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Budget "Aimpoint-ish" dot? (Page 1 of 2)
Posted: 7/21/2026 11:23:50 AM EDT
[Last Edit: Trumpet][Edited]
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Alright, So I'm looking for an optic for my RAR in 5.56. I'm thinking of some sort of Aimpoint M4-ish dot. This is just a fun plinker rifle, so I don't want to spend Aimpoint $$$. Might also consider a prism optic. I'd like to keep it sub $300. Anyway, what are y'alls thought on... Vortex Strikefire II Sig Romeo 7S Holosun ARO Vector Frenzy Holosun 510 |
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I would get the Vortex, I’ve used them on a few recreational firearms and they have held up well. In comparison to my Aimpoints there is definitely more tint with the Vortex but the dot is just as crisp and bright. While I would wager a lot of these lower priced red dots are made in the same factory, at least with the Vortex you have a warranty in the unlikely event that it breaks. |
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Really, it is going to be pretty hard to go wrong. Red dots are a commoditized, mature technology. Just pick the one that has the form factor you like in the price bracket you want, and it is going to do red dot things the same as any other. |
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The new model Romeo 5 is my go to. They have been banged and dropped and they just work. I think the mount is better on the new model if you don’t need see through. For the money you can stick them on everything and have a couple of backups. I’m not a cop and don’t jump out of helicopters. |
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For not much over your $300 max you could get a clean used real McCoy Aimpoint (ARO) if you keep an eye out. I actually got one here on the EE that looked new with box and all for $300 at one point, and I've scored multiple Aimpoint pro's for only a little more ($350). It seems the options for decent T-1-ish clones (Romeo 5 etc) are much more plentiful than M4 copies for whatever reason. On your list, I picked up a Romeo 7 on sale cheap at Palmetto for a range toy and it's been pretty decent, no issues with the optic itself. My only complaint with it is it's a green dot (figured I'd try it based on feedback here) and I don't really care for it as much as red. Not the optics fault though. |
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Originally Posted By switchback7: not a fan of the battery tray I have two. ARO-MRS-GR & GD. The first time opening up the battery trays of paint in the butt, then you take a very fine file and file down the knoves a little bit, and it comes out easy. I always have a multi tool on me. If you can build an AR you can open a battery tray. If you can't open a battery trade, you definitely shouldn't build a AR. 
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Originally Posted By MallNinja531: For not much over your $300 max you could get a clean used real McCoy Aimpoint (ARO) if you keep an eye out. I actually got one here on the EE that looked new with box and all for $300 at one point, and I've scored multiple Aimpoint pro's for only a little more ($350). It seems the options for decent T-1-ish clones (Romeo 5 etc) are much more plentiful than M4 copies for whatever reason. On your list, I picked up a Romeo 7 on sale cheap at Palmetto for a range toy and it's been pretty decent, no issues with the optic itself. My only complaint with it is it's a green dot (figured I'd try it based on feedback here) and I don't really care for it as much as red. Not the optics fault though. Yeah, I'm absolutely keeping an eye out in the ee and over on SH |
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Originally Posted By Trumpet: Alright, So I'm looking for an optic for my RAR in 5.56. I'm thinking of some sort of Aimpoint M4-ish dot. This is just a fun plinker rifle, so I don't want to spend Aimpoint $$$. Might also consider a prism optic. I'd like to keep it sub $300. Anyway, what are y'alls thought on... Vortex Strikefire II Sig Romeo 7S Holosun ARO Vector Frenzy Holosun 510 @Trumpet I got a new vortex triumph for $85 shipped a few weeks ago. Aimpoint footprint. Brightness dial with off settings between each level. It’s on my flux and I’m probably going to grab another one for my spare 10.5 |
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Originally Posted By Bloodloss: There are still Vortex Sparc AR out there for $70. For plinker use, I don't see how that can be beat. This would be my suggestion too. Simple, small, AAA battery. Price is right. Moving up in price opens upa lot of options, but having owned both I find the SPARC to be better than the Strikefire. Currently have some SPARCs on beaters and no Strikefires anymore if that tells you anything. |
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I had a 7s that needed to be warranted due to a wandering dot and I would say from my experience and others I've seen online that despite the marketing the 7 line does not really have the durability projected by the big beefy look. I'd go with a Vortex first. |
