Scope or Red Dot?

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kevinmcc2

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Hey guys, some of you might know I just got into the AR scene and am loving it. I am looking to get either a scope or a red dot.

I am really leaning towards the red dot since most of my shoot is 25-100 yards. I will never exceed 100yrds at least not anytime soon and also would like to have the ability to use the rifle in close quarters if need be in a defensive situation.

So that being said are red dots good out towards 100yrds? I have never shot with one so I have no idea. I don't really need some crazy tight groups, I just like shooting bowling pins, steel plates, etc for fun.

Also, what are some good budget options for for under $100?

Thanks in advance!
 
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Sounds like you should be looking at a non-magnified red dot or reflex sight. The smaller the dot, the more accurate your hits will be. The smaller the dot, the brighter it needs to be for daylight use.

Check your battery every month with a voltmeter or your tongue if you know what 3v DC feels like. Set a reminder on your phone so you don't forget - a dead battery is bad.

Me personally - I am pretty fast and comfortable with the irons - large aperture with both eyes open.
 
I've got both red dots and 1-4x scopes on my AR's.

I prefer the low power scopes for most work. However, your price limit pretty much excludes scopes.

You can take the dot to well beyond 200 yards if you wish.
 
$100 isn't much to work with....................................actually it's next to nothing.............................. that said

Check out the Bushnell TRS-25 ..... good rep....been using one on my Beretta 9mm carbine for 10 years... MSRP $140 on Amazon $75..... you'll need a riser....$10-20

Scope check out Weaver 1-3x20 Shotgun scope..... about $160.... have one on my utility rifle a Ruger 77/357..... a .357 bolt gun.
 
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Sounds like you want a red dot. Good out to 200+ (with holdover) and great for defensive use and <100yds. Look at Primary Arms. Best red dots for under $100 IMO.
 
I have the Vortex Surefire II with red or green dot mounted on my M&P15 Sport for just the reasons you mentioned in your thread. I just fire it up to 100 yards on the range and I never intended it to be used for hunting, just punching holes in paper or defense if ever needed. It provides excellent accuracy for what I use it for. Anyway, you can get this sight with a mount for less than $200.
 
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The Bushnell TRS-25 is probably your best bet under $100. Can't really go wrong with that optic.
 
Sounds like a red dot will accomplish what you want. I have a Sightmark Reflex on my M&P and am very satisfied with it. Runs $120 from Gander Mountain, but you may find it cheaper on line. The photo below was at 100 yards using this sight
190be5811d85ac68a2b0fef8263.jpg


Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk
 
jm1347 said:
Sounds like a red dot will accomplish what you want. I have a Sightmark Reflex on my M&P and am very satisfied with it. Runs $120 from Gander Mountain, but you may find it cheaper on line. The photo below was at 100 yards using this sight
ba158604da05a1214fd4f75cd2905f2a.jpg


Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
 
Will the Bushnell TRS-25 cowitness? I am reading really good views with this optic and it is in my price range.
 
I am actually debating just saving up some more and going with this. Opinions?

[ame="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HYRGX3K/ref=ask_ql_qh_dp_hza"]Amazon.com : Vortex Optics Sparc 2 Red Dot MOA (SPC-402) Scope (High Mount), Black : Sports & Outdoors@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31k5FkLToyL.@@AMEPARAM@@31k5FkLToyL[/ame]
 
Vortex>Bushnell IMO. You can pretty much co-witness any dot with the correct mounts/risers.
 
I think I am going to pony up and go with the Vortex.. Now to decide if I want the Sparc 2 or Strikefire 2.. Not sure if I want 2 or 4 MOA.
 
Primary Arms micro will do the trick, and for right around your $100 budget delivered. Good Luck and good shooting. :D
 
I use a scope on one AR, a Aimpoint PRO red dot with a Vortex 3x magnifier on the other. Building another one for my wife. Will have a Vortex Sparc AR, or Sparc 2, along with a Burris 3x magnifier.

Both of us like the red dot with magnifier. Just flip it out of the way, when not in use. Can co-witness iron sights through the red dot.

I'd save for the Vortex.
 
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kevinmcc2 said:
So that being said are red dots good out towards 100yrds?

Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...

I have used mine out to 400 yards. It is zeroed at 50 yards, and I have learned how much to holdover out past 200 yards (not much is needed). Between 50 and 200 yards, no holdover is needed. That's what I like about my AR style rifle.
I don't feel the need for a scope on my AR because it is a battle rifle, not a target or hunting arm. I have other rifles for that.
It is kind of a thrill to hit steel targets at 400 yards with a red dot scope. I have a Vortex Strikefire on my AR. It is the first version, the one that came with a screw in doubler.
 
I think you need to save an extra $100 and get a vortex strikefire ll. I got one on my AR. Bought it new at Cabelas for $180. I zeroed it at 75 yards, and hitting targets at 150-175 yards out.
 
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I was leaning towards the vortex SPARC AR instead of the strikefire. It has the 2 moa and takes a more common AAA battery.

How is the field of view?
 
DougS said:
I think you need to save an extra $100 and get a vortex strikefire ll. I got one on my AR. Bought it new at Cabelas for $180. I zeroed it at 75 yards, and hitting targets at 150-175 yards out.
Click to expand...

If you can find a Strikefire I on Ebay, it is the same as the SFII but has a free screw-in doubler (which magnifies the sight picture x2). They stopped providing the free doubler with the SFII, I believe because they didn't want to interfere with sales of their tripler. Supposedly they have improved the end caps on the SFII, but I have them and they are not really better. I use the Butler Creek Tini Bikini scope cover on mine and it is a great fit.
 
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