Red Dot Sight

[Texas223]

Some of you AR veterans please help a rookie out. I'm interested in a reasonably good/reasonably cheap red dot sight for my M&P. Which are good and why? Which are not good and why?

Thanks,

Michael

[variablebinary]

Some of you AR veterans please help a rookie out. I'm interested in a reasonably good/reasonably cheap red dot sight for my M&P. Which are good and why? Which are not good and why?

Thanks,

Michael


There are lots of opinions on this forum, but you're going to need to try out a few options to determine what is going to fit your needs.

I like Eotech personally. The 511 model is like $350, doesnt need an extra mount, and is a solid performer

[FJB]

"Buy Cheap, Buy Twice" Pat Rogers father.
"Trying to save a dime you'll spend a dollar." My father

Bottomline is don't rush out to purchase a "cheap" optic. Spend some time finding an optic that meets your needs. The search engine at M4Carbine can be your friend. Consider life cycle costs. A sight that only gets 1000 hours of battery life ie 5 weeks vice one that gets five years will cost you more money in the long run even if it is cheaper up front. Also, look to see what the Top Tier instructors are using as that is what the police call "a clue."

Go to www.downrange.tv/show2 and watch the five short video clips as this should help get you started.

S/F

[Iraq Ninja]

Well, it looks like the Army is doing some panic buying too for 85,134 Close Combat Optics. Congrats to the aimpoint guys.

This should be a big hint on what brand to buy. Battery life is so important...

[Iraqgunz]

If I had to choose between the Aimpoint or the EOTech then the Aimpoint would win. From what I have seen they are more reliable (at least here) and there is nary an issue with the battery life as opposed to the EOTech. My 187 Fils worth.

[rob_s]

The 511 model... ...doesnt need an extra mount, and is a solid performer

I disagree with this statement. IMHO the Eotechs sit too low right out of the box and require a riser to be at the correct height. This will add at least $50 to the cost, and if you want QD it'll add $100+.

I'm not going to get into the "solid performer" part, other than to say that I disagree. ;)



My strong recommendation for those on a budget is the Aimpoint C3 with ADM mount for $445 (http://www.gandrtactical.com/cgi-bin/commerce.cgi?preadd=action&key=APC3AD68&reference=/cgi-bin/commerce.cgi%3Fsearch%3Daction%26keywords%3Dc3%26searchstart%3D0%26template%3DPDGCommTemplates/FullNav/SearchResult.html) from G&R Tactical. This is the base model of RDS that I would consider.

FWIW, here's my take on Aimpoint models (http://tacticalyellowvisor.net/69016/69037.html).



Here's one of G&R's package deals mounted on my budget build (http://tacticalyellowvisor.net/8343/59827.html).

http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q111/rob_s/gun%20stuff/BCM/BCM-Middy-port-side.jpg

[matthewdanger]

If my budget was tight, I would be on the lookout for a used Aimpoint ML2. They can be purchased for less than $350 using the Live.com/Ebay promotion.

[SoDak]

You could get in on that live search cashback deal on ebay. I read some guys were getting aimpoint c3's with a qrp mount from swfa for something like $250. I think there's a thread in general discussion that explains how the deal works.

[uscbigdawg]

On the working rifle, I just ordered one of the packages from GG&G. You WILL NOT find a better price. Comes with their mount, battery lever (now standard on all) and their lens covers. Still cheaper than a stock one.

Mount does not raise up the scope and it co-witnesses perfectly with my FSB and BUIS.

Definitely check it out.

Rich