Optical sites - glass/crosshairs vs. red dots...

[bogie]

Guys, getting ready to scope a flattop AR, and I'm waffling... Looking for an "all round" sort of sight... I've currently got a Laseraim Illusion that used to be on my Dan Wesson, but it's a little flaky - I think it needs to have its contacts cleaned or something - does anyone know someone who works on 'em?

I've looked at other red dots, and it seems to be a tossup between the "open" ones, and sights like the Leupold Gilmore. Or, for that matter, the nice big BSA - do those things hold up worth a darn?

Tacticality is good, reliability is also important. Magnification isn't that big a deal, since I've already go a 4-12 Swift on a B-Square mount for sage rat shooting...

 

[Bottom Gun]

Try an ACOG. They are without a doubt the best sights I've ever used.

 

[Bottom Gun]

Another pic:

 

[bogie]

Oh yeah - that doesn't cost more than $250 or so?

 

[Bottom Gun]

Yes, they're pricey but you didn't mention a price range.

I initially balked at the price too but now that I have it, I'm glad I spent the money. The optics are superb.
It's the old story story of getting what you pay for.

 

[bogie]

Well, I've learned that more money isn't always indicative of better quality... One of the "cheapest" benchrest competition scopes is also considered one of the solidest, whereas the most expensive scopes tend to also be the most problematic, requiring repeat returns to the factory.

 

[45R]

Look into a C-More sight or a Hakko Sight. Both can be found on www.swfa.com

 

[John Ross]

I prefer a 1-4 Leupold set on 1X (actally 1.3) to any red dot sight for rifle use, except where length in a problem like an SKS. Since the 1-4 is not designed for arm's-length pistol use they have a BIGGER field of view at 1.3X than the red dot sight at 1X when used on a rifle. Hold them side by side at rifle-appropriate eye relief and see for yourself.

I prefer Leupold's dot reticle to the dual-X.

You will not believe how fast you can get "on" and hit with 1.3X, and you still have 4X if you need it. I have 1-4 Leupolds on everything except varmint rifles and open-sight-only guns.

The 1.5-5 is more expensive, a little heavier, and Dick Thomas (Premier Reticles) says is a little more prone to breakage because the zoom mechanism is more complicated internally. I cannot tell the difference in optical quality.

JR

 

[P95Carry]

I have pretty much been using standard type scopes on most longarms for years .. most are cross hair, one is crosshair and post (nice that one), oh and a coupla mildots .. those too are very versatile. All are pretty much ''budget'' .... but not ''cheapo''.

I have just started playing with red dots and .. have to say that I like them. mainly I think I will restrict use to carbines ... Win94, SKS etc .... the downside being unless a lot is spent ... is a dot of some 4 MOA ...... at shorter ranges tho this seems little problem and .... the biggest single benefit IMO ..... FAST target aquisition ....... that is well useful!

 

[bogie]

Yeah, JR, that sounds about right... The scope will probably live on the AR most of the time, but will also likely see the Enfield when time comes to go bear huntin' with a friend... Haven't totally figured the chambering for the Enfield (right now it's a .300 Winmag), but I'm leaning toward .458 Winmag, simply because it's there, and I don't wanna have to shoot my buddy in the legs if I just wound one and it decides to chase us...

 

[rebbryan]

i have a BSA red dot on my .22. it works for shooting. as far as taking it into "battle" or roughing it up, i think it'd hold up for a while but i don't think you could beat the crap out of it. it's solid

 

[MolonLabe416]

Take a look at the Trijicon 1.25x4. Works very well at 1.25x for CQB, 4x is plenty precise for any reasonable use at distance.

 

[Jaywalker]

Late to the party here, but I put an Aimpoint red dot on mine, and it's plenty sturdy. The US Army uses them, among others. The latest versions have an extremely long battery life - purported to be 10,000 hours at half power. They're now a bit over $300, but used versions would be available a little cheaper (but not much - they get bought quickly). Most of my shooting was to be inside 100 yards, so the red dot was my choice. Had my shooting been past 100 yards, I would have chosen a scope.

You'll also need to consider mounting issues. I put a Rock River "handle" on my Bushmaster A3, and it allows me to use the aperature sights through the red dot for when the power switch is off. It works well. I think I paid $110 for it and another $30 for the rings. I'll be selling it soon, and don't expect to have any trouble moving it.

I understand that's above your $250 budget, but I didn't understand whether the $250 included mount and rings.

Jaywalker

 

[Texas Gunman]

I have always been a iron sight or scope person, than I purchased a BSA red dot sight, just to see if I liked red dot sights.
Im hooked on them now days, so I went ahead and purchased a Millet Red Dot sight, their awsome, down side, batterie only last 40hrs of constant use, but they dont cost much and easy to replace, so I keep extra batteries on me.

http://www.gunaccessories.com/Millet/RedDot/index.asp

TG

 

[P95Carry]

Hey TG ... (HB here!) ........ what sidemount is that you have on there?? I'm somewhat of a burgeoning red dot fan myself .... the one on my Norinco is great for real fast target aquisition.

 

[G&R Tactical]

Hey Bogie, take a look at the EOTech 502.A65 or the 511.A65. The 502.A65 is well under your price range and the 511 is just a little over it. There is no faster dot optic made, their water proof to 33ft, can survive a drop of 10ft or more, fog proof, come with an integrated mount and are made in the U.S.! I am an authorized EOTech dealer so please e-mail me with any questions...


Thanks,

Grant

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