Red Dot or Compact Scope?

[rjvincent21]

I'll be picking up my 15-22 on Saturday and want some optics ASAP. I've been browsing the forums about red dots and scopes. I'm new to the AR platform and rifles in general. I would like something that's inexpensive (less than $80), nice looking and easy to install and get set up. From my looking, I'm like the Amazon.com: UTG 3-9x32 Compact CQB Bug Buster AO RGB Scope with Med. Picatinny Rings, 2" Sunshade: Sports & Outdoors for a scope. As far as a red dot, I like the Leapers version. Leapers, Inc. - Hunting/Shooting, Sporting Goods and Security Gear

How good are red dots for 100 yds? Is a scope tough to sight in and get set up? Any suggestions and advice on optics are very welcome!

 

[stadn67]

i bought a red dot but never got it sighted in that day but i also shot a buddies 10/22 with cheap scope and loved it. went out and bought a scope and love it. it took longer for me to mount the scope (keeping it level when tightening the scope to the mounts) then actually sighting it in. prolly took 5 minutes to sight it. for me, it depends on what targets im shooting at. most of my targets are small and i could hardly see through the red dot so a scope was best. if i were shooting at larger targets (ie milk jugs, coffee cans) red dot would work.

 

[Feral Cat]

I thought for sure I'd be picking up a red dot or low-power electronic scope for my 15-22, but I ended up getting a cheap Tasco 3-9 for $30. It doesn't have the cool scope factor, but I am fairly happy with the results. It mainly depends on what kind of recreation you will be doing with it - you could use it only for hunting at mid to long range or plinking at short range. I'd reccomend a cheap red dot for short range plinking. I've heard some people say that you can get good 100 yard results with a red dot, but I couldn't imagine that being true unless you were a very experienced shooter. Anyways, I think I'll be sticking with a 3-9 but upgrading to a better scope in the future. That's my two cents, take it or leave it.

 

[sound wave]

How good are red dots for 100 yds?

if you are mostly going to be shooting at 100 yards, then i would personally go with a scope.

like the others have said, it depends on what you are shooting at and how big it is.

at the local range, i can knock down palm-sized metal targets up to 125 yards out (i think it is 125) with my red dot, but that is only because i have a flip-away 3x magnifier. i don't think i would even be able to see the smaller targets without the magnifier. at your $80 budget, you wouldn't be able to afford the red dot and magnifier.

for how i use the rifle, which is "long range" plinking, i would rather run a scope. for now to save money, i have to borrow the red dot and magnifier off of my other 2 rifles.