View Full Version : Best 30mm Red Dot under $200?
Like it says...
I'm looking at the Vortex StrikeFire II and the SIG Romeo7.
What else should I be considering? (Besides saving for an AimPoint PRO.)
TL;DR: My 14-year-old daughter and I are shooting "rimfire challenge," and she wants a red dot to mount on a 10/22. This is not not NOT for serious purposes.
I like a bigger aperature/field of view, and weight isn't much of an issue (hence, I want a 30mm optic, and not a "mini" anything).
OK, now I'm looking at a basic Leupold Freedom RDS ($270ish), too...
Basically, I'm looking for any "full-size" red dot that I can mount in normal riflescope rings. (I'd need to buy a set of 34mm rings to mount the Leupold.)
OK, I'm still undecided...
Really, I want a combination of the three I mentioned:
1. I want the SIG's AA battery compatibility, but the 2moa dot is going to be too small for a .22lr that's used within 25yds, and often within 10yds, and the mount is too high, even with the spacer out of the way.
2. I want the Vortex's 4moa dot and easy 30mm mount, but I'm not happy about getting into CR2 batteries.
3. I want the Leupold's bomb-proof construction, made-in-the-USA, and motion activiation, but the 1moa dot is a total deal breaker.
So, right now I'm leaning towards the Vortex and a 10-pack of CR2 batteries...
BangBang01
10-24-20, 21:28
I had the Strikefire until I went to the Strike Eagle. I liked it and had no issues with it. Leupold makes some great optics, speaking on their scopes as I haven’t run any red dots from them.
everready73
10-24-20, 21:34
You could take a look at primary arms as well. It is only $129.99 and had lifetime warranty. I have a few if their dots on 22s and such and have had no issues at all. Very good customer service as well
It does have a 2 moa dot though but trust is what I prefer and batteries not what you prefer
Ultradot 30. Made in Japan, 4 MOA dot, CR2032 battery available anywhere, and they are very light.
$223 from Ultradot West. http://www.ultradotwest.com/ultradot_2008_004.htm
Same price + free shipping from Midway USA.
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/2689158466?pid=158466
I have had a 1" Ultradot mounted on my 10-22 for years with no issues. The bullseye guys slide mount them on 1911s and a ton of hunters run the Ultra dots on magnum handguns.
Cons: They are old tech and have poor battery life compared to newer dots plus no auto off/on. Bring spare batteries to your daughter's matches. Leave the included rings in the box. The silver finish is prone to scuffing.
https://i.imgur.com/b03ddO3.jpg
Andy
titsonritz
10-25-20, 00:43
Maybe this will help your search...
https://sageratsafaris.com/master-list-of-red-dots-and-battle-sights/
I think the problem you're going to have is using your scope rings on many of the 30mm red dots. Most are designed for a single mount point not two like a scope.
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Vortex Venom. Made in Philippines not China. Can find prices ranging $179 on sale to around $250 most places. 3 or 6 MOA options. They are perfect for rimfire, using it on mine.
You could take a look at primary arms as well.
It does have a 2 moa dot though... and batteries not what you prefer
Thanks... the 2moa dot and the oddball batteries aren't quite deal breakers, but I do want to avoid them.
Ultradot 30. Made in Japan...
This is really appealing... Especially their "Matchdot" with the switchable dot size.
(I know that having multiple reticles is sooo 2007, but it seems like a great idea to me, especially for my first red dot. I wish I could find a Bushnell CQTS for <$250 or a newish Nikon VSD...)
Also, I like the idea of the "target turret" on the Ultradot-6: Given that this is a .22lr, and we might want to shoot it out to 75 or 100yds, being able to quickly dial in 4" or 6" of drop would be really nice.
I think the problem you're going to have is using your scope rings on many of the 30mm red dots. Most are designed for a single mount point not two like a scope.
In that case, I'll just use one ring, right?
Vortex Venom.
I want a "closed" red dot... We shoot in drizzle or dust, a lot, and exposed lenses seems like a bad idea.
Also, the closed sights seem like they'd be more durable/bump-resistant.
Thanks for the help, guys!
Ah if you want closed, check out Sightron, made in Japan, here's a 5 Moa waterproof "closed" dot, see it on sale for $169 online. I've had Sightron stuff before, it's good for rimfire.
https://sightronusa.com/product/s30-5/
If you have rings like https://outdoors.natchezss.com/bestsellers/30mm-Ruger-Rings I'm not sure how secure the optic will be.
If your rings are more like this https://www.midwayusa.com/product/2420434604
You might be fine.
I have the Sig Romeo5 on my son's 22lr AR build and I've been impressed with it. Shooting with both eyes open I don't notice how small the glass is and target acquisition is just as fast as my Aimpoint PRO, so I wouldn't dismiss the smaller optics. Plus the price includes the mount.
https://www.sigsauer.com/store/romeo5-1x20-mm-high-mount-only.html
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Save up and get an Aimpoint T2, H2, Comp M4 or M5. Money well spent...
Thank you all, especially AndyLate... I'm now shopping for an Ultradot.
As I said above, I think it's a good fit for a 10/22-type. (I just ordered a T/CR22.)
Save up and get an Aimpoint T2, H2, Comp M4 or M5. Money well spent...
Yes, they're money well spent, but later...
Since this red dot is going to be dedicated to a .22lr, I can't see spending Aimpoint money on it.
Also, if/when we decide we want a bigger/smaller dot, I like the idea of just twisting a knob and having it.
Finally, I think the "target" elevation turret on the UltraDot is perfect for a .22lr... Most of the time we'll be banging steel inside 25yds, but it'll be nice to turn the knob to our DOPE for 100yds and shoot groups or whatever.
FWIW, I have a flat-top AR that may wind up with a red dot, and that would be AimPoint (my only other thought is digital night vision).
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