RedDot sights

[ca_fireman19]

As I am am building my first AR, I'm learning about new (for me) and interesting products and tools have haven't needed until now. What is the general consensus about reddot sights? The most popular I have seen in my recent research would be the EOTech and the Aimpoint M68 series'. Unfortunately I just sold an ITL M.A.R.S. from Israel...never know what you have until it's gone...What is YOUR thought as far as the best optics on the open market with Price vs. Functionality in mind? Thanks.

[JonnyVain]

Eotech and Aimpoint are the top of the line. Anyone who has a work gun as in military and LE should put one of these on if they want a RD type optic.

There are cheap optics that you should absolutely stay away from.

There are mid-range that run between just under $100 up to about $200.

The mid range will hold zero with .308 and 12g shot guns. The high end will take a hit with a .308 and keep running

The mid range will be water resistant. The high end are submersible.

The mid will have a 10 day or so battery life. The high end will have a couple year or more battery life.


If you want some way to shoot at night for home defense but don't want to spend at least $300 for a red dot, you might want to look into Trijicon night sights aperture replacements.

I'm no pro, but that's what I know.


Edit: a little more... Eotech is mainly a close range optic. Aimpoint is sort of close to medium far range, as far as where each really shines.

I have a Primary Arms red dot. It's one of the mid range I told you about. 10 day battery life, so I can't leave it on ready for action when I hear a bump in the night. But it holds zero and has a crisp dot.

[ca_fireman19]

I'm looking to spend in the $200-$350 range...If that puts me in the "high end" range, would you recomend the EOTech or the Aimpont? Ans as far as you know, what is the benefit (or downside) to the different models eg. 512, 551, 552? And the Aimpoint Comp M2, M3, etc?

[lethal dose]

Aimpoint c3. Nothing less.

[ca_fireman19]

What makes the C3 so good?

[Thomas M-4]

What makes the C3 so good?

Its just like the ML3 except you cant scuba dive with it.

[James686]

I like the EOTech, it took some time to decide between the Aimpoint or EOTech too. Luckily I was able to use them both quite a bit before deciding, I think it comes down to personal preference.
I chose the EOTech because I liked having the 1 MOA dot in the middle of the circle. I felt quicker with close range shots.

[lethal dose]

I like the eotech reticle best but the battery life and reliability are sub standard.

[JonnyVain]

Aimpoint c3. Nothing less.

At your budget I'd do this.

Eotechs are a little bit more limited in their use, in my opinion.

[jaxman7]

I like the eotech reticle best but the battery life and reliability are sub standard.

Lethal dose I completely agree with you. And I am probably going to piss off a lot of hardcore 'eotechers' out there but to me eotech and L3 have just not equalled the durability of aimpoints systems. I do love their 65/1 moa reticle and have owned two in the past ( as well as aimpoint's m2, ml3,and a currently an m4s and t-1 micro) but the durability is just not their yet. Eventually they will be but not yet. Not to mention I've had my t-1 turned on for the last 13 months and no issues.