I've always had scopes on my AR's, but yesterday I went out with my 15-22 that has a Bushnell TRS-25 on it that I enjoy and want to spend some tax money.

Current AR's have 3-9x scopes on them so I wanna try something new. The TRS-25 is the only optic I have that's not a scope or iron sights. TRS-25 has an 25mm objective which is probably as small as I'd go.

I love the ability to find a target quickly and clearly, so that's why I'm in the market for a nice red dot (or a low magnified optic) for my 5.56 AR.

Suggestions? Budget is $500 or less.

i have a vortex sparc ar.  lifetime warranty, good glass,a nd pretty tough

torture test
http://www.trucksandguns.com/vortex-optics-sparc-ar/

My response is gonna be a little boring but with $500 you could go a couple different routes.  On EE you can get a used Aimpoint T1 or maybe an H2.  For a new one, Aimpoint Pro would be a solid choice or maybe a Trijicon MRO.  I bought an MRO but sold it - seemed magnified and I couldn't get used to it.

I currently run a Primary Arms Advanced Micro that has 50,000 hour battery life and i'm happy with it so far especially for the price.