Accuracy- 3x9 scope vs reflex red-dot

[CajunMouseSniper]

Seems like I've killed every tree rat within walking distance of the house so was bored and decided to punch some paper yesterday. I've always shot with a magnified scope but picked up a sightmark red-dot reflex sight to try it out. Also normally shoot Federal bulk, but a buddy gave me a box of CCI Green Tag so I gave it a try. I've never shot sub-sonics before and they cycled fine plus sounded really cool! Results:

At close range (25 yds) the red dot is almost as accurate as the 3x9 scope. Differences in group size become real apparent at 50 yds. At 100 yds I could not see the target with the red-dot so that is definately out of range. Can't measure the "fun factor" but if all my shooting was at less than 50 yds I would prefer the red-dot as the target aquisition is much quicker.

Thought this might help those trying to choose between a magnified scope vs red-dot.

 

[~tc~]

Backs up what I had read in an article somewhere.

That's why I went with a low magnification scope (1.5-4.5x) - best of both worlds.

 

[ChattanoogaPhil]

I have a fixed 4x. Works great for 50yd and under plinking.

 

[CajunMouseSniper]

I had not considered that option -tc-. What scope are you using? I'm assuming at low magnification like that you can shoot with both eyes open for quicker target aquisition? The word is out and my tree rats are running scared. The only shots I'm getting now are 100yds+ or snap a quick shot as they are running for cover. Did manage to nail one of them at 100yds . Poor rat never saw it coming!

 

[~tc~]

Mine is a Swift 1.5-4.5x32. Nice bright optics, and yes, at the low setting easy to run both eyes open like a red dot, and then zoom in like a normal scope.

I had a thread called "low magnification scopes" where I listed my reviews of all the scopes I sampled.

If $ is no object, the Leupold Mark AR CQB would be what I would get I think.