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Posted: 5/4/2014 6:05:24 PM EDT
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So I just put together my first AR (PSA 16" mid length). It has the standard F marked front sight and a rear BUIS. I'll be using it for range fun (50 - 100 yards), and home defense. I should also note that I have old guy eyes (I can see OK, but need bifocals to read). What is the right kind of optic for me? I initially was going to pick up a PA micro dot. But now, I think the compact 2.5 will work better. My budget is $250 or less.
I would appreciate any thoughts you might have. |
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Quoted:
So I just put together my first AR (PSA 16" mid length). It has the standard F marked front sight and a rear BUIS. I'll be using it for range fun (50 - 100 yards), and home defense. I should also note that I have old guy eyes (I can see OK, but need bifocals to read). What is the right kind of optic for me? I initially was going to pick up a PA micro dot. But now, I think the compact 2.5 will work better. My budget is $250 or less. I would appreciate any thoughts you might have. If you don't have astigmatism get the SPARC II or Strikefire II. |
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I really like the Lucid M7 Microdot. It is about the same size and weight (4.7 oz) as the Aimpoint microdots and the less expensive PA microdot and priced in between at about $189 shipped plus the cost of a small riser to give you a lower 1/3 co-witness with your front sight. I say priced in between, saying that it is in OP's budget and still less than 1/3 the cost of the Aimpoint T-1. Available from Amazon and many vendors, including Optics Planet, one of the sponsors here.
Here are its advantages over the PA and actually, the Aimpoint micros: 1. It runs on a single AAA battery, available 24/7/365 everywhere. 2. It has a much more useful donut dot or circle dot reticle, much like the EOTech ones. Very rapid target acquisition while still having a 2 MOA center dot for fine work. 3. It has automatic dot intensity. A photocell adjusts the dot intensity so that it is ready to go without twisting a dial. In your home at night, it is very low, while outdoors in noon day sun, it is very bright. In intermediate lighting conditions, it provides the appropriate intensity. It is lighting quick to make the adjustment and never seems wrong. It has a manual over-ride if you want to try to outthink the photocell. 4. It has automatic power down after two hours. To turn it on, you just push one button on the left side. With the power shut down, battery life should be very long. I've had my first of two of these for over a year and still running on the original battery. I removed and tested that battery recently, and it has almost the same strength as a new one. 5. The battery compartment cap and the turrets are tethered with covered wire to prevent loss if removed under stress. 6. It has an extra cost (inexpensive) 2x screw in magnifier. I haven't tried this, however. Other non-exclusive factors: The lens is very clear and field of view is excellent. It is waterproof for all but scuba diving. The LED emitter is very tiny and centered at the bottom. It is very hard to see it unless, you are trying hard. It is extremely rugged. Not saying the others aren't, but I have two of these and run one of them on a tactical shotgun with a steady diet of heavy buckshot and slugs with no change in point of impact for the slugs. These extra features are worth the extra cost, and actually represent a technological advance over the Aimpoint in terms of reticle choice and auto intensity, for example. I don't need the optic to be on all the time. I can push a button. Here is a photo of the M7 on my 16" carbine build. This one is in an ADM .600" QD mount for absolute co-witness, since I have a folding front sight. 
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| I think all the suggestions made so far are great, but would like to add http://www.bushnell.com/tactical/rifle-scopes/ar-optics/1-4x-24mm if you want some magnification. |
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Quoted:
So I just put together my first AR (PSA 16" mid length). It has the standard F marked front sight and a rear BUIS. I'll be using it for range fun (50 - 100 yards), and home defense. I should also note that I have old guy eyes (I can see OK, but need bifocals to read). What is the right kind of optic for me? I initially was going to pick up a PA micro dot. But now, I think the compact 2.5 will work better. My budget is $250 or less. I would appreciate any thoughts you might have. Primary Arms is good to go as are the folks there.....talk to Marshall he might be able to figure out a way for you to try them both before you buy.... |
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