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Page AR-15 » Optics, Mounts, and Sights
AR Sponsor: bravocompany
Posted: 8/23/2005 3:48:43 PM EDT
I can't afford an EOTec or Aimpoint at present.  What red dot sights in the $150 range (less is OK <G>) do folks recommend for a defensive (home and pickup truck carry) AR?  TIA.

Link Posted: 8/23/2005 3:59:52 PM EDT
[#1]
Try ebay i got one there for 69.00 that works great...comes with a mount too.....the guy had a posting here but i cant find it....hes in canada...shipping only took a week......for a plinker you cant beat this one.
Link Posted: 8/23/2005 4:59:15 PM EDT
[#2]
I have a friend that has a $59 RedHead red dot system that he got from bass pro shops. Im pretty sure its a Bushnell with the RedHead sticker on it. So far it seems to be working pretty well.  However, I cant say much for its resistance to shock, elements, ect.
Link Posted: 8/23/2005 5:09:55 PM EDT
[#3]
I might have something for ya.  


IM me, thanks!
Link Posted: 8/23/2005 5:31:12 PM EDT
[#4]
Link Posted: 8/24/2005 5:46:56 AM EDT
[#5]
Actually, I wouldn't spend $150 on a red dot...there are several out there that will work fine for around $100 ...but the next big step in quality is around $300 or so (Aimpoint Comp C, Bushnell Holosight, etc).  

About the only thing in the $150 range is the Ultra Dot.  I have no exerience with them, but I've heard good stuff about 'em.  They've got a 4 dot version, but it's pushing $200.  

there is a VERY long thread about the TacPoint...you might want to read the last 5 pages or so.  It's a clone of an Aimpoint, that *seems* to be doing okay for most people.  I was gonna get one, but then everyone was out of the model I wanted.  I just got a Simmons Shot Dot, a little 4 reticle dot sight for $65.  

A buddy was over last night, and he wanted the sight for his rifle that I built him...so I sold it to him for $60 and snagged a Holosight off the EE for $ 160.  

There's another one there for $200, which is a little high for a used one, imo...I can get 'em new for $223 dealer pricing at Midway.  $160 was a great buy, though, so you may just want to keep an eye out on the EE for another Holosight, or an Aimpoint Comp C.  

Link Posted: 8/25/2005 7:34:12 AM EDT
[#6]
Thanks to all for the good info.
Link Posted: 8/25/2005 7:54:47 AM EDT
[#7]
Although it is a little more than $150, I have been very happy with my Burris Xtreme XTS-135.  

Link Posted: 8/25/2005 8:04:32 AM EDT
[#8]
.
Link Posted: 8/25/2005 8:05:12 AM EDT
[#9]

Quoted:
Although it is a little more than $150, I have been very happy with my Burris Xtreme XTS-135.  

pic4.picturetrail.com/VOL752/3145921/6403888/96718533.jpg

nice looking boy you got there, what's his name?
Link Posted: 8/25/2005 8:24:14 AM EDT
[#10]

Quoted:

Quoted:
Although it is a little more than $150, I have been very happy with my Burris Xtreme XTS-135.  

pic4.picturetrail.com/VOL752/3145921/6403888/96718533.jpg

nice looking boy you got there, what's his name?



Thank you.  His name is Caesar because he is definately the ruler of our house
Link Posted: 8/25/2005 9:16:39 AM EDT
[#11]
Here's my thoughts, if you buy junk, you will replace it later with the good stuff, in the long run its cheaper to save and get the good stuff.
Link Posted: 8/25/2005 9:22:50 AM EDT
[#12]

Quoted:
Here's my thoughts, if you buy junk, you will replace it later with the good stuff, in the long run its cheaper to save and get the good stuff.


Yes, but the $64,000 question is, exactly where does the "good stuff" begin, dollar wise?

$100 for a new Tacpoint?

$200 for a new Burris red dot?

$250 for a new Holosight?

$300 for a new low-model Aimpoint?

Or higher?

Eric
Link Posted: 8/25/2005 9:44:09 AM EDT
[#13]
I would look at a tasco Propoint (PDP3)

Around $100 and extremely good sights for range work.

I've been running one on an M17S for about 5 years now.

It ain't an aimpoint but it will certainly do the job!

Theyve been around for quite some time and IMO are a proven quality optic for the money.
Link Posted: 8/25/2005 1:11:53 PM EDT
[#14]

Quoted:
Here's my thoughts, if you buy junk, you will replace it later with the good stuff, in the long run its cheaper to save and get the good stuff.



