryarms.com/Primary_Arms_GEN_2_AA_Battery_Red_Dot_p/pam4g2blem.htm

^$59.99

That's a pretty good deal.

If you buy just a cheap red dot for under $50 then you'll have to buy rings and or riser, and you'll end up spending about the same. With the Primary Arms you linked, it's designed for an AR platform with the right co-witness height and ready to go out of the box. At over 12oz, it is a little heavy.

PapaChop · Feb 1, 2012

Truglo Red Dot Sight $40.69

fullmetal1911 · Feb 1, 2012

PapaChop said:
Truglo Red Dot Sight $40.69

Beat me to it. Truglo makes some good stuff.

WarpedWheel · Feb 1, 2012

For the price would the Primary Arms be better than the Truglo?

YOSHIBESTO · Feb 1, 2012

I use a BSA R/G/B dot I bought from big five for about 30-40 bucks. I have no complains and works great on the 15-22 here's a review from YouTube and a pick on the actual gun.

YouTube - Broadcast Yourself.

Mobile Uploads :: IMG_6163.jpg picture by yoshibesto - Photobucket

Mobile Uploads :: IMG_6282.jpg picture by yoshibesto - Photobucket

ChattanoogaPhil · Feb 1, 2012

WarpedWheel said:
For the price would the Primary Arms be better than the Truglo?

What is better for you?

The Truglo has a 5MOA dot. The PA has a 2MOA dot.

The PA has an integrated riser designed for an AR platform and co-witness. The Truglo has an integrated mount that will require the purchase of a separate generic riser (around $10 or so). Not having an integrated riser will make the Truglow more compatible with other guns you may have.

The PA has attached flip covers. The Truglo comes with caps.

The PA use regular AA batteries. The Truglo uses Type N.

With a riser, the Truglo is probably about 2oz less weight.

As far as durability and such, they will both hold up to a .22 and hold zero just fine.

WarpedWheel · Feb 1, 2012

ChattanoogaPhil said:
What is better for you?

The Truglo has a 5MOA dot. The PA has a 2MOA dot.

The PA has an integrated riser designed for an AR platform and co-witness. The Truglo has an integrated mount that will require the purchase of a separate generic riser (around $10 or so). Not having an integrated riser will make the Truglow more compatible with other guns you may have.

The PA has attached flip covers. The Truglo comes with caps.

The PA use regular AA batteries. The Truglo uses Type N.

With a riser, the Truglo is probably about 2oz less weight.

As far as durability and such, they will both hold up to a .22 and hold zero just fine.

We have a bunch of targets in the 50 yard range at my brother's place so probably the 2MOA would be better.

The AR platform mount will be fine because I don't plan to swap it to other rifles.

I do like the idea of having the flip covers, though I have not compared flip and cap covers side by side.

Battery type is not a determining factor with me because I will have extras of whatever type I need in my case.

I like the out of the box co-witness of the PA.

2 oz would not be a deciding factor for me.

Thanks for your helpful questions since I am new to the red dot sights.

I think it sounds like the PA might be the one for my needs.

YOSHIBESTO · Feb 1, 2012

im using a BSA R/G/B dot on my 15-22. i bought it for about 30-40 dollars at big 5. so far works great, i have nothing bad to say about it. heres a couple pics of it mounted on the gun. and a review i found on youtube.

BSA Electronic Red/Green/Blue Dot Scope Review - YouTube

MrBoxx · Feb 1, 2012

You can find the Bushnell TRS25 on Amazon for $69 and it's amazing. I shot it for the first time today and all I can say is, I'm amazed at how well it works. Target acquisition was quick, accuracy was very good, and the dot is very bright and clear, even on low settings (I was using level 2-3 out of 11 levels in the range). Get a $8 .83" riser for co-witness and you'll be happy.

Paracord Joes · Feb 1, 2012

TruGlo I had now mounted on a riser handle....

WarpedWheel · Feb 2, 2012

Hmm, lots of choices! Those all look nice. I've got my research and reviews cut out for me.

Jeremy126 · Feb 2, 2012

Ok I have to ask what is a kill flash?

CoreyT · Feb 2, 2012

My Primary Arms Micro Dot shows up tomorrow.
It will be replacing my Vortex Strikefire.
Will be testing the PA out Saturday morning at a local indoor 25 yard range.

ChattanoogaPhil · Feb 2, 2012

Jeremy126 said:
Ok I have to ask what is a kill flash?

Kill flash is intended to eliminate glint from the front glass of an optic. This prevents Zombies from picking up your location. It's like a micro thin honeycomb. The pic below isn't dead on so the honeycomb appears to be a bit more thick than it really is. The kill flash screws onto the MicroDot. It's a design like Aimpoint for their Micro.

Uploaded with ImageShack.us

ChattanoogaPhil · Feb 2, 2012

YOSHIBESTO said:
im using a BSA R/G/B dot on my 15-22. i bought it for about 30-40 dollars at big 5. so far works great, i have nothing bad to say about it. heres a couple pics of it mounted on the gun. and a review i found on youtube.

BSA Electronic Red/Green/Blue Dot Scope Review - YouTube

It might be worth considering putting a riser under that red dot.

Best red dot for under $50?

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