optics suggestions

Marshal Tom

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Just purchased my first AR, a lefthanded Stag Arms. It was slightly used with a BSA lighted reticle red, blue and green dot thing on it. I want it primarily for HD but some target shooting etc. I did a retired LE qualifier today and the SO running the range had a new AR with an Eotech on it that he likes very much. Someone else suggested the Nikon m-223 1-4X20 Point Blank Reticle scope. I would probably mount a light on it as well. Any ideas ?

Tom
 
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For HD, I would recommend going with a red dot setup. There are tons of options to fit all budgets. If your budget is around $100 limit, I would look at the Bushnell TRS-25, or something from the Primary Arms line up. If you have $400, an Aimpoint Pro can be had. An Eotech is going to run you a bit more than that.
 
Primary Arms has the Bushnell TRS-25 on sale for 87 and some change with a 20% mail in rebate from Bushnell. I don't think you'll find it much cheaper anywhere! I have the TRS-25 on my AK, and a AimPoint PRO on my S&W Sport. Love em both.
 
Truglo is another low-mid priced option(they have a wide range of models). My LGS recommended it and I have no complaints.
 
You didn't mention budget....if you want a solid optic that works at night, no batteries, illuminated by the sun or by decaying nuclear material, get an ACOG. You won't look back. Great for close in and range work, IMO. I've been through several 4 day training courses with mine....no complaints, no regrets. The Pelican brand shipping case it arrives in costs more than many red dot optics...then you have top quality pistol case for airline travel too.

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Aimpoint Pro you can find them now for under $400 I have used both eotech and aimpoint now both great sights but the battery life in the aimpoint can not be beaten. I feel I was replacing the batteries in my eotch more than i was using it.
 
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Aimpoint Pro you can find them now for under $400 I have used both eotech and aimpoint now both great sights but the battery life in the aimpoint can not be beaten. I feel I was replacing the batteries in my eotch more than i was using it.

I have had the same question and am leaning towards an Aimpoint but still can't decide which model. I like the price point and the fact that everything is included with the PRO but I also like a number of the other models. I love the Trijicon ACOG but it would take me forever before I could get one due to their price. I also really like the Burris XTR scope. Too many options to pick from........still leaning towards some flavor of Aimpoint though.
 
I'll throw in my experience with my Bushnell TRS-25, although I think many poo-poo it because it doesn't cost $400 or more.

I like the idea of a non-magnifying optic for self-defense. I want both eyes open and seeing the same picture.

The TRS-25 just places a dot where the bullet will go. Both eyes looking at the target, there's a red dot at the point of impact. It's fast and easy.

If the dot fails, my iron sights are there as back-up and the transition is instant.

The battery on the TRS is supposed to last 3,000 hours or so. The dot is plenty bright for daylight, and can be dimmed for dusk or more precise target shooting.

I only have about three hundred rounds of 5.56 with the TRS-25, but the point of aim is rock solid and hasn't moved a bit.

Would I like an Aimpoint? I bet I would. I bet it's clearer. The Bushnell has a slight tint to it.

I figure I have $80 in the Bushnell, if I don't like it after a while I can put it on something else.


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I run a TRS-25 on my AK47 and I love it.

There is also the Vortex Strikefire, Vortex Sparc.

Primary Arms has a red dot that's very good too, as well as a 1-4x scope that is excellent.

PERSONALLY... I think EOTechs are pure junk. I had TWO die on me back to back when I ordered them directly from the manufacturer. I demanded a refund and went with a Vortex Strikefire for my M4 and so far it's held zero, takes a beating, it's been in a creek, used it for a carbine course as well with great results.
 
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I originally wanted an Aimpoint PRO but couldn't find one anywhere. I ended up buying an Eotech 512 and very much like it on my Magpul MOE Mid. Batteries are easy to find and that circle around the dot works for me up to 100 yards (farthest I've shot it at this point). No problems (so far) so it's my recommendation. I have a ballistic scope on my SP1 for longer range shooting. Seems like all I need quite honestly. Good luck!
 
Really really love my Aimpoint Micro H-1 2MOA on the Larue QD Mount (Larue offers great combo prices such that the mount is basically free). I hear the battery needs to be replaced every 5-10 years!

Also bought a Trijicon ACOG TA11H-G on teh Larue mount, absolutely love it as well, can't go wrong either way!
 
For red dots I used the TRS-25 too and it worked great. As my eyes have gotten older I switched to a Optisan Mamba 1-4 scope. $150 w/ mount at Swafa.

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Really really love my Aimpoint Micro H-1 2MOA on the Larue QD Mount (Larue offers great combo prices such that the mount is basically free). I hear the battery needs to be replaced every 5-10 years!

Also bought a Trijicon ACOG TA11H-G on teh Larue mount, absolutely love it as well, can't go wrong either way!

Just curious but why did you go with the H-1 versus other Aimpoints? I really like the reticle on the TA31H but I'd be putting it on layaway forever before I would actually be able to use it.
 
If you are looking for a "cheap" red dot, then the Primary Arms, Bushnell TRS25, and the Vortex Strkefire lines are good choices. (Under $180). I have a Primary Arms on my 15-22 and it is good. Seems to be quite good quality for a budget red-dot. (Under $75 delievered and included mount). In bright sun and a bright background, the dot can get lost and hard to find.

Once you get to the $200 range the Lucid HS7 is supposed to be very, very good.

At $360 or so you can get the Aimpoint PRO.... that is the one I have, and really love it. It is extremely bright if needed for bright sun, light backgrounds, never have a problem with seeing the dot. This is mounted on my SHTF/SD/HD gun so I wanted something that would be as close to bullet proof as I could find.

I haven't seen an EOTech for that price, and the battery life was a concern. I do like the larger diameter ring with the dot..... but the single 2 moa dot of my PRO is just fine.

Once you break $400 your options open up greatly. The "holy grail" would be one of the ACOG's, but as you say they are plenty of $$ ... and they definitely hold their price well.
 
Marshall Tom....just what distances are you shooting....for hunting in open areas 4x isnt enough unless all of your bullseyes or game is large. My nephew has an Trijicon ACOG on his OR. Prairie Dogs @ 100yds are tough and before anyone says anything he is Special Forces and has been for over 8 years. He hasnt worn a uniform in forever even when he is back in the states. So the man is not your average shooter. Most of those types of sights are built with human sized targets in mind.
 
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