Compatibility of Tasco Red Dot with stock sights my new T97?

[boomer49]

Hi Guys

Just a quick question that crossed my mind as I wait for the arrival of my new T97 ...

I have a still-functional and solid and barely used Tasco Red dot that I bought about 10 years ago, and was wondering how it would work on my new Norinco. It is the BKRD30 model (from Canadian Tire, I think) so its integral base for Weaver dovetails is set-up for centre-fire firearms ... not the BKRD3022 model that fits the 11mm dovetails on many .22 rimfire rifles. I originally played around with it on my AR15 on a rail until I bought a proper small scope.

If I mount it directly (I have no riser) to the rail of my T97, what about the iron sights?

Do they even fold down?

If they are folded down, would they still impede the sight-line of the Red Dot? If they do, do people remove them and just rely exclusively on the Red Dot?

If I left them up, would it be possible (or even a good idea) to try to arrange a co-witness set-up with the Red Dot? I obviously don't have a clue about doing that, but can research it.

Many thanks!

I do realize that I should be considering a higher-quality (more expensive) optic, but I have this one ... and it'll be fun to give it a try ... a new lease on life ... and I like its small uncluttered profile.

 

[Overlander2018]

Does your red dot have an ar15 height mount? Based on my google search of the model you posted, it looks like it will sit too low.

 

[boomer49]

Does your red dot have an ar15 height mount? Based on my google search of the model you posted, it looks like it will sit too low.

Nope ... when I had it on my AR (years ago) I had it on an expensive small aftermarket Picatinny rail ...

I have since heard from an RLAG (Respected Local Alberta Guru) that I should just go full low-mounted Red Dot ... and see what happens.

Like with Elon Musk's magical come-back-home rockets ...

 

[Stevo]

If you mount it directly on the rail it will be almost impossible to use and in the way of the flip-up iron sights.

Win-win.

 

[boomer49]

If you mount it directly on the rail it will be almost impossible to use and in the way of the flip-up iron sights.

Win-win.

So, can I easily remove them flip-up (and apparently mediocre) iron sights ... and just sally-forth into the westering sun ... with just a carefully sighted-in Cheap-Ass Red Dot?

 

[Stevo]

The irons just bolt on.

The sight will be too low to use easily.

Do whatever floats your boat.

 

[boomer49]

The irons just bolt on.

The sight will be too low to use easily.

Do whatever floats your boat.

So they can apparently be "bolted off" easily ...

That's one question may be answered ...

When the rifle arrives I'll clean it and take off them Irons and install the modest little Red Dot and go out to my friend's ranch ... and see what happens ...

 

[Bubba Yugga]

Once you've got a few more pesos, put on an LPVO, maybe like a Bushnell 1-4x24 AR223 BDC Tactical.
That's when you'll discover just how easily it deals with Tannerite at respectable distances.
Cheap 45 degree offset flip-ups will provide backup if you really insist.

 

[boomer49]

Does your red dot have an ar15 height mount? Based on my google search of the model you posted, it looks like it will sit too low.

No, no riser or anything like that ... totally stock. I will clamp it directly to the T97's rail ... and then flip down the stock iron sights (I have since learned/confirmed that they do flip down) ... and hope for the best. I am quite excited to try this but the rifle (ordered on Monday, the 3rd) hasn't even been shipped yet! Exasperating ... �� ...

And, if there are no visibility issues ... I'll have the final (fun) task of sighting-in the thing and then determining if the admittedly-low-rent Tasco will hold zero.

 

[boomer49]

Once you've got a few more pesos, put on an LPVO, maybe like a Bushnell 1-4x24 AR223 BDC Tactical.
That's when you'll discover just how easily it deals with Tannerite at respectable distances.
Cheap 45 degree offset flip-ups will provide backup if you really insist.

You must be a mind-reader ... that is exactly my Plan B and I have already been exploring/researching that particular option. I plan to use the T97 as a ####s-and-giggles gopher gun out on my former neighbours' ranch on the Eastern Slope (I lived on the adjacent ranch for nine years), and my 72-year-old eyes were never very good to-begin-with. My current gopher rifle (bought new in 1973) is a Model 64 Anschütz sporter (made in West Germany) equipped with a perfectly-proportioned Leupold VX-2 3-9x33 Ultralight with EFR ... I appreciate good optics.

 

[Bubba Yugga]

You must be a mind-reader ... that is exactly my Plan B and I have already been exploring/researching that particular option. I plan to use the T97 as a ####s-and-giggles gopher gun out on my former neighbours' ranch on the Eastern Slope (I lived on the adjacent ranch for nine years), and my 72-year-old eyes were never very good to-begin-with. My current gopher rifle (bought new in 1973) is a Model 64 Anschütz sporter (made in West Germany) equipped with a perfectly-proportioned Leupold VX-2 3-9x33 Ultralight with EFR ... I appreciate good optics.

Not a mind reader, just an advisor. Been there, done that.
It's a ridiculously fun 100 yard gopher gun at 4x magnification and, if you apply yourself, can extend further.
I'm 65, so we're in the same ballpark...

 

[boomer49]

Not a mind reader, just an advisor. Been there, done that.
It's a ridiculously fun 100 yard gopher gun at 4x magnification and, if you apply yourself, can extend further.
I'm 65, so we're in the same ballpark...

My go-to coyote-rifle on the ranch was a big $700 Remington SPS Varmint rifle (purchased at Marksman in Leth and then fitted with a $$ Harris bipod and a wonderful (and bargain-priced) Mueller scope called the APV 4.5-14×40 AO that was the result of a two-year collaborative effort (on Rimfire Central, closely followed my me) in the early 2000's) between the RC members and the company. It totally rocked. Talley rings, I think. They were also on the Annie.

It's still around, and ... if it is still as good as mine was ... a huge deal. YMMV, obviously ...