Red Dot sight options under $200

[Ranger431]

So, I'm looking for a sub $200 red dot scope for my M-4. I would someday like to throw on an Aimpoint (or maybe an EOtech) but don't dee the funds building up to have a couple of hundred dollars extra any time soon, as we've just had twins and I'm saving money like crazy. I don't want to buy (or support) clones or knock offs. I've found a couple of options below in the 140-180 range that all seem to br pretty decent options. I'm leaning pretty hard towards the Vortex right now, but they're pretty tough to find in stock anywhere. Does anyone have any experience with any of the options below?

http://www.vortexoptics.com/img/products/riflescopes/vortex/strikefire_ar15_doubler.jpg
Vortex Strikefire (http://www.vortexoptics.com/riflescopes/view/vortex-strikefire-red-dot-riflescope-with-ar15-mount)

http://www.tasco.com/product-images/Riflescopes/PDTS132.jpg
Tasco (http://www.tasco.com/single.cfm?s=Riflescopes&family=ProPoint&product=pdts132)

http://www.burrisoptics.com/images/XTS_135.jpg
Burris (http://www.burrisoptics.com/xts135.html)

[Master_of_Sparks]

If I couldn't afford to "improve" on irons, I would just use irons.

[WallaS]

Either save your money for a quality red dot or spend it on ammo and practice with your irons.

[Parabellum9x19mm]

look around for a used M2 or 512

[Jay Cunningham]

Save some more money and practice with your irons for now.

[BushmasterFanBoy]

I think most members will tell you to stay away from the relatively lower priced optics. Personally, I've spent a small amount of time (3 or 4 range trips) with a couple of friends red dot optics. Each separate friend was using a Tasco branded "Red Dot" optic. I made sure to center the dot to account for the increased parallax that the relatively lower priced optics feature (Even my two Aimpoints have parallax issues at close range). I didn't have any problems with them. On one hunting expedition that I went out on, I made certain to leave the dot turned off until the game approached my position. These things are not known for their battery life, but some people do not see the need to pay relatively exorbitant prices for a simple red dot. I've seen lifelong, successful hunters using them on their crossbows, but you still need to be mindful of the optics limitations.

If you purchase one of the extremely low end red dots, I can tell you that you will need to check the battery of the optic before you leave, and you will need to keep a spare. Also, do not expect the adjustments to be correct, and there is a very real possibility that the dot may suddenly disappear. If you keep that in mind and don't have a problem with sudden failures of your primary sight, then I say pick which one you like the looks of best and enjoy.

[Ranger431]

Although I will agree that these optics are only about half the cost of an EOtech 511, or Aimpoint CompM2, they're not exact clones or cheap knock offs either, as all three are from companies that have a decent reputation in the industry.

When it comes for saving money, it's not so much a question of affording or saving, it's how much money I want to invest into a hobby. I don't plan on taking the M4 it's going on into combat, just something to have some fun with at the range. To be honest, even when it comes to home defense, I would be more likely to have my SIG much faster.

Although one can never have too much practice, I can assure you my abilities with iron sights are more than acceptable.

My wife and I have just had twins and I plan on setting as much money aside as possible for awhile. I want a decent optic - we're talking Ford/ Chevy, not Ferrari / Lamborghini to one extreme or YUGO / GEO on the other. I'm willing to sacrifice some battery life and ounces to save a few hundred dollars.

I just wonder if most people have tried the other options from established companies (not talking no-name clones), or if they are just victims of marketing or just following the military without regard to cost.

Personally I've heard quite a bit of good experiences with the Strikefirs, but will admit they are new and the jury is still out. I may end up giving it a shot

[vigilant2]

If you do a google search , a few links should come up regarding this red dot
optic. Its around $165 retail. It is supposedly tough as nails. There should be
a couple of reviews of the torture test it was put through. I have an Aimpoint
M3 on one carbine and a magnified 1-4X on another tier 2 carbine. I was looking for a red dot I could swap out from time to time with the magnified optic. About 2 weeks ago I settled on SPOT particularly because I remember
Grant praising it as the only viable option for a red dot below Aimpoint some time ago.
BTW, I purchased it from Grant at G+R Tactical.

SPOT- Superior Precision Optical Technology From Mounting
Solutions Plus.

[Joe_Friday]

OK, I'll admit it. I have the exact same Tasco scope that you have pictured above and purchased it for almost the exact same reasons that you stated(new baby, new house and a wife that is a stay at home mom with the new baby and our four year old). It is in no way, shape or form an Aimpoint or Eotech and the tasco is a long way from catching up with either of them. I have only owned this one tasco scope (my bolt guns have Leupolds that were purchased before the aforementioned family) and I have only put 500-600 rounds through the rifle since mounting it but it has held zero well for those few rounds and it gets pushed around a lot in the trunk of my mustang in only a baseball bat bag. I did leave it turned on at, I think, 6 and it was dead in less than two days. That being said, I purchased what I could afford ($118.00 at the time but Optics Planet has them for like $104.00 now) and understood that what I was getting was something that I could not and would not rely on for HD/SD and that I needed to stay proficient in irons. Please understand that I am a noob at this too, but you asked for specific info about these scopes and I just wanted to share with you the little that I know about this one.

