I'll start off by saying, "I love Vortex." I have a Spitfire Prism and I have a Venom. They work great and have a great warranty. Definitely worth the money. AimPoint, EOtech, and Trijicon are battle proven optics. My Vortex optics work great for MY purpose, but if I were going to war, I'd get a Trijicon or AimPoint.
Best Sight for Short Distance?
- Thread starter BrutusMK2
- Start date
blues7
Member
I see someone's already thinking about that first cold one...
Happy Independence Day to you and all here.
@Brutus
Sir, your inquiry has left me a little confused. I don't know if it is a matter of terminology or mission. You say that you want a scope for close range use on a rifle destined for plinking, HD, and SHTF duty, and you shoot at 25 yards ... I am not being critical.
When using a scope, you limit your peripheral vision and end up with tunnel vision, seeing only what is immediately in front of the scope, thereby losing sight of any and all peripheral threats ... not a condition that you want in any form of SD situation. Any degree of magnification reduces your ability to notice peripheral threats.
I think based on the stated mission, that you are seeking a non magnifying reflexive optic, that projects an aiming reference for CQB, but doesn't interfere with your peripheral vision.
I built a CQB M4 type rifle for the fun of it, but I was limited by finances, being on fixed income. I know that higher quality/more expensive options are available, but for starters, I went with what the budget allowed.
I have detachable iron sights for when time allows a precise aimed shot. I have a BSA reflex optic that projects 4 or 5 aiming references on a small tv style screen for fast, close up target acquisition, and a rail mounted laser for intermediate distances. I see the application of this rifle to cover the span from contact distance to 100 yards.
Sir, your inquiry has left me a little confused. I don't know if it is a matter of terminology or mission. You say that you want a scope for close range use on a rifle destined for plinking, HD, and SHTF duty, and you shoot at 25 yards ... I am not being critical.
When using a scope, you limit your peripheral vision and end up with tunnel vision, seeing only what is immediately in front of the scope, thereby losing sight of any and all peripheral threats ... not a condition that you want in any form of SD situation. Any degree of magnification reduces your ability to notice peripheral threats.
I think based on the stated mission, that you are seeking a non magnifying reflexive optic, that projects an aiming reference for CQB, but doesn't interfere with your peripheral vision.
I built a CQB M4 type rifle for the fun of it, but I was limited by finances, being on fixed income. I know that higher quality/more expensive options are available, but for starters, I went with what the budget allowed.
I have detachable iron sights for when time allows a precise aimed shot. I have a BSA reflex optic that projects 4 or 5 aiming references on a small tv style screen for fast, close up target acquisition, and a rail mounted laser for intermediate distances. I see the application of this rifle to cover the span from contact distance to 100 yards.
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blues7
Member
Ed, I think you're correct in that the OP used and intended the term "scope" as a generic substitute for "optic" and that considering his stated "mission" for the rifle, which appears to be clearly stated, his best option would be a non-magnified reflex system that meets his particular needs and budget.
Thanks Ed, being new to optics I incorrectly thought "scope" was the general term for "optic". I corrected my original post to avoid any confusion.
Thanks all for the feedback! I can't afford to buy an Aimpoint now or later due to having a 6 month old and single income. With that said I'm debating between a Vortex Strikefire 2, Vortex SPARC 2, or say go scope instead and get a Nikon P223 3-9x40. I'm 33 and wear a heavy prescription so my eyes aren't what they used to be. Just trying to decide, which is the hard part!
blues7
Member
Brutus, unless your purpose for the rifle has changed, one of the red dot systems will serve you best, imho and here are the reasons why...
The RDS (red dot system) does not require a particular eye relief. Your eye can be any distance from the tube unlike a rifle scope.
The RDS accommodates shooting with both eyes open. This greatly enhances peripheral vision and situational awareness. If you can see the target and the dot with or without glasses, (even if the dot is not a perfect circle or appears like a "starburst"), you are good to go.
The better RDS systems have little to no parallax effect. If the dot is on the target but not centered in the tube, you will still hit the target if you do your job.
And lastly, the RDS is good out to 200 yards and more based upon the testimonials from many of the good members on this site and elsewhere.
To me it would make a great deal of sense for you to start off with the RDS and eventually, if your future needs require doing so, purchase a scope.
Just my two cents.
The RDS (red dot system) does not require a particular eye relief. Your eye can be any distance from the tube unlike a rifle scope.
The RDS accommodates shooting with both eyes open. This greatly enhances peripheral vision and situational awareness. If you can see the target and the dot with or without glasses, (even if the dot is not a perfect circle or appears like a "starburst"), you are good to go.
The better RDS systems have little to no parallax effect. If the dot is on the target but not centered in the tube, you will still hit the target if you do your job.
And lastly, the RDS is good out to 200 yards and more based upon the testimonials from many of the good members on this site and elsewhere.
To me it would make a great deal of sense for you to start off with the RDS and eventually, if your future needs require doing so, purchase a scope.
Just my two cents.
Thanks Blues! That makes perfect sense. I'll forget about a scope for now, if my future needs change as you say I'll reconsider it then.
sgtsandman
US Veteran
After reading through everything, BrutusMK2, a red dot would be your best choice and I would go with the best one your budget will allow.
lunger
Member
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I've had the Vortex Sparc II on my Sport for a while now without issues. I think either of your choices will serve your purpose.
It is ridiculous to say it is as good as an Aimpoint. Just as rediculous and childish to call it a dimestore optic
It is ridiculous to say it is as good as an Aimpoint. Just as rediculous and childish to call it a dimestore optic
Arik
Member
Having it for a while and using it are not the same things
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blues7
Member
My pleasure. Just trying to pay forward the good advice I've received from several folks on this forum.
Let us know how it works out for you.
lunger
Member
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Ok. If by using it you mean running over it with my truck, setting it on fire, or dragging it through the desert or Afgan Mts. Then no
If by using it you mean ,firing the rifle with it on for around 1K shots (before you say it ,Not enough in your opinion) and hauling it back and forth to the range. Then yes
The zero has never moved. I am not LEO or Military and pushing 60 never will be.
The same argument is made against the Sport by high dollar AR owners. Would you trust your life to an entry level AR?
Arik
Member
I'm not a pilot but when I fly I want to be in the best plane possible with the best equipment possible.
I'm not a professional driver but I want the most reliable car possible.
Low end. No
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I'm not a professional driver but I want the most reliable car possible.
Low end. No
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Grjfer
US Veteran
I didn't mean to offend anyone. I was just making the point that people make the choices they want to make. Sure an Aimpoint is better than a Vortex. But whether it's part of someone's budget is part of the story and whether they actually want it is another part of the story.
I am not about to argue the quality differences. I know it exists. But some people will find a lesser sight satisfactory. That was the point I was trying to make. Just like some compromise on cars because they either have to or just want to the same is true of sights.
Again I didn't mean to offend anyone and I won't use examples outside the world of guns again.
OP - take a look at the Meprolight RDS. It might still be on sale at $299 - not sure. I returned my Eotechs and bought the RDS for one of my M&P rifles. 3 brightness + night sight setting. Large sight window. Seems like a quality sight so far with good battery life. Works at 25 yards. The Israelis like it and I do too 
Grjfer
US Veteran
Unless you only spend $30! Not worth crying about.
$30 is $30. That much closer to a high quality red dot, ammo or whatever.
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