Inexpensive Red Dot

Howard Law

Kobayashi

Frontiersman
Mar 25, 2015
412
318
113
Ola
I'm working on a new rifle, my first project in a while. I've never tried a red dot sight, but I'd like to try one with this 556/223 setup. The rifle is cheap, and the sight needs to be also - as cheap as possible without buying a piece of crap. There are plenty of online reviews for these things, but I wanted to get some anecdotal info from you more experienced guys.

What's a good cheap red dot?
 
  • Like
Reactions: sam

AirOpsMgr

Director of Lavatory Services
Administrator
Lifetime Supporter
Mar 24, 2015
3,775
10,730
4,294,967,295
30354
I'm working on a new rifle, my first project in a while. I've never tried a red dot sight, but I'd like to try one with this 556/223 setup. The rifle is cheap, and the sight needs to be also - as cheap as possible without buying a piece of crap. There are plenty of online reviews for these things, but I wanted to get some anecdotal info from you more experienced guys.

What's a good cheap red dot?
Vortex sparc; I've got one I'm not using if you want to try it out and send it back
 
  • Like
Reactions: sam

AirOpsMgr

Director of Lavatory Services
Administrator
Lifetime Supporter
Mar 24, 2015
3,775
10,730
4,294,967,295
30354
correction: I see the original sparc is no longer available and the sparc II is going for $199 (I bought my original sparc for around $100, hence my suggestion). Will still lend it to you if you want.

Another cheap red dot I've used is the Millett, cheaper and larger than the sparc, but does the same thing.
 

AirOpsMgr

Director of Lavatory Services
Administrator
Lifetime Supporter
Mar 24, 2015
3,775
10,730
4,294,967,295
30354
Thank you sir. I need to get a rail first, but I might just take you up on that.
Just let me know, both are just sitting here collecting dust.

One reason they are sitting is because I personally prefer a larger sight picture; not sure if you have compared red dots to reflex sights, but just throwing that out there
 

Kobayashi

Frontiersman
Mar 25, 2015
412
318
113
Ola
Just let me know, both are just sitting here collecting dust.

One reason they are sitting is because I personally prefer a larger sight picture; not sure if you have compared red dots to reflex sights, but just throwing that out there
I probably have and just don't know the difference. The reflex sights have a lower profile, correct? More like what I want.
 

boss_hawg

Marksman
Jul 13, 2015
1,230
1,045
113
Zip code
30328
The primary arms basic red dots are very good for a sub $100 optic. The bushnell trs-25 (?) also gets very good reviews.

I have owned five of the primary arms optics and all were reliable with basic functionality. I have no experience with the bushnell.

I have owned one vortex sparc and I was not impressed. The on/off button failed after several months. Disappointing for a $150-200 optic. Their customer service is good - as many will tell you - but that's only because everyone has used it.

My advice would be to stick with the primary arms or - if you want to go for something a bit more high end - save a bit more for the aimpoint pro or aco. Black Friday is coming soon and there should be some deals on those models in the $360 range.
 

AirOpsMgr

Director of Lavatory Services
Administrator
Lifetime Supporter
Mar 24, 2015
3,775
10,730
4,294,967,295
30354
I probably have and just don't know the difference. The reflex sights have a lower profile, correct? More like what I want.
Both reflex and red dots come in all different sizes and profiles, It all depends upon your use and preference. I prefer larger reflex sights for faster acquisition on my short range rifles. As @boss_hawg mentioned, Primary arms has many good quality options that won't kill the wallet.

Examples: http://www.primaryarms.com/red-dots-store/c/130000/
 

AirOpsMgr

Director of Lavatory Services
Administrator
Lifetime Supporter
Mar 24, 2015
3,775
10,730
4,294,967,295
30354
Primary Arms is decent for the money. I had a Vortex Strikefire I had to get repaired after 2 weeks b/c of the buttons didn't work.
It's funny how Q/C work on optics; believe it or not, I have a cheap $89 SightMark reflex sight I bought years ago that I have beat to hell and it still holds zero on a AR. Battery life is kind of crappy, but oddly, it actually works well

opplanet-new-sightmark-ultra-shot-sight-qd-digital-switch-red-dot-sight-sm14000.jpg
 
  • Like
Reactions: Snewt1

AirOpsMgr

Director of Lavatory Services
Administrator
Lifetime Supporter
Mar 24, 2015
3,775
10,730
4,294,967,295
30354
Just out of curiosity, you mentioned 5.56/2.23, I assumed this was going on a flat-top AR, or are you looking at another platform?
 

BackWoods

Frontiersman
Jul 5, 2015
426
209
93
Temple
Zip code
30180
Vortex Sparc or Strikefire II or Spitfire II
bushnell TRS-25
Holosun
 
Last edited:

Red Dawn

Wolverines
Site Supporter
Lifetime Supporter
Aug 12, 2015
5,743
6,957
113
H Town
Zip code
30228
I shot an AR this weekend with a Vortex Sparc on it. Very nice super bright and I was plinking steel at 100 yds with it easy.
 

Leshaire

Weekend Warrior
Mar 27, 2015
3,343
1,994
113
Acworth
Zip code
30102
Primary Arms 79 or 89 dollar dots (89 has removable base) are the best bang for your buck IMO. I have several and love them over similarly priced competitors.
 

Laufen

Beloved flaming retard
Lifetime Supporter
Mar 23, 2015
7,927
6,129
113
I85
Zip code
30030
Primary Arms is probably your best bet.

A 1.5-4x scope might not be a bad option either. I'm considering doing away with my red dots in favor of low power scopes.
 

TattooedGunner

Frontiersman
Mar 31, 2015
491
209
113
Cedartown, GA
Zip code
30125
Does anybody have any experience with the Primary Arms Advanced micro dots? I know when they came out they were supposed to be great but I haven't heard much about them since.