Beginners Optic...

[VTLO910]

OK, So my S&W MP15FT is sitting in the shop waiting for me to pick her up, but here is my dilemma...

This will be my first AR Platform I personally own, I was issued through the service in that past the M16A2, A3, and the M4... My M4 had an Aimpoint.


NOW. My wife was cool enough to let me convince her I needed an AR, But now I need a "Beginners Optic".


I say "Beginners Optic" because I don't want to rush into buying a high line Aimpoint or Eotech yet for two reasons.

1) Lack of immediate funds.
2) I don't want to buy one, then find out after the fact that I should have gotten another. I hate buyers regret.


So, I'm looking for ideas for an optic $200 or less that will be proficient for close quarters training until I can get better exposure to other optics at the range on other gun owners AR's...

Thanks for your input... :D

[PlatoCATM]

I've never heard of anyone with buyer's remorse from the purchase of any Aimpoint model. You will more than likely regret spending $200 on a sub-optimal optic when you decide to upgrade. $200 is nearly half-way to the less-expensive Aimpoints, i.e. C3, ML2. There really is no substitute for quality, and while you are probably proficient with irons, it's always good to practice with them--take this time while you save to reacquaint yourself.

[HiggsBoson]

I had this same dilemma (and I later regretted buying the cheap-O, mainly because it has delayed the purchase of a nicer optic). But I wanted to shoot with an RDS right when I bought my new carbine, so I understand the need for a cheaper alternative. What I did was buy a Bushnell Trophy MP.

It's a 1x32mm (30mm body) RDS that got many pages of good reviews (http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=3&f=18&t=297384) over on TOS. It can be had for under $200, shipped. A review was posted here a while back as well: https://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=18751

Technical Information

Field of View at 100 Yards: 44 ft
Eye relief: 3.3 inches
Exit pupil: 32mm
Click value: 1/4 MOA
Battery Type and Number: CR 2032
Batteries Included: Yes
Warranty: Two year
Notes:
# Waterproof, fogproof, shockproof, nitrogen filled
# Mounting length: 5.8 inches
# Length: 6.75" inches
# Weight: 15.6 oz




Don't listen to those goons on TOS that try to claim it's an "AGOC clone". It doesn't look like or function like an ACOG, but it works good for what it is, a cheap RDS.

PROS: I like the reticle (which is a T shape with a dot in the center), and my father prefers it over the dot of the Aimpoint, as he finds it easier to acquire the target, and easier to keep the rifle level. The settings are nice, a few in green at various levels of brightness for night-shooting, and then a few in red for daylight.

CONS: It's rather large, and moderately heavy. Enough so that I am wanting to replace it at some point with something smaller and lighter. The battery life is probably not long enough for a defensive build - it takes the CR2032, so at least they're cheap and small. One thing to be aware of is that the mount is not the greatest, and you'd probably want to get some risers for it if you want to co-witness (I used YHM 1/2" risers which came with my Bushy, and retail for ~$30 bucks for a pair).

I got mine from Cabela's (http://www.cabelas.com/prod-1/0037645712540a.shtml), but it's more expensive there today. MidwayUSA has it (http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=859535) for $179.99.

I'd sell you mine for ~$150, it's lightly used (~600 rounds, mounted to the Bushy). PM me if interested. I was going to hang on to it until I can replace it, but I wouldn't mind having an excuse to get that T-1 I've been eying. Mods: if I should move this offer over to the MSF, just let me know. I thought it was relevant here, because the OP was asking for options; I'm not actively soliciting offers to purchase it.

There's lots of pics of it up on the thread over at TOS, too.

[N2CH_556]

Aimpoint C3 & ADM mount (http://www.gandrtactical.com/cgi-bin/commerce.cgi?preadd=action&key=APC3AD68) - $465

OR, do what I do and go with a Previously Owned model. :D Pickup a used Aimpoint M2/M68 with QRP mount. Look around and you can find 'em in the $200 range. Then, a bit later, upgrade the mount to a used LaRue or ADM mount for less than $100.

[Failure2Stop]

The Aimpoint Comp C3 is probably the best option for a civilian shooter than does not require NVG use, diving capability, but wants the durability and battery life that Aimpoints are renowned for. They run for about $400, but are definately worth it, if only for the cost you will save on batteries with the ability to leave the thing on for years for immediate use.

EDIT- use the post above for link to G&R C3 package deal.

While $465 for an optic is well over your $200 stated limit, it will be worth it because you will not need to spend the $$ two or three times when the crap optic breaks or you decide to buy a "real" RDS, and it is so efficient to be virtually non-dependant on batteries. Even if you decide to launch the optic for something different you can easily sell the setup for 80% of the NIB price, unlike other options that nobody will want to buy used.

If you can't swing the $$ for a "real" RDS you can simply go with a decent BUIS and white-light (which will run you just under your $200 limit) until the change jar is full. I highly recommend having a BUIS anyway, and though they aren't as efficient as a good RDS, they are still effective and usable with practice.

[VTLO910]

Thanks for the responses...

I think I'll either troll the waters for a used Aimpoint or find a way to afford the T-1 everyone seems to be raving about...lol

[LOKNLOD]

Another option might be to keep an eye out for a used Aimpoint M2 or ML2, they go for some pretty fair prices and are still a quality serviceable optic, and even if they lack the extreme battery life of the newer models they still outlast most if not all other competitors.

ETA: should have read more and skimmed less as I see that's already been mentioned.

[m-w]

Here's a sight that was recommended to me that deals in floor samples and lightly used optics. While they don't currently list any Aimpoints in stock they typically have a few available. They list a demo Eotech 550 at $350 if that style of sight interests you.


http://www.samplelist.com/

[VTLO910]

Here's a sight that was recommended to me that deals in floor samples and lightly used optics. While they don't currently list any Aimpoints in stock they typically have a few available. They list a demo Eotech 550 at $350 if that style of sight interests you.


http://www.samplelist.com/


Thanks for that link?