Trouble deciding on patrol rifle red dot

[toasterlocker]

I'm finally going to a rifle school so I can carry my AR at work. I would like to get a red dot before the school, but there are so many choices available, I'm having trouble narrowing things down. My department issues EOTechs to SWAT guys, but mere patrol guys such as myself have to provide our own optics (and rifles, in most cases.) I had been considering an EOTech XPS, but I'm not so sure after browsing here and seeing the consensus says Aimpoint is the way to go. Problem is I have no idea which Aimpoint would best suit my needs.

Here are some criteria that might help you all figure out what would be best for me.

-Realistically, I don't see myself ever shooting this thing past 100 yards. The department range isn't even big enough to shoot past 100. This will be primarily a CQB gun (think building searches, school/active shooter response, etc.)

-No need for night vision compatibility. Having it certainly wouldn't hurt, but I don't think I'll ever need it either. I'm not spending the money to buy my own NV gear unless it gets much cheaper. I don't see my department ever issuing it either.

-I'm not sure if it matters, but I wear glasses, a pretty weak prescription for nearsightedness.

-I would prefer to keep the cost under $500, and I have no objections to buying used. The $500 isn't a limit... I could see myself going higher if someone could tell me why a certain model would be worth the extra money for my needs. That said, I think I've found an okay deal on a used Aimpoint CompM2 for just a little over $300 if that would be a good choice.

So, any thoughts?

[Ak44]

I really liked my Comp M4S but I almost prefer the T1 now....You could get a H-1 (non NV) for $600 with a larue mount...

[cop1211]

The M2 would be fine as well as an H1, or the new Pro model.

[toasterlocker]

A specific question I have... Obviously the smaller models have a lighter weight advantage, is there any advantage the larger models have other than a generally lower price?

[cop1211]

I had a couple of the T1's I traded/sold them for the M4s, I just liked the 30mm objective better especially in unconventional positions and I liked the 2moa dot size better, ymmv.

[Belmont31R]

A specific question I have... Obviously the smaller models have a lighter weight advantage, is there any advantage the larger models have other than a generally lower price?

You get a slightly larger FOV but its kind of irrelevent considering its supposed to be shot both eyes open. Where it helps is your eye doesn't need to be so close to the center line of the gun to see the dot.


Still I prefer the T1 due to the small size and weight. I've never really had any trouble seeing the dot.

[Ak44]

One thing I really love about having the M4S is the use of the AA. Which reminds me I need to go to Radio Shack to go find a battery for my T1 as the local supermarket doesn't have the specific one.

[Belmont31R]

One thing I really love about having the M4S is the use of the AA. Which reminds me I need to go to Radio Shack to go find a battery for my T1 as the local supermarket doesn't have the specific one.

Ive found them in the pharmacy area for the hearing aide batteries. Otherwise, for me, Walgreens, Home Depot and Ace Hardware have them within 5 minutes of me. I have a pile of them, and keep several stashed away in different spots.

[cop1211]

The choose of an optic is very subjective to the user. I think the best idea would be to go to your local fun store and check out the models your interested in for a first hand "view".

[Ak44]

Definitely being able to have some hands on time with an optic is ideal. Hopefully you know buddies with different ones, because running a course or having some range time can change a mind about optics. I know it did for me.

Belmont thanks for the heads up...I'll check the Pharmacy section next time...