I like my red only Vortex Strikefire as it reminds me of the old military Aimpoint M-68. I have my Vortex Strikefire on a dedicated 22 LR AR-15 pictured below. PSA has been running the Strikefire II Red/Green on sale and might be worth checking out. https://palmettostatearmory.com/brands/vortex-optics/red-dots/strikefire-ii.html |
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For inexpensive I've always been happy with Vortex or Primary Arms. If buying today I'd probably get this: https://www.primaryarms.com/primary-arms-slx-md25-rotary-knob-25mm-microdot-gen-2-autolive-2-moa-red-dot-reticle |
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Holosun ARO family of red dots. ARO EVO is probably the best of the group with the wider FOV and solar. The older 403r and 503r are some of my personal favorites. Cant go wrong with the Sig Romeo 5 II At this point the technology is so mature, It might be harder to find one that isn't good these days. I don't see myself personally spending 600-900$ on an Aimpoint again.` |
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Originally Posted By fp45liberator: I have several - they have done well in classes and withstood years of heavy use. Highly recommend. Originally Posted By fp45liberator: Originally Posted By Trumpet: Thoughts on Burris AR-332? I have several - they have done well in classes and withstood years of heavy use. Highly recommend. I have the PA 3X prism which if it's not exactly the same thing it's really close. I would go with the PA Microprism instead of either. And I think PA sells all 3. But on a bolt action rifle i might jump up to the 5x. I had a 3x on my deer rifle and switched to 5x. |
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Originally Posted By renov8: Osight R...running a promo on it right now...their pistol sights...the XR are great. Have them on a few pistols...no issues. priced right too. I really wanted to recommend this when the thread was first created because I have been testing one of these for over 6 months. The Osight R is the best red dot they've made yet. It makes my AEMS seem like a piece of junk. |
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Originally Posted By chevrofreak: I really wanted to recommend this when the thread was first created because I have been testing one of these for over 6 months. The Osight R is the best red dot they've made yet. It makes my AEMS seem like a piece of junk. Were you sent 1 for free to test? I didn't think they were releasing until September. Can you quantify what about the osight r makes it the best and the AEMS feel like a piece of junk in comparison. Thank you. @chevrofreak |
I am not an operator nor am I very smart.
Keep that in mind when reading my comments:-)
Keep that in mind when reading my comments:-)
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Originally Posted By carholio: Were you sent 1 for free to test? I didn't think they were releasing until September. Can you quantify what about the osight r makes it the best and the AEMS feel like a piece of junk in comparison. Thank you. @chevrofreak I do T&E and help with product development decisions for Osight as an unpaid advisor. The Osight R has far less glass distortion, less tint, and less reticle distortion on the edges of the window. The mounting screws are also very stout. It compares much more to the HS512C, but with flip down lens covers like the AEMS. Max Leograndis and Justine Williams have been running them for several months as they are on the Osight shooting team and provide valuable feedback. |
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Originally Posted By chevrofreak: I do T&E and help with product development decisions for Osight as an unpaid advisor. The Osight R has far less glass distortion, less tint, and less reticle distortion on the edges of the window. The mounting screws are also very stout. It compares much more to the HS512C, but with flip down lens covers like the AEMS. Max Leograndis and Justine Williams have been running them for several months as they are on the Osight shooting team and provide valuable feedback. Thank you. For me, osight is too new to get my money. Just like it took me years before I'd run a Holosun. I hope they are successful because having competition in the market keeps everyone innovating. Well, unless you're Aimpoint. But at least they finally added a mrs / shake awake model, lol. . |
I am not an operator nor am I very smart.
Keep that in mind when reading my comments:-)
Keep that in mind when reading my comments:-)
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Originally Posted By NotIssued: pretty sure I still have some ... Romeo 5? The H1 look-alike. Decent budget option Romeo5 rds run , run and runs. Battery life is long, stays zeroed. I have 5 or 6 Romeo5's on different pistols and carbines. Love them! |
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Originally Posted By -OdieGreen-: I missed the $300 max. You can get an ACO directly from Aimpoint for $350. The great value aimpoint but still an aimpoint. Think it was my first fancy brand dot and I would buy one again. Was looking for another a few weeks back but stumbled upon a great PRO deal. |
Budget "Aimpoint-ish" dot? (Page 1 of 2)
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