Red Dot for PDW

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Djb1

Regular
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I'm looking for a new dot for a PDW AR.
Not considering Eotech or Aimpoint.
Looking for something a lot smaller such as a Burris ff3, vortex razor/venom etc.

My main question: is the Vortex Razor worth the 500+ price tag compared to the similar optics that are half that?

Looking for advice from people with experience. Thanks.
 
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Djb1 said:
I'm looking for a new dot for a PDW AR.
Not considering Eotech or Aimpoint.
Looking for something a lot smaller such as a Burris ff3, vortex razor/venom etc.

My main question: is the Vortex Razor worth the 500+ price tag compared to the similar optics that are half that?

Looking for advice from people with experience. Thanks.
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Yes, IMHO the Razor MRDS is worth the asking price. That said, there are definitely other options in the same or similar price range to include the Leupold Deltapoint Pro, Holosun HS507C with multiple reticles, and the SIG Romeo 1. All 3 of the alternatives feature auto-shutdown with instant "shake awake" technology, offering near-indefinite battery life. Your best bet is to find a store with the options in stock and then decide what you want in a head-to-head comparison of reticles, ease of operation, brightness adjustment, etc.
 
I went with a Shield CQS for my KPOS PDw. It's a great compact optic and rock solid.

IMHO you get what you pay for with optics: $75 no name micro RDS will work, until it doesn't... I really like the HS507C my buddy has on his Mossberg 590M. I'm looking for one of those for future builds!
 
Djb1 said:
In this case I'm not looking for something easily serviceable. I'm looking for something dependable.
Perhaps a delta point pro or even an rmr
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For dependability I would stick with the 2 you just mentioned but would also lean towards the gen 2 RMR as it has upgraded internals/better soldering. My gen 1 RMR as well as many others had issues with the battery contacts.
 
scourge18a said:
For dependability I would stick with the 2 you just mentioned but would also lean towards the gen 2 RMR as it has upgraded internals/better soldering. My gen 1 RMR as well as many others had issues with the battery contacts.
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Are you stating the RMR gen 2 does not have known battery issues? I thought the issue was caused by the battery compartment not actually having a cover instead of the wiring.
 
Djb1 said:
Are you stating the RMR gen 2 does not have known battery issues? I thought the issue was caused by the battery compartment not actually having a cover instead of the wiring.
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I haven't seen any issues with the gen 2 but that doesn't mean they don't exist.
My issue with the gen 1 was the flimsy battery retainer clip not so much that it wasn't covered. I believe that was rectified in the gen 2 as well and beefed up electronics and visible better connections/ soldering....but I could be wrong...just ask my wife...
 
I have a DI Optical FC1 on my shorty AR--it's a prism more than a pure RDS, adapted from a South Korean military-issue model to be barely-export-legal from SK. Reviews indicated it was supposed to have an advantage for horrible half-blind eyes like mine; haven't started range testing but will report as I gain experience. Non-firing handling and dry-run handling have been favorable so far, though, and it should be stipulated that I'm that bass-ackward dude who gets things to work for him where others can't but can't make a go of it with stuff that works for everyone else. LOL
 
I beat the chit out of my RMR type 2 and it has yet to let me down.

Vortex is absolute crap. They sell you a warranty.
 
You can’t go wrong with a Vortex Razor UH-1. I went on a multi unit RDS for my Kriss Vector, which has a similar difficulty to most AR’s, trying to sight in a low mount RDS like the Venom. I tried out Eotech, Aimpoint & a Venom, plus a Bushnell a friend has for sale. Once I got past the price point and compared it one-to-one against the Eotech XPS 2, it didn’t take long to decide; the Razor has a better build quality...optics are all multicoated and scratch resistant. Also, the front lens on the Eotech is plastic, not glass. It imparts a color hue that isn’t present with the Vortex. Easier to mount, rock steady, controls are easier, the optic is much cleaner to look at; no humps, bumps or lumps sticking out like the Eotech. Better battery life, etc etc.
I was at the range earlier today, and put 400 rds through the Kriss. I’m VERY impressed with the Razor. Crystal clear, great reticle, lots of adjustability. Holds zero perfectly, even after removing and re-installing it. This RDS will compete with the more expensive big names and not give up a thing, plus the warranty is about the best out there.
 
I have a couple of Trijicon MRO’s that I picked up for less than $600 on the EE. Have one on my Scorpion and just love it.
 
DILLIGAF said:
I beat the chit out of my RMR type 2 and it has yet to let me down.

Vortex is absolute crap. They sell you a warranty.
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Agreed. I had a Razor 3 moa reflex and stripped the mounting screw with very little torque. Had to wait 3 weeks for a replacement. In sunlight it had to be on max brightness and flared just a little too much. Top 1/4 of the FOV was dark tinted and had a lot of distortion. Glass quality was meh. For the $525 paid I got a $200 reflex. A $250 holosun vastly outperformed it and an Aimpoint Pro made it look like a chump. Every Vortex optic I've bought has consistently swung below its weight (price) class. If I was going to buy a reflex I'd watch some more RMR beat down videos and order one with a half chub.
 
I own two AR's one for sure can be considered a PDW as it has a 7.5" Noveske upper on it. The second one I am not certain if it falls into the PDW category as it has a 10.3" DD upper on it.

I have an Aimpoint T2 2moa on the 7.5" and a Trijicon RMO 2moa on the 10.3" DD.

Considering what you wrote in your first post of what you are desiring/looking for. I would highly recommend a Trijicon RMR with either the factory co-witness mount, or a nice upgrade would be an ADM or Larue mount.

I have had a RMR on my Benelli M4 and after many boxes of shell,s it has retained zero, without one issue after banging off 3" slugs, 00 buck, etc. as fast as the sight can be brought back onto target, or as fast as one can pull the trigger.

I have often thought about looking a RMR with a smaller dot, the one I have on the Benelli has a 9moa green dot, which works perfect for a shotgun, but a smaller moa dot would be very nice on a PDW AR. Light, compact, sold for many years, very functional and durable (at least the one I have).

After reading your first post, the RMR is the sight that first came to mind. It would be a great lightweight, durable optic for an AR. Perhaps keep your eye on the Optics EE and you may come across a good deal.
 
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