AR optic?

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Iron Sighted

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Alright folks, help a rookie out. New AR owner here, I'm trying to decide what to buy for an optic for my AR. I'm leaning towards a red dot, specifically the Sparc AR, but am trying to decide if I will regret not going with a LPVO of some sort.

The following is my reasoning to go red dot over LPVO: the red dot is lighter and smaller profile, substantially cheaper than a similar quality LPVO(say a Viper PST 1-6 for example) which would allow me to buy a bunch of reloading components so I can actually shoot the gun more often. Red dot comes with an integrated mount as well so I don't have to spend extra money buying a mount as I would with an LPVO. Additionally my local range is only 300m so I'm not sure the extra magnification on an LPVO would be a huge asset here(obviously it would lend itself to tighter groups at 300, but I'm sure with a 2MOA dot I could still hit steel at that distance?).

Clearly cost is a factor here, but I don't want to get an overly cheap optic that I'll regret later, hence why I'm thinking intermediate level for either red dot or LPVO.

I'm interested in hearing any other suggestions folks may have of course, that is the purpose of my post, I'm trying to make sure I'll be happy with my purchase.

The features that have drawn me to the Sparc AR are the AAA battery usage(I can live with the shorter battery life), 2 MOA sized dot, bright enough for use in bright day light, rumored to be quite rugged, glass is apparently quite clear, and the warranty, also, of lesser importance, I like the looks of it.

So, what am I overlooking here, or am I on the right track?

Thanks.
 
Like shoes, it all depends on what you're intended use is. Hunting or long(ish) ranged 3 gun matches? Go with LPVO.

But since you can't hunt with an AR, you'll probably be limited to 3gun and other type matches, as well as plinking. A Red Dot is better for those (and for quicker shooting), and you can always buy a 3x magnifier to mount behind the RD that swings out of the way when not using it. Best of both worlds.

As an aside, only 1 of my ARs has a LPVO on it, and I've only used it for service rifle. Every other one has a RD with a flip-to-side magnifier, including the one I hunted boar with in NC
 
Thanks! Certainly helps to hear it from others with more experience. I figure dropping the difference in components to reload 1000 rounds or so is probably money better spent at this point in time.
 
If the shooter is up to the task a red dot should be able to hit steel at 300m. However red dots are usually for 200m and under. If accuracy is a must at 300m then magnification will probably be wanted.

Spark is a good optic. I own one. Its good for range work. Mine is set for 100m. However I just picked up a Sig Romeo for roughly the same price, I like it even more. No AAA battery though.


https://www.firearmsoutletcanada.com/sig-optics-romeo5-red-dot-2-moa-m1913-mount.html#.XP1nVukXayU
 
While I won’t get into specific brands, if it’s your first rifle I would stick with the cheaper red dot.
If you’re new to AR’s I’m going to assume you’re probably not a seasoned action shooter, in which case the LPVO isnt really going to be of huge benefit to you.
The red dot is probably going to save you a few bucks and allow you to shoot more/spend more on ammo, and as previously mentioned if you want to shoot a bit further out and bang some steel a red dot will be more than adequate out to 300m and beyond with a bit of patients and some know how.

I highly advise against any fixed power optics like the spitfire mentioned above. Fixed power optics like those, the ACOGs etc are dead by comparison as they don’t really do anything “best”. Want magnified? Get an LPVO and have the best of both worlds but my recommendation goes to the red dot.
 
I would also recommend a red dot to start with, I keep thinking about a LPVO, but realistically, shooting local two and three gun competitions, there are very few stages that actually need a LPVO. There are many very good red dots on the market these days, I'm partial to Holosun personally, the features you get dollar for dollar are superior to anything in the entry level market imho,, and the Primary Arms/Holosun collaboration red dot is very cool with the ACSS reticle making longer range shots easily doable with the BDC. Have a look, cool little optic, however, no matter what red dot you choose, a flip magnifier and red dot should serve your purpose
 
Sig Romeo5. Well priced light and I have been using for years (3) never an issue. In fact same battery. Light. Comes with AR height mount and lower mount that works on shotgun, 10/22, etc. You will not regret it especially on an AR since it will be shot at a range most likely 25ish yards.
 
Many people have or will develop astigmatism. This can drastically affect your perception of the “dot” in a red dot type optic. It might appear blurry, or distorted etc. This is not nessecarily a show stopper, if you plan on shooting close range all the time, but I’d say if your looking for tight groups at 100+, it will be much more difficult if your eye is messing up your reticle. LPV's generally aren’t effected by this, unless the sight's illumination method is constructed similarily to a red dot, where light from diode is being reflected back into your eye. Many LPV's will have illumination that will light up the etched reticle itself, in which case it will be perfectly clear.

Just something to consider.
 
Check out this vid illustrating some very capability LPV's. Yes, they are a little more money and a little heavier, but they are just as capable as a red dot at close range, and MUCH more effective at longer ranges.

 
On a 223 AR type rifle which has the ability to reach out a little I would want magnification of some kind so a 1-6X / 1-8X work quite nicely

Its possible to pick up 1-6X Vortex Spitfires etc now on the EE for roughly red dot cash and they pretty much offer the best of both worlds - 1X for up close / fast shooting and magnification for those longer shots.

I have red dots and multiple LPVOs and red dots only go on my "short range" guns (ie, shotguns, 9mm carbines etc) - everything else gets some level of magnification
 
Thanks for all the responses, I'm hoping to get to the local gun store tomorrow after work before they close so I can check out a few optics. Given that I'm nearsighted I want to have a look through some red dots and see if I may also have astigmatism before I buy. If I have no distortion of the reticle then I'll probably end up going with the red dot of some type, the Primary Arms/Holosun red dot with ACSS reticle is appealing but it lools like CTCS is currently out of stock.

If I see any "flaring" or distortion with the red dot then I guess I'll have a look at one of the 1x prism optics and see how I like them but my preference is for a red dot if my eyes will allow it.
 
If you are new to using an AR... you could consider having some fun running iron sights for a bit. It is your handle after all!
Enjoy it either way.
 
 
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