Help me pick a red dot!
- Thread starter solidsnake3467
- Start date
I can't speak for current pricing, but when I got mine a couple months ago when they came out Wolverines had the best price on them.
You'll be happy with it - its to me the best compromised to not getting an H or T Aimpoint.
Cheap: TRS-25
Expensive: Aimpoint T1
The problem with the TRS-25 is the battery life. Although the battery life is a constant-on 130 days, unless you're keeping counts by the hour, how do you really remember how much you've used? With the T1, you automatically change every 5 years; there is no guess work because the battery lasts 5 years constant-on - you are guaranteed that the T1 will work during that 5 years regardless of how often you use it.
However, since the optic will go on a restricted range-only AR15, then absolutely the TRS-25 is the way to go; you'll never be in a situation where you bring it to the woods for self defense against critters and the optic will suddenly run out of battery. I think any time you are relying on a battery operated device, then battery life should be ranked #2 on the list of requirements. Rank #1 is price. In the cheap and expensive range of prices, and having #2 requirement being battery life, nothing beats the TRS-25 and T1.
Expensive: Aimpoint T1
The problem with the TRS-25 is the battery life. Although the battery life is a constant-on 130 days, unless you're keeping counts by the hour, how do you really remember how much you've used? With the T1, you automatically change every 5 years; there is no guess work because the battery lasts 5 years constant-on - you are guaranteed that the T1 will work during that 5 years regardless of how often you use it.
However, since the optic will go on a restricted range-only AR15, then absolutely the TRS-25 is the way to go; you'll never be in a situation where you bring it to the woods for self defense against critters and the optic will suddenly run out of battery. I think any time you are relying on a battery operated device, then battery life should be ranked #2 on the list of requirements. Rank #1 is price. In the cheap and expensive range of prices, and having #2 requirement being battery life, nothing beats the TRS-25 and T1.
Phat Eagle
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Fraser Valley, BC
SPARC or SPARC II is the cheapest I would go, but I don't don't have experience with the TRS25 everyone is chuffing. I've tried cheaper Fitco, Bushnell, BSA and other stuff, and they're junk. They look ok in the store or gun room, but get washed out in bright light.
My first RDS was a SPARC; it now rides on my 10.5 AR. I upgraded to an EoTech 512 with G33 magnifier on my main rifle for competition.
I found the 2MOA dot in the SPARC gets ruddy under magnification; it is fine to the naked eye. The 65/1 MO donut in the EoTech is MUCH FASTER for me when shooting CQB/3 gun. The outer ring allows for reasonably accurate and very fast close up shots.
I find the 5 year battery life offered by Aimpoint to be a bit of a red herring... Both the SPARC and the EoTech have automatic off features; and the dot is notably dimmer when the battery is fading (especially true on the EoTech which uses AA batteries). Note that Lithium batteries WILL stay strong then drop off more rapidly than conventional batteries. If I note any degradation in output I change the battery... Never been caught on the range with a dead optic...
I checked DS Tactical, Wolverine and Wanstalls... All 3 are selling for $239. If one is local you can save shipping, but you may pay less tax depending on where you are ordering from.
My first RDS was a SPARC; it now rides on my 10.5 AR. I upgraded to an EoTech 512 with G33 magnifier on my main rifle for competition.
I found the 2MOA dot in the SPARC gets ruddy under magnification; it is fine to the naked eye. The 65/1 MO donut in the EoTech is MUCH FASTER for me when shooting CQB/3 gun. The outer ring allows for reasonably accurate and very fast close up shots.
I find the 5 year battery life offered by Aimpoint to be a bit of a red herring... Both the SPARC and the EoTech have automatic off features; and the dot is notably dimmer when the battery is fading (especially true on the EoTech which uses AA batteries). Note that Lithium batteries WILL stay strong then drop off more rapidly than conventional batteries. If I note any degradation in output I change the battery... Never been caught on the range with a dead optic...
I checked DS Tactical, Wolverine and Wanstalls... All 3 are selling for $239. If one is local you can save shipping, but you may pay less tax depending on where you are ordering from.
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coleman1495
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Whitecourt
Vortex Razor w/3 MOA dot!
I highly recommend the Vortex Razor with the 3 MOA dot. The red dot on it is very fine and bright which lends itself well to rifle shooting. It also has almost no parallax.
Honestly its a bit of a waste to mount an inexpensive red dot on a .223/556 platform. Even though a Trs-25 is supposedly a 3 MOA dot its going to cover up a lot more area than that. The Vortex is going to allow much more precise shooting at any distance. A Razor will actually allow usage at 100yrds.
You kind of get what you pay for. Place a TRS-25 on a counter and look at the dot. Then move your head side to side. You will notice the dot moving. The amount of movement is not much but at 100yds its a lot.
I highly recommend the Vortex Razor with the 3 MOA dot. The red dot on it is very fine and bright which lends itself well to rifle shooting. It also has almost no parallax.
Honestly its a bit of a waste to mount an inexpensive red dot on a .223/556 platform. Even though a Trs-25 is supposedly a 3 MOA dot its going to cover up a lot more area than that. The Vortex is going to allow much more precise shooting at any distance. A Razor will actually allow usage at 100yrds.
You kind of get what you pay for. Place a TRS-25 on a counter and look at the dot. Then move your head side to side. You will notice the dot moving. The amount of movement is not much but at 100yds its a lot.
PitBull1973
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Right Behind You
I've been using a Aimpoint M4 for about 4 years now and I can tell you that I have not had any problems what so ever. It gets covered in dust and dirt at every CBQ match and when I get home I wash it in soapy water and she's good to go. Yes more money but no headaches .
