REVIEW: Primary Arms Advanced Micro Dot (MD-ADS)

[Barbaroy]

So I bought my first rifle and needed a way to aim it ;) Not having bought iron sights (yet), I figured for almost the same cost I might as well pick up a RDS. Based on forums here and elsewhere, it seemed like this is one of the "budget" leaders. My priority was also to minimize weight and size; fortunately, Primary Arms also had this in stock. Not knowing differences between the available mounts, I just went for the PA co-witness mount, which was very cheap and seems pretty solid.

Basic specs are on their website, which are:
2 MOA dot
"50,000 hours battery life" with 1 CR2032 battery
12 brightness settings
Absence of parallax shift past 33 yards
Black anodized finish
Nitrogen purged, "Waterproof"
Weighs 3.9 ounces
Fits any industry standard Micro mount
Three year warranty

It arrived within 1 week, and I was quite impressed by the MD-ADS box and packaging, which gave me a sense of care and quality (compared to the cardboard box and plastic bag that my BCM arrived in :blink:. It was snug in foam cutouts, with an included battery, screws, allen wrench, and loc-tite. It mounted quite quickly, and I intend to keep it permanently fixed to my AR15. For its size, it has some heft, and seems to be very very rigid. They are individually serial numbered.

At distance, the dot is practically a perfect round dot. The brightest settings are more than adequate for a sunny day with sharp contrast against my backyard. The dimmest setting is barely perceivable. There is a small amount of scatter (no more than 1 MOA) around the brightest settings, and seems to be symmetrical... this might be more due to my eyes than anything else. There is a blue tint when looking through it from afar, but in cheek weld position with both eyes open it seems rather transparent. Looking at it from the front there is a dark red tint as shown in the picture.

Based on other's posts, I was afraid it would have problems zero'ing when it arrived. However, it worked flawlessly, and quickly zero'ed at the range. The 2 direction adjustments are capped with rubber seals, and can easily be turned with a coin with tactile clicks for every 0.25moa turn. After 50-75 rounds it still holds zero very well.

I especially like how small and practical it is, with minimal obstruction on my field of view. It works very well shooting with both eyes open. I have left it on for the last several weeks and don't use a dust cover, and expect it to hold up well. If not, then I'll know :)

Also, the cheap PA mount seems to be more than adequate. It attaches to the MD-ADS with 4 screws, and appears to be anodized aluminum and is also very rigid. I think for a fixed mount, as long as the screws don't move, this is adequate to hold a zero. If I ever upgrade to a QD unit, no doubt I would have to spend a bit more to make sure the accuracy and precision are maintained since it has more of a chance to move.

So far, and for $169, I'm very happy with Primary Arms.

http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t124/barbaroy_2007/Primary%20Arms%20MD-ADS/DSC01716.jpg (http://s159.photobucket.com/user/barbaroy_2007/media/Primary%20Arms%20MD-ADS/DSC01716.jpg.html)

http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t124/barbaroy_2007/Primary%20Arms%20MD-ADS/DSC01726.jpg (http://s159.photobucket.com/user/barbaroy_2007/media/Primary%20Arms%20MD-ADS/DSC01726.jpg.html)

http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t124/barbaroy_2007/Primary%20Arms%20MD-ADS/DSC01728.jpg (http://s159.photobucket.com/user/barbaroy_2007/media/Primary%20Arms%20MD-ADS/DSC01728.jpg.html)

-Barb

[joedirt199]

The tango down IO micro sight covers also fit on this reddot unlike the previous model.

[turnburglar]

Awesome photos and review.

Quick question: does the dot run 24/7? Can I leave it on forever like my comp4?

[Barbaroy]

Awesome photos and review.

Quick question: does the dot run 24/7? Can I leave it on forever like my comp4?

Thanks so much! I'm only a beginner here and am learning tons from all of you.

I left it on and never turned it off, but we'll see how long it actually lasts. They claim 50,000 hours, which is pretty hard to test. Perhaps others here who have left theirs on for the last several months would be more able to speak to this?

[jesuvuah]

I have had one for about 3 months now and I am impressed for the money. I have left it on 24/7 and it is still burning bright, I will have to check back in a couple of years though.

[joedirt199]

I believe it has an auto shutoff after 8 hours but comes back on after you move it. Should come back on to the last setting used.

Looks like the holosun version has the auto shutoff and not the primary arms one. May be why the holosun version Iis a little more expensive.

[sittingbull]

The tango down IO micro sight covers also fit on this reddot unlike the previous model.
what about the top ?

[joedirt199]

I cut the top out for the buttons but I thinkI will get another one and leave the top alone to protect the buttons. Don't see why you wouldn't be able to still use them even though they are covered by the sight cover.

[SpecWired]

I do wonder what "Absence of parallax shift past 33 yards" means.

The Holosun version is "Parallax-free with unlimited eye relief"

[Hank6046]

http://www.thebangswitch.com/primary-arm-advanced-micro-dot/

I thought that this was an interesting review, might replace my Vortex Sparc with it.