What tests have you done (or anyone else for that matter) to determine that this sight is in fact junk?
Link Posted: 8/25/2005 3:11:39 PM EDT
[#15]

Quoted:
I can't afford an EOTec or Aimpoint at present.  What red dot sights in the $150 range (less is OK <G>) do folks recommend for a defensive (home and pickup truck carry) AR?  TIA.




All you need to do is wait a little longer to save $150 more ($300) and pick up an Eotech or Aimpoint.  Remember, you get what you pay for.
Link Posted: 8/25/2005 3:35:58 PM EDT
[#16]
I have a Tasco PDP3 thats been around for 8 yrs. or more.
It has about 20,000 rds of 38 spl. out of a S&W 66 on it.
It's also been on a 8mm Mauser, 12 ga shotgun, Ruger SBHawk 44 mag, 1911 45 auto, various 22 rimfires, both rifle and handguns and eventually on my AR. ( I have a EO on the AR now.)

I think it cost about $65 when I bought it.

I just smile and laugh when somebody says "You get what you pay for."

Cheap does not always mean junk...
Link Posted: 8/25/2005 4:28:44 PM EDT
[#17]

Quoted:
I
Cheap does not always mean junk...



+1

I have  the "bottom of the line" BSA RD30 it has spent about 18 months on my AR and always works for me.  Other than a dead battery it has never failed or malfunctioned.  It does exactly what I need it to do.

I do plan on replacing it soon with a Burris XTS-135.  When I do, the BSA goes on another AR for a while.

Sarge


Link Posted: 8/25/2005 4:30:13 PM EDT
[#18]

Aimpoint, Eotech, ACOG.

Worth saving up for.

Link Posted: 8/25/2005 5:13:40 PM EDT
[#19]
I got the e-bay aimpoint clone and it works. I wouldn't trust it as far as I can throw it but it does work. You said you want it for defensive use. If your life can or will depend on it dont skimp. Save for the Aimpoint or Eotech. These cheapo red dots are for plinking only.
Link Posted: 8/25/2005 5:36:47 PM EDT
[#20]

Quoted:
Aimpoint, Eotech, ACOG.

Worth saving up for.



For a defensive weapon, I agree 100%
Link Posted: 8/26/2005 5:20:55 AM EDT
[#21]

Quoted:
I have a Tasco PDP3 thats been around for 8 yrs. or more.
It has about 20,000 rds of 38 spl. out of a S&W 66 on it.
It's also been on a 8mm Mauser, 12 ga shotgun, Ruger SBHawk 44 mag, 1911 45 auto, various 22 rimfires, both rifle and handguns and eventually on my AR. ( I have a EO on the AR now.)

I think it cost about $65 when I bought it.

I just smile and laugh when somebody says "You get what you pay for."

Cheap does not always mean junk...



I had a PDP3 for a while...the 10moa one.  Hands down, the brightest dot I've EVER seen, by a factor of 2.  I sold the rifle that I had it mounted on, and my buddy who bought the rifle insisted on getting the PDP3 as well.

I've been meaning to pick up another one.
Link Posted: 8/26/2005 7:20:34 AM EDT
[#22]
I hear from some people who used to shoot Bullseye that Ultradots and ProPoints were the red dots of choice, with the Ultradots dominating.  You should be able to get either for right around $100 (try Natchez).

Now they aren't "Mil-spec", you can't submerge them to 300' or drop them off a 3 strory building, but they will survive any recoil a 5.56 will pump out or a drop of a few feet, and they should work for "defensive purposes".  

Of course I would use a shotgun (with a red dot) for defensive work, but that's me.
Link Posted: 8/26/2005 4:16:18 PM EDT
[#23]
Save your $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$.
Link Posted: 8/26/2005 5:20:03 PM EDT
[#24]
I love when my range buddies buy the junk $29 BSA red dots at Wal-Mart claiming they are just as good as the "high dollar" optics. I never say anything. I just chuckle when they go tits-up after just three or four range sessions.
Link Posted: 8/28/2005 5:10:38 AM EDT
[#25]
Ladonia,

Do yourself a huge favor and buy the best unless it is for plinking/fun ONLY.

I agree with the others, wait until you can afford a Aimpoint or similiar optic and then mount it in a LaRue.  These 2 companies and simply the best IMHO.

Eagle3
Page AR-15 » Optics, Mounts, and Sights
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