Red dot vs halo scope... (rookie question)

[Lineman1]

Okay bought my 15-22 a week ago (also my first AR) and absolutely love this rifle. I have an interest in the run and gun style tactical shooting and wanting to add some optics. Curious about the pros and cons of each style such as ease of target aquisition and proficient ranges and just any advise as I've never shot either style. Actually thinking about hosting a good natured competitive shoot at my place at some point in the future. I'm completely ate up with it right now. . Lol thanks for the great forum and advise in advance. ---- Shaun

 

[Ghost_Soldier]

IMO the open window style red dot might be better for a run 'n gun tactical shoot but with the tube style red dot you could probably see better in the bright sunlight. I haven't had much experience with the open window red dots, so I'm not sure which brands would be visible in bright sunlight. I think the open window red dots would be a lot better for fast target acquisition on closer targets, say 50 yards or closer. Just my .02

 

[Lineman1]

That was kinda what I was thinking but wanted to hear from some more experienced shooters.. Another question what is the term co-witness refer too? --Shaun

 

[ragingyeti]

Co-witness refers to the ability to use the back up iron sights (most people have folding BUIS) through the glass of your optic. Absolute means the irons will be centered in the optic and lower 1/3 cowitness will line up in the bottom portion of the glass.

This does not mean that you use the irons and red dot at the same time, although you could (but I find this takes away from the actual purpose of the red dot). It means that if your optic should fail, you would still be able to use your irons in an emergency.

Note that co-witnessing only works for unmagnified optics. Even 1-4x scopes will not co-witness because the 1x power is actually around 1.1x and this will result in a blurry front sight post.

 

[BigRat]

The problem with optics is that you get what you pay for. If you want serious competition grade stuff, you're paying about as much for an Eotech 512 as you did for your gun. The Eo's for close range work are hard to beat for quick aquisition of close targets. I use a 517 on my Sig 516.

Now if your just going to be using this gun for fun stuff there's plenty of stuff under 200.00 that will fit the bill. A lot depends on your primary use of the gun and ranges of targets. 25/50/75/100/150/200 yds, the lower end you won't need magnified optics (faster aquisition). The higher end you will need magnified optics (slower aquisition). There's obviously compromises in both, and ways around some issues. 3X magnifier on an Eotech for example. But first determine your need and this will narrow down a very large field of possible optics.

Enjoy your 15-22, very fun little gun

BigRat

 

[tracksol]

I would recommend sticking with iron sights for a while and asking to check out other people's setups at your local gun range / matches. Most enthusiasts would be willing to let you at least take a look through their optics and some would even let you shoot their gun a couple times.

BigRat is spot on that you get what you pay for and what's even more important is what your intended use and expectations are.

 

[dannybot]

As far as which works better, or faster, I originally thought a holo like he EOTech would be faster, but after shooting both, the style doesn't really make a difference as far as target acquisition and shooting speed, for me.

I picked up a BSA 42 mm red dot floor model from Gander a while back, it works very well in low light, but midday is a challenge for the brighness. It is really big, and actually light, fast acquisition once your eyes adjust to the dimness, and holds zero very well. Since it was a floor model, it was only $25, but you can find the same model online for bout the same price if you look. It took a 1/2" riser also.

I am considering moving up to a Primary Arms red dot, they have the rep of being bright enough for high noon, and they run about $80 with AR mount.

I have not tried an Aimpoint or EOTech in the sunlight, which would be the true test.l

 

[photoracer]

The Eotech is overkill for most tactical shooting. For the price of one you could equip 2 rifles with C-More Railway red dots, which is the prefered red dot in most action shooting (pistols for sure). The C-More can be irritatingly bright even at hi- noon, so thank goodness it has a brightness knob. It can also be fitted with LED modules to produce dots from 2 MOA to as much as 16 MOA (standard is 6 or 8). About $210 each. For something cheaper that works consider the TruGlo Dual Color Red/Green reflex sight. Green is prefered in daylight because Green is more visible than red. Has 4 reticle patterns and they are sharp not fuzzy like cheap reflex sights. About $60 each. Tube type red dots also work OK on rifles (dual red/green ones also available but usually not with reticle patterns). I use C-Mores on my competition pistols but both my .22 rifles (including my 15-22) use TruoGlo dual color red dot sights.

 

[Daveshady]

i have a Tasco pro point on mine and my wifes 15-22's not to expensive and work great. Red and Green dots both. I was shooting at 50 yards yesterday at a 4" metal target and did a great job. I can see my MOE sights thru the 42mm glass with no problems at all. I have a Halo type sight also I just think this works better for our uses.

 

[roadkill45]

C-Mores for all my .22's even pistols, the Railway is an excellent deal. I have one for my 15-22 but since it is in hunting configuration it sports a Vortex Bright Red Dot and a Eo 3x magnifier in a FTS mount.
My 'real' AR's 1 has the OPMOD EXPS-0 Eotech, another a Schmidt and Bender Short Dot, another a Weaver Super Slam FFP 1.1-5x24, another an older Aimpoint and one with the T1.
Out of all, including the $2500 S&B, i like the Weaver (love FFP for hunting) and the C-More for gaming.
can't go wrong for around $200.

 

[Raydee]

How do the red dots work with a magnifier? Does the magnifier make the red dot larger and blurry?