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Posted: 10/7/2012 6:24:34 AM EDT
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I'm looking for a micro style red dot for a light weight AR project. Really just for casual shooting but I don't want crappy optics. I've got full size Eotechs and Aimpoints on other rifles, but want to try something smaller. Not sure I'm ready to invest in a T-1.
Any recommendations between the PA Micro Dot or Vortex SPARC? Appreciate hearing about your experience. |
I have the Sparc on my Colt and really think instead of upgrading to a Aimpoint Pro I'll leave it there for awhile and use the extra cash for another AR build. I'm waiting for PSA to do a sale on the Sparc again (got mine $50.00 off  ) so I can mount one on another AR I just built last month
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We are out of the Micros and experiencing long delays with our factory, so that might make the decision easier. We have SPARCs in stock.
https://www.primaryarms.com/Vortex_Optics_s/587.htm |
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Quoted:
We are out of the Micros and experiencing long delays with our factory, so that might make the decision easier. We have SPARCs in stock. https://www.primaryarms.com/Vortex_Optics_s/587.htm This. Marshall and his gang are the best around. |
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I have both and personally, the weird battery the SPARC uses, the emitter at 6:00 and the push button controls make me say PA's Micro Dot. I know that PA has had some supply problems lately, but it really is a great sight for what it is.
But I also have to say that the above is personal preference and their is really nothing wrong with the SPARC. I just like the PA better for my uses. |
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I would go with the Bushnell Microdot (TRS-25) personally. They have a longer battery life than the PA and they can be submerged in water so many feet where as the PA is only water resistant to rain, splashes, etc.
I also think the elevation and windage threading and the caps seem a little better made. I had an early primary arms microdot and one of the caps stripped out the 1st time I barely tightened it on after changing the battery. Cabela's has them on sale for $79: http://www.cabelas.com/product/Shooting/Tactical-Gear/Red-Dots-Lasers|/pc/104792580/c/104778180/sc/104526180/Bushnell174-Trophy-TRS-25-Red-Dot-Sight/748791.uts?destination=%2Fcatalog%2Fbrowse%2Fshooting-tactical-gear-red-dots-lasers%2F_%2FN-1105122%2FNs-CATEGORY_SEQ_104526180%3FWTz_l%3DSBC%253BMMcat104792580%253Bcat104778180&WTz_l=SBC%3BMMcat104792580%3Bcat104778180%3Bcat104526180 |
| I had a PA and it took a very slight and I mean slight bump getting it out of the car, it lost it's zero and it went tits up. PA was really good about taking it back but I can't trust it on a duty rifle. I know it's not an Aimpoint and neither is the SPARC but I just ordered two of them from my LGS and I am hoping they are more durable than the PA, |
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Here's a good SPARC review right here on arfcom: http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_2_277/187104_.html I bought my SPARC based on that review. I have an EOTech 512 and an EXPS2-2, but I needed something NV compatible. Mark H. |
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I have a Vortex Sparc and have been using it for over a year.
The optics are good. The push button system is okay. The battery choice is horrible. Once the battery starts to go dead, the unit won't shut off; which obviously accelerates the death of the battery. And it is pretty darn hard impossible to find this battery anywhere other than online. 
If I had it all to do over again... I'd probably go with the Primary Arms over the Vortex. |
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Well the batteries aren't that tough to find...wally-world has them, and anyplace that carries more than AA and AAA batteries has them (around here at least??).
One thing I will mention: if you're going to be doing much longer range (100+ yard) shooting and/or have piss-poor eyesight, the SPARC having a screw-in 2X magnifier is a plus. I've got two Strikefires and plan on picking up a SPARC for that reason. I rarely shoot under 50 yards, often out to 250, but like the compactness and weight of a red-dot. the screw in magnifiers are a heckuvalot smaller than a seperate magnifier. |
| I have two SPARC's and both work just fine. I have been quite pleased with them. The battery thing was my only reservation in buying them but I found plenty of spares at Batteries Plus in my town. I never checked Wallmart to see if they had them but I have been told they carry them too. |
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How about trying the Truglo micro?
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/512744/truglo-triton-red-dot-sight-5-moa-red-green-and-blue-dot-with-integral-high-and-low-weaver-style-mount-matte I have one on my S&W M&P15. So far it seems to work OK. I will probably mount a magnifier behind it later. |
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Quoted:
Well the batteries aren't that tough to find...wally-world has them, and anyplace that carries more than AA and AAA batteries has them (around here at least??). That is not the case around here (Southern California). I've searched darn near everyplace I could think of. Walmart, Target, Best Buy, Fryes Electronics, Microcenter, Sears, Turners Outdoorsman (which is where I bought it from), even Savon & RiteAid. Nothing... Zip... Zilch... Nada. 
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