School me on Red Dots

Siggy Stardust

Siggy Stardust

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Looking at getting a red dot (or two) for my Win Defender 1300 with ATI M4 style stock and also for an SKS.

I've searched through the forums here and extensively online, but I'm afraid I think I still have more questions than answers...

It's almost overwhelming - the choices and options one has out there. I see dot sights priced everywhere from $60 to $600 and higher and don't really know what it is exactly that I'm looking for.

Obviously I don't want something the just rattle off either gun and sh!t the bed after ten rounds. Looking for something reliable, sturdy and good on battery life. I'm also wondering what "MOA" size dot might suit these guns.



Just looking for some input, thoughts, and ideas based on real-world use and experience of the various systems. It seems like Aimpoint, EoTech, Vortex, and Hensoldt are the "go-to's", but Christ, I have no idea how to separate them?

Which sights would be best suited for an SKS and a 12 gauge? Value for money? Sturdiness, reliability, warranty service, etc.?

I know what I've read online - what has YOUR experience been?


Thanks!
 
MetalMike said:
What are you looking to spend?
Click to expand...

I guess that's one of the questions that was really perplexing me here...

I could spend $600 if I had to and if it was worth it, but if I can get a decent unit for $400 or less, all the better.

If a $300 unit is gonna come apart on me then it doesn't do me any good, either. If I have to spend $500+ to buy something that's going to last, then I guess that's what I'm in for.


I suppose the short answer to that question is that I'm looking to spend as much as I need to, but no more than I have to....
 
I'm completely new to these too so I decided to go with something cheap in case it didn't work out.
Got a $100 Barksa at Cabelas. It has 4 different reticules which is cool because I find I like the ring/dot and the crosshair options more than just a dot.
And it has both red and green lights.

Mind you this is on a rimfire so I don't know how it would hold up on a shotgun.
 
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The new vortex sparc II is good value with a lifetime no hassle warranty.
The Bushnell TRS-25's hold up well for a cheaper option around $125.00
 
There are enough satisfied owners of the Bushnell TRS25 out there to suggest that you don't need to spend any more than the cost of one of those if your main purpose for it is fun at the range. For combat, hunting, or competition the consensus seems to be that you should spend more (can't say why that is from personal experience as I don't use red dots for any of those activities).
 
Actively following this thread...guys with experience, please provide input...

The bushnell TRS25 great price, but I can seem to find in canada right now. anyone know who has them in stock?

Was also looking at:
the Votrex strike fire (version I?). costs about $170 before taxes and shipping.
the Redfield counterstrike at about $220 or so before taxes and shipping.

any opinions or advise?
 
I'd take a Sparc II over a Strikefire..... I don't see any benefit beyond price to going with the bigger strikefire.
I'm not sure if the strikefire II still has a 4 moa dot but I prefer smaller dots and the Sparc is a 2 moa dot.
 
bandoleer said:
Actively following this thread...guys with experience, please provide input...

The bushnell TRS25 great price, but I can seem to find in canada right now. anyone know who has them in stock?

Was also looking at:
the Votrex strike fire (version I?). costs about $170 before taxes and shipping.
the Redfield counterstrike at about $220 or so before taxes and shipping.

any opinions or advise?
Click to expand...

Trs 25

Williamsarms.net has 2

Sail in oshawa has 4
 
Siggy Stardust said:
Looking for something reliable, sturdy and good on battery life.
Click to expand...

Higher end units often have an "auto-off" after a period of inactivity. About 2-4 hours on my Vortex Sparc.

I'm also wondering what "MOA" size dot might suit these guns.
Click to expand...

The size of the dot will be determined by the type of shooting, the targets and the range. 1 MOA is approximately 1" at 100 yards. 4moa is 4" at 100 yards, 8 inches at 200 yards, 2" at 50 yards etc. Red dot's excel at snap shooting under 200 yards.
 
bandoleer said:
Actively following this thread...guys with experience, please provide input...

The bushnell TRS25 great price, but I can seem to find in canada right now. anyone know who has them in stock?

Was also looking at:
the Votrex strike fire (version I?). costs about $170 before taxes and shipping.
the Redfield counterstrike at about $220 or so before taxes and shipping.

any opinions or advise?
Click to expand...

Just bought a TRS 25 off the shelf at Cabelas Monday after work. Wholesale Sports had them in stock a couple weeks back too. Cabelas is also stocking the Strikefire. I might grab one for the SKS. There's a larger Bushnell dot for about $220 as well, but it had a weird greenish tinge to the glass I didn't care for.
 
Tactical imports has the hensoldt rsa for 399 right now. It's a smoking deal for a red dot that auto adjusts to ambient light and has solar backup power source. Very high quality red dot used by military forces and retails for much more.
 
neal said:
Trs 25

Williamsarms.net has 2

Sail in oshawa has 4
Click to expand...


Thanks for the info. Called Sail in Vaughan - close to home. Yesterday they received a batch from their supplier. They also have a 15% discount an just about everything in he store. The TRS-25 cost me $102 before taxes. Pretty impressive sight for a really good price. Almost bought two but wife still thinks I only own one gun.
 
bandoleer said:
Thanks for the info. Called Sail in Vaughan - close to home. Yesterday they received a batch from their supplier. They also have a 15% discount an just about everything in he store. The TRS-25 cost me $102 before taxes. Pretty impressive sight for a really good price. Almost bought two but wife still thinks I only own one gun.
Click to expand...

Priceless!!!!!!!
 
bandoleer said:
Thanks for the info. Called Sail in Vaughan - close to home. Yesterday they received a batch from their supplier. They also have a 15% discount an just about everything in he store. The TRS-25 cost me $102 before taxes. Pretty impressive sight for a really good price. Almost bought two but wife still thinks I only own one gun.
Click to expand...

Glad it worked out.
 
I looked at all the good value red dot sights, and number 1 is the Bushnell TRS-25 for weight and battery life (3000 hours)

Second would be the Primary Arms advanced series, with an amazing 50000 hour battery life, but I cannot find a way to get them in Canada.

Nothing else is comparable. The Burris fastfire is unreliable and the ergos are not very good. The Vortex Sparc only lasts 120 hours.
 
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