Red Dot Sight

[HAM]

I have a long neglected surplus M1 carbine that went to the range with me Friday and I had so much fun I thought I would try a red dot sight or some similar type sight on it. With the exception of iron sights I know nothing about rifle sights so I don't have a clue. I'm having trouble focusing my aging eyes on the target and the rifle sights while battling with my eyeglasses.

The purpose of this rifle is target shooting at 100 yards or less and defense of my family and property in event of riot or civil unrest.

If you were in my situation, what particular sight would you choose? A UltiMAK mount already has been installed on the M1. Now I need only to select a sight. Any advice or comments would be appreciated.

Regards

HAM

 

[Ranger98]

Hi Ham,
Like most things ,it depends on how much you want to spend.I would recommend that you get the best one you can afford.It is better to get a good one from the start than a cheap one you will be disappointed with and want to replace.

 

[HAM]

Ranger I'm sure you're right about going for quality. I've talked myself into an Aimpoint sight based on their reputation, but now must choose a particular model from the large number of models available. Anyone with experience using Aimpoints have opinions or suggestions please feel free to comment.

Regards,

HAM

 

[Ranger98]

Well,sounds like you have the quality issue pretty well nailed down,as for the particular model,that choice may be a little more difficult ..

 

[Vfeldman]

I have used just about everything from a cheap 29 dollar sight to ACOGs. A good mid price red dot is an UltraDot. I have two of them. They run around 135 from midway and are way better that the cheap ones and priced well under the Aimpoints.

Hope this helps some

Vic

 

[Chili Vega]

SWFA.com recently ran a special that included an Aimpoint M2, QRP2 mount and "killflash" filter for about $400.00 after the discount code. I have run an M2 for about 6 years. My team has been running them for the last 5 years with very few issues, especially considering the abuse they take.

 

[Boppa]

For range use, try Primary Arms. They have an Aimpoint knock off that is very reliable and is only $99.00. Red Dot Sights

If you are thinking at all about home defense, go Aimpoint for reliability...

 

[Jswiney9]

For 100 yards or less go with a mid to larger dot. 5 M.O.A is going to cover 5 inches at 100 yards but you can set the dot up at a quarter co-witness and get a better site picture. The larger dots are easier to use in day light shooting conditions and if it is for home defense a larger dot will work better up close.

 

[arizona98tj]

At distance, such as 100 yards, one would be using the top edge of the dot, not the center of the dot, for a sight picture. Using the top edge of the top reduces/eliminates the "my large dot covers my target" issue.

 

[HAM]

Thanks for your helpful comments. Just to let you know, I ordered an Aimpoint Micro R-1 red dot sight from Midway last night. My decision was driven by the sale price of $300 which is about half of retail.

Regards,

HAM

 

[45doubletap]

One of the best red/green dots I've ever used is the Vortex Strikefire. Bout $150...Very durable and has a LIFETIME no questions warranty. There customer service is superb! It's not an Aimpoint but my rifle's not going on extended tours in the sandbox. You can literally smash it to oblivion with a hammer, box it up and you'll get a new one for $0. Had an issue with the end caps and had 2 new ones in 3 days. Along with some extra stuff they tossed in for my troubles...you just can't beat that service.

 

[Ky Bob]

One of the best red/green dots I've ever used is the Vortex Strikefire. Bout $150...Very durable and has a LIFETIME no questions warranty. There customer service is superb! It's not an Aimpoint but my rifle's not going on extended tours in the sandbox. You can literally smash it to oblivion with a hammer, box it up and you'll get a new one for $0. Had an issue with the end caps and had 2 new ones in 3 days. Along with some extra stuff they tossed in for my troubles...you just can't beat that service.

Can you co-witness with the Vortex?

 

[MPDC]

Can you co-witness with the Vortex?[/QUOT

Yes, they come with your choice of an AR mount or a "Hunting" mount. Choose the AR and it should give absolute cowitness with std. height sights or BUIS.

Also, you might consider the red only version because it is brighter than the red/green and easier to see in bright light. Other than that, great ecomomy red dot.

 

[Ky Bob]

One of the best red/green dots I've ever used is the Vortex Strikefire. Bout $150...Very durable and has a LIFETIME no questions warranty. There customer service is superb! It's not an Aimpoint but my rifle's not going on extended tours in the sandbox. You can literally smash it to oblivion with a hammer, box it up and you'll get a new one for $0. Had an issue with the end caps and had 2 new ones in 3 days. Along with some extra stuff they tossed in for my troubles...you just can't beat that service.

I read somewhere they put this scope on a 375 H&H and fired it 1,000 rds to see if the scope would hold up. It did!!!!! I'd like to see the guys shoulder that did the shooting.......

 

[Powderburn15-22]

Well on my 15-22 and mounted a vortex sparc. It has all the 1913 mounts you need. Plus I sent it through heck and I still have zero!