Just received my PA M4 Red Dot

[joepa150]

Ordered on Wednesday late afternoon and got this morning! That is super fast.

I am new to red dots and only have a $35 Tasco from Wallyworld that I purchased a few days ago to compare it to.

At first I was hesitant to spend the extra $60 because how much better could it be.

Well it does do basically what the Tasco does, there are several things I like about it that I feel make it worth the extra $60.

1) 1 year replacement warranty is great
2) Dot is clearer, smaller, and more precise
3) Uses AA batteries
4) Comes with a riser
5) Multiple reticles (correct term?)
6) Looks like it is the real deal and not a toy

Fit and finish looks a bit better but not a whole lot better than the Tasco. The Tasco's fit and finish is actually really good for a $35 red dot.

I am used to focusing on the front site so focusing on the target while using a red dot will take some getting used to .

 

[TrashmanNYC]

Cool. I think I'm gonna upgrade to the PA on my Hi-Point. I have a cheapie one on there now that never seems to hold zero.

 

[joepa150]

Cool. I think I'm gonna upgrade to the PA on my Hi-Point. I have a cheapie one on there now that never seems to hold zero.

Well I do not know if the PA will hold zero or not. From the reviews I have read, it will hold zero and for less than $100, it is the best you can buy.

I am going to shoot it tomorrow so I will let you know what I think.

 

[the_new_guy]

Absolutely will hold zero. I switch the M4 between my .223 and my .22lr often. It holds up very well to the "harder hitting" .223. I think you'll be very happy with it.

 

[HalfSwiss]

I am used to focusing on the front site so focusing on the target while using a red dot will take some getting used to .

Nothing to get used to. The dot is in the same plane as the target as far as your eye is concerned. No parallax (or virtually none) makes it so just find the dot and you are good to go. Shoot with both eyes open. There is nothing to line up, just put the dot on the target - assuming you have it sighted in right.

For normal plinking (10 yards to nearly 100) simply sight in for dead on at 25 yards. You'll be a little low at 10 yards, right on at 25, an inch high at 50 and about 3 inches low at 100. That assumes you do your job and hold it steady

 

[joepa150]

Nothing to get used to. The dot is in the same plane as the target as far as your eye is concerned. No parallax (or virtually none) makes it so just find the dot and you are good to go. Shoot with both eyes open. There is nothing to line up, just put the dot on the target - assuming you have it sighted in right.

For normal plinking (10 yards to nearly 100) simply sight in for dead on at 25 yards. You'll be a little low at 10 yards, right on at 25, an inch high at 50 and about 3 inches low at 100. That assumes you do your job and hold it steady

I notice that when I focus on the dot it seems a bit blurry with some artifacts to the northwest, when I focus on the target, the dot is sharp.

Also outdoor ranges are 45 minutes from me so most of the time I am stuck indoors at 25 yards. I am going to sight in at 25 yards BUT I read recently (I can't recall which forum I read this on) that 50 yards would be better to sight in. From what I remember, at 50 yards, your can shoot 10 yards to 100 yards with only being a few inches low or high. If sighted in at 25 yards, you could be much more off for some reason. Someone even made a chart (don't know how accurate it was though). I will link if I can find.

 

[HalfSwiss]

joepa, I think you answered your own question - focus on the target and the dot is also in focus.

As for what distance you sight it in, that's personal preference. All I can tell you is 25 yard sight-in works extremely well for me and a bunch of people who have asked if they can shoot my 15-22.

In any case, I'm sure you'll have a heck of a lot of fun figuring out what's best for you.

 

[Clark Kent]

Never had an issue with mine not holding zero

 

[POTS]

I bought the M2 version two years ago and I think it is a great value. My AR is set up for close quarters so I zero at 25, leaves me about 2.75" low at 100 which is still just fine.