Which of these two red dots for my Ruger PC carbine

[gunsrfun1]

I've narrowed down my choices (I think) between these two red dots for my PC carbine 9mm. I mainly use this as a fun gun at the range, at distances of up to 50 yards or so.

My criteria on choosing a red dot are as follows:
1) Not made in China
2) 3 MOA red dot or less (2 MOA is preferred)
3) Under $200 or so

So I ended up with these two choices. My concern with the Fastfire III is that the red dot might "wash out" in bright sun because there is no real "tube" that it sits in for shading, but it's very light. However, my understanding is that it's really designed for use on handguns, hence the light weight and 3 MOA red dot (vs. 2 MOA for the RD).

My only real concern with the Fastfire RD is that it's a bit heavy at 6 oz, but a difference of 3 oz. is no big deal. I've used a Bushnell TRS-25 in the past on other guns and liked it, but have ruled it out for various reasons.

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1548412795?pid=622328
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1022349976?pid=649772

I'm leaning toward the RD, but have never even seen or tried a red dot like the Fastfire III.

Any of you have a recommendation on which of these two would be best for my PC carbine, based on actual experience with these two red dots, or scopes similar to these two (not hearsay)?

Thanks

 

[troy fairweather]

I have the ff3 with the ar mount and like it.

 

[Navy87Guy]

I don’t have any experience with the two sights you mention, but I have the Sig Romeo 5 and it’s an excellent optic. The Primary Arms SLx also gets excellent reviews. They’ve both around the $115-$125 range.

 

[chicharrones]

I like red dots like the Burris RD with the AAA battery under the glass . . . for ARs.

For a traditionally stocked gun like that Ruger, I'd pick something that mounts lower.

 

[wombat13]

I have a FFIII on my Marlin 1894 and on my turkey shotgun. It works very well. It has multiple brightness levels. The lowest is hard to see in bright conditions, but the brighter settings are fine and the brightest is plenty bright. My only complaint is that the threads on the battery cap on one unit stripped, so I can't tighten it down. I need to contact Burris and get a replacement.

 

[jmorris]

My Aimpoint comp III is 2 MOA and one of my favorite RDS’s.

 

[Txhillbilly]

I have two of the Sig Romeo 5's that I use on my Kel-Tec Sub 2k and Ruger PC carbines. They have served me well, and these are throw around truck guns.

 

[JohnB-40]

Never had a problem with my Romeo 5

 

[cdb1]

I have a couple of FastFire III’s, and the dot is plenty bright in daylight.

 

[cdb1]

My only complaint is that the threads on the battery cap on one unit stripped, so I can't tighten it down.

A definite design weakness that I can’t stand.

 

[Buzznrose]

Other than Aimpoint, Leupold, and Trijicon, aren’t they all made in China?

 

[chicharrones]

Other than Aimpoint, Leupold, and Trijicon, aren’t they all made in China?

If it's like scopes, some brands are probably made in the Philippines and South Korea depending on the price point. I know Ultradot is still made in Japan.

I have no idea about Euro brands, though.

 

[GarrettJ]

I’ve used a FF-III and a TRS-25 on the Ruger PC Carbine. That rifle is a brick. I wouldn’t worry about an ounce or two one way or the other. You won’t even notice it.

I haven’t played with the FF-RD, but it should be fine as well. No wash outdoors on the FF-III. It’s really just a matter of personal preference for tube or open lens style.

 

[CraigC]

Under $200 and not made in China may prove to be a challenge. I prefer the micro tube style, Aimpoint T1 clones. The SIG Romeo4's are not made in China but over $200. They're often found on sale for under $300. The Romeo5 and MSR are under $200 but made in China.

 

[DTL]

I paid $99 on Amazon for a made in USA Sightmark Ultra shot R -Spec. Other models run a bit higher.

 

[greyling22]

My ff3 has not had problems in bright sun. It is brighter thany tr25.

As an aside, any product "made in not china" is still probably using components such as circuit boards or something sourced from china.

 

[cdb1]

As an aside, any product "made in not china" is still probably using components such as circuit boards or something sourced from china.

This.

 

[dranrab]

I paid $99 on Amazon for a made in USA Sightmark Ultra shot R -Spec. Other models run a bit higher.

Are you sure that is labeled as made in USA?

 

[jmorris]

They are “headquartered” in the USA, does that count?



Looks like they put their bore sights together here. I guess it’s not like people “building” and AR by putting parts together so they just say “assembled” in USA.

Continuing their commitment to offer quality firearm products, Sightmark is proud to announce select boresights will now be 100% Assembled in the USA

https://www.officer.com/tactical/fi...ghts-in-usa-for-law-enforcement-and-gsa-sales

 

[airfoil]

I've got a FF2 on a pistol...works well in the sun and would be nice on your Ruger...however I settled on a Prism sight from Burris, I believe a 3x power for my Ruger (love that rifle, carry it in the trunk). Sits a bit high, so I added a DIY cheek riser.

 

[DTL]

Thanks, jmorris, I missed that in the description. My bad.

 

[IALoder]

I have a vortex venom 3moa (pretty much vortex's version of a FFIII)on my wife's PC Carbine and it's great! It's low enough to not need a cheek riser, plenty bright. The only thing I'd worry about with the RD is will it mount low enough for a good cheek weld. If it's between those 2, I'd go with the FFIII.

 

[shoobe01]

Just for the record, Meprolight RDSs are made in Israel. And Steiner (AFAIK) are all German still.

Seems like Burris mostly makes things in the PI, a few final assembly in the US. Parts? Who knows.

Yes the world is capitalist so supply chains mean many parts are from /wherever/ is cheapest. Some good articles about this, sometimes it's flatly impossible to source certain components domestically. Nothing this complex is 100% made in the US.

 

[Nature Boy]

I put an Eotech on mine, but only because I got a good deal on it.

 

[George P]

I don’t have any experience with the two sights you mention, but I have the Sig Romeo 5 and it’s an excellent optic. The Primary Arms SLx also gets excellent reviews. They’ve both around the $115-$125 range.

Another thumbs up for the SIG - it is on my Ruger PCC and with these aging eyes males the group tighten right up