Maybe Santa will bring me an Aimpoint for Christmas this year :p .

[SoDak]

While this is a little above your budget, I beleive it is about as cheap as one can go with a brand new red dot setup and have something resembling quality. Midway has camo aimpoint 9000sc on clearance for $270. Then mount that in some burris xtra high xtr rings that midway has on sale for $45 which gives you something in the way of a lower 1/3 cowitness. I run this exact setup since I got that same aimpoint when midway had them cheaper(of course I paid more for the rings so the cost come out to be pretty close). There are some limitations to this setup however. The aimpoint is big and compound that with the large rings mean that there isn't much flexibility in mounting this sight which translates into limited choices regarding a buis(plus the bill of my cap also hits the aimpoint every time I fire which get anoying). Maybe someone here knows of a better set of rings to use. The 4 moa dot might also be a hinderance and you don't the the ability to quickly remove the sight. However you do get an aimpoint with excellent durability and with this model awsome battery life. I have been happy with this setup so far considering how much it cost. The only real complaint I have about it is that I kind of wish I had a 2moa dot for more precise shooting. For people who are on a budget I think that it would prove adequate.
I would agree with the other here that if you think you can get a better optic, do it. The main reason I went with this cheap setup was that I wanted to try a red dot on my gun without investing too much money yet if I decided to go with something else(which I am, think trijicon tr21), I would still have an optic that would be good enough to put on another gun. By the way, here are the links to the products I mentioned. Hope I was of some help.
Aimpoint 9000sc
http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=425182
Burris Rings
http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=383582

[ccoker]

http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=291505

[canucklehead]

What about a Burris FastFire/Docter Optic?

It's small and light - 3.5 MOA dot - and you could use it on another gun when/if you decide to upgrade to an Aimpoint or equivalent.

[The Archangel]

Out of all of the choices that you list, I would say that you would do much better finding a used Aimpoint Comp-M/ML XD

[Gingerkid]

Check out the Bushnell Trophy 32mm "T-reticle" that SAM has for sale on the Equipment Exchange... It has an integral mount and I like the reticle set up. This one is nice and I've also seen a torture test somewhere on this board regarding these optics.

I think this one is at $120 shipped... great deal.

http://m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=20015

[Ranger431]

I am not familiar with this mmodel - is it a "both eyes open" type of optic?

[TOrrock]

Save some more money and practice with your irons for now.


Wisdom.

[Sam]

I am not familiar with this mmodel - is it a "both eyes open" type of optic?

If you're referring to the Bushnell, the answer is yes. It's non magnified, illuminated T shaped reticle. You use it the same way as the Aimpoint or any other red dot sights.

[NC12215]

I will second the S.P.O.T. sight. I bought one as a stepping stone to a Aimpoint. So far it has met and exceeded all my expectations. I was sold after reading an evaluation and extensive torture test on another sight.
6MOA or 3MOA.
Decent battery life and good clear glass. Almost identical in appearance to the Burris XTR 135.
Anywhere between $175 and $145. Best deal for under $200 by far IMHO.
Not an Aimpoint, but in the ballpark me thinks.

Another outstanding option would be a C More railway sight. They can be had for just over $200 ($209) from Midway. On sale sometimes for less. They are a GOOD sight.
Dave

[vitiaz]

"I will second the S.P.O.T. sight."

I'll "third" it...great value IMHO. Runs like a champ.

[twpayne75]

Just my opinion: I would consider buying a used "quality" optic before a new lesser quality optic. If you look around you can find good deals, you just have to look and be patient.

I dare say a big percentage of these optics are bought and rarely used, if at all.

Alot of times they are put on rifles, played with around the house, taken to the range very little, then go back into the safe. Then when something new pops up, they are sold for much less than they are worth just so they are sold quickly and the new purchase can be made.

In case you were not sure, I was referring to myself.:D

But I am fairly certain I am not the only one.

[DocGKR]

Buy a used Aimpoint or just use your irons until you can afford one...

[SoDak]

I'm not sure how long this deal is going, but that aimpoint I mentioned is now down to $222.
http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=425182

[IroquoisSnakePlissken]

https://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=18751&highlight=bushnell+trophy

[at4rxj]

I haven't used any of the ones you listed specifically. I have had excellent luck with Burris optics as far as magnifying scopes go, but have never used one of their red-dot style sights. I've been eying the fast fire in larue mount, though...

I would bet any one you listed will be a decent sight, and will work great for range and plinking use... Pick what you feel best about and don't